Introduction
Part of Love Will Guide Us, Grades 2-3
The sun never says to the earth,
"You owe me."
Look what happens with a love like that.
It lights up the whole sky. — Hafiz, Sufi poet
Participants learn from the third Source of Unitarian Universalism, "wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life." A story from Sufism, a mystical facet of Islam, demonstrates responding to negativity with gentleness and love. The Sufi faith encourages a personal relationship with the divine, exemplified by the dancing of Whirling Dervishes. The children experience a dancing meditation—not in imitation of the Whirling Dervishes, but to find movement of their own.
Goals
This session will:
- Introduce the third Source of Unitarian Universalism, in child-friendly language "the ethical and spiritual wisdom of the world's religions"
- Introduce the Sufi religion
- Empower children to respond to difficult situations with love.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Hear a story from the Sufi tradition that models responding to meanness with kindness
- Experience a calming dancing meditation
- Practice transforming negative situations and attitudes with positive words.