Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Introduction

In stillness the world is restored. — L ao Tzu

The power of air is the power of stillness, of listening and openness and breathing. The story for this session brings together Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond with Elijah of Hebrew scripture finding God in the "still, small, voice." Participants experience the power of stillness through meditation, honor a spiritual tradition of air by creating prayer flags, and add air symbols to the Circle of Elements mural.

Goals

This session will:

  • Demonstrate ways power can be subtle and quiet
  • Invite participants to practice stillness
  • Honor the roots of Unitarian Universalism through a story that involves both the Hebrew Bible and Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Understand Henry David Thoreau's appreciation of stillness at Walden Pond
  • Experience stillness through a meditation focused on breath and the power of air
  • Explore the spiritual power of prayer through creating and hanging prayer flags that move in the wind
  • Understand that people can create change without necessarily seeing a direct, tangible, or instant connection between their actions and the results.