Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Spiritual Preparation

Take a moment and let your body and mind settle. If you are comfortable doing so, spend a few moments in peaceful meditation.

Founders of major religions taught that living compassionately could help one experience an enhancement of being. Before you lead the group in an exploration of love and compassion, consider something Buddha said: Test my teaching against your experience." Take a few moments to reflect on times when you have received and given compassion and love. This may help you guide the session authentically and with the power of living compassionately in mind.

As an adult leader, your opinion may have more influence than those of participants. Therefore, your personal disclosure should not become part of the discussion unless participants ask you a question directly. In that case, be sure to preface your opinion by setting the context that each of us, adults and children, has different opinions, and yours is one among many. Then guide the conversation away from your own opinion and allow participants to reflect on their own thoughts.