Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Spirit in Practice: An Adult Program for Developing A Regular Practice of the Spirit

Activity 2: The Story Of Pablo Casals

Part of Spirit in Practice: Ten Workshops for Unitarian Universalist Adults

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Copies of Story 1: Pablo Casals (one copy for leader, plus several copies for participants who may wish to read along)
  • Optional: Microphone
  • Optional: Pulpit or lectern
  • Optional: Bell

Preparation for Activity

  • Review the story in advance so that you can present it effectively.

Description of Activity

Read the story "Pablo Casals" aloud. Provide copies of the story to people who prefer to read along.

After sharing the story, invite participants to take a moment to quietly center themselves, to let go of any tension or emotions that are not needed for the next hour, and to breathe deeply. You may ring a bell at the beginning and end of this silent time, or simply invite people into the silence and then gently bring them out.

After the silence, invite participants to discuss their responses to the story. Keep the discussion brief and focused, allowing time for your own concluding remarks. Ask:

  • What, if anything, do you practice for five to six hours a day? (Answers might include work- or role-related practices, such as e-mailing, driving, or parenting.)
  • What would you like to practice every day? How do you think that practice might shape you?
  • How do you think you would be if you practiced prayer, meditation, or another spiritual practice with the same commitment that Pablo Casals practiced the cello?

Conclude by emphasizing the value of practice, whether it is just for a few minutes a day, an hour a week, or half an hour each morning. Practice can help us grow spiritually, deepening our connection with and commitment to the ground of our being.

Including All Participants

Be sure that all participants can hear the story, or have the story interpreted for them. Using a microphone for this activity helps more people hear the story. You may wish to print out copies of the story in advance for participants who are hard of hearing or who prefer to read along.