Imagine a glorious full moon coming over the tops of the spruce, big and yellow, shedding a mysterious light on everything... the moonlight had colour, you could see to paint and be able to appreciate the colour of things. — Arthur Lismer, Canadian Unitarian artist, 1948

This session explores the universal need for beauty and cultivates children's appreciation of nature's beauty. Activities draw from the UU Source, "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life." We experience great awe and wonder when contemplating the elegance of the systems and the beauty of the materials that sustain all of Earth's abundant and diverse life forms. Perhaps along with our survival needs, it is the love and appreciation for the planet's beauty that moves us to protect it.

If you are not able to go outdoors for Activity 3, Eyes on Nature, use Alternate Activity 3, Appreciating Nature Indoors.

Goals

This session will:

• Call attention to nature's beauty and the ways it inspires us
• Stimulate observation and creativity, by guiding children to notice and evoke beauty in the natural environment
• Encourage participants to express their enjoyment of nature's beauty
• Demonstrate that nature's beauty is within us, too
• Foster reverence, awe, and wonder.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify aspects of nature they find beautiful, and share with the group
• Learn how Canadian Unitarian artist and art educator Arthur Lismer noticed and responded to nature's beauty
• Sharpen observation skills by becoming a "Nature Camera"
• Express nature's beauty in a work of art
• Perform leadership roles in the group.