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

Activity 3: What Fascinates You?

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Copies of Handout 1: Identifying a Mind Practice (one per participant)
  • Pens or pencils (one per participant)
  • Clock, watch, or timer
  • Optional: Microphone (preferably cordless)

Preparation for Activity

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

Description of Activity

Share these or similar words to introduce the activity:

Many of the world's most rational thinkers find that the more they learn, the more their appreciation for the majesty and magnificent mystery of life grows as well. And isn't this at least a workable definition of "spirituality"-that which deepens your appreciation of the magnitude of life?

Point out that the mind can play a large role in our understanding of our own spirituality and our practices. Share this quote by Albert Einstein, modified for gender inclusiveness:

One cannot help but be in awe when [one] contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.

Invite participants to explore their own "holy curiosities" with a worksheet that will help them identify what fascinates them. Distribute Handout 1: Identifying a Mind Practice. Explain that participants will have five minutes to fill out the worksheet on their own, followed by discussion. If participants need some prompting to complete the worksheet, explain that they can write about anything that fascinates them: machines, the Milky Way, birds, bread dough, electromagnetic radiation-anything!

Allow participants to write for five minutes. Then invite volunteers to share one thing they are fascinated by that they will explore as part of a spiritual practice.

Including All Participants

Due to learning differences or personal preference, some participants may not enjoy writing. You can encourage these participants to draw pictures representing things that fascinate them or to silently reflect on what fascinates them.

You may wish to pass a cordless microphone during the sharing time so that participants can hear one another better.