Activity time: 30 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Eight sheets of newsprint
• Scissors
• Markers
• Wall space or table space for placing circles of newsprint
• Optional: Low-stick masking tape
• Optional: Large (5 x 7 in.) self-stick notes
• Optional: Leader Resource 1: A Partial List of Possible Spiritual Practices
  Optional: Microphone

Preparation for Activity

• Using the newsprint, cut out eight large circles. Label each with the name of one of the Eight Spheres of Spiritual Growth
• Post the circles on the wall or lay them flat on easily accessible tables.
• Place two or three markers next to each circular sheet.
• Optional: If you choose an alternative way of structuring this activity (described in the third paragraph below), write the names of spiritual practices from Leader Resource 1 on large self-stick notes. (Participants will not need markers.)

Description of Activity

This activity is designed to follow Activity 4: Introduction to Spirit in Practice.

Divide participants into eight groups. Invite each group to move next to one of the circles representing a sphere of spiritual growth. Ask the groups to use the markers to write down as many spiritual practices as they can think of that are related to the sphere they're considering. After three minutes, ask the groups to rotate to their right and take some time writing down more practices on another sphere. Rotate one more time, so that each group has had the chance to consider three spheres.

Alternatively, hand out the self-stick notes on which you have written the names of spiritual practices. Give several to each participant. Ask participants to affix the notes to the circles. Point out that some practices will be hard to categorize.

When all of the practices have been identified, ask participants to take a few minutes to read what has been identified in the various spheres. Invite discussion with these or similar questions:

• What was it like to do this activity? (Ask follow-up questions to draw out participant responses. For example, if a participant says "It was hard," follow up with "What was hard about it?")
• Did anything you wrote or read surprise you? How so?
• Looking at these lists, what can you conclude about Unitarian Universalist spirituality?
• What criteria can help you choose a practice that's meaningful to you?
• How do you know when a spiritual practice "fits" you?

Conclude by addressing any questions or concerns that were brought up in the course of the activity. Affirm the good work of the group. Emphasize that spiritual practice, like spiritual growth, is something that can change and be adapted throughout our lives according to who we are and where we find ourselves.

Including All Participants

If some participants in your group are unable to move to the circular newsprint on the wall, bring the newsprint to them so that they can participate.