No shade tree? Blame not the sun but yourself. — Chinese proverb

This session focuses on the vital role trees play in our ecosystems, as imaginatively told in a story about a young girl in India (based on the Chipko—or "tree-hugging" —movement in India). Children will physically embody a tree in an activity that teaches the purpose of each part of a tree. A guided meditation promotes a spiritual connection with the life cycle of a tree.

Goals

This session will:

• Teach the importance of trees in our ecosystems and how trees grow and thrive in nature
• Foster a spiritual orientation of awe in relationship with the web of life
• Demonstrate the inspirational leadership of a child in India
• Empower participants as leaders in the group
• Reinforce the Seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle, respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the importance of each part of a tree as well as the importance of trees in our ecosystems
• Be inspired by the story of the courageous leadership of a child in saving a tree
• Experience a spiritual connection with and understanding of the life cycle of a tree.