The moment of change is the only poem. — Adrienne Rich, 20th-century American poet

If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. — Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

As part of the web of life, each of us embodies a miraculous, natural, and constant state of physical change. But this session focuses on inner, human transformations—changes of heart. Participants identify inner changes so deep, complete, and meaningful to the self and to others that they can seem miraculous. They explore how such changes happen: What moves a person from greed to generosity? Indifference to caring?

In this session’s Celtic story, Brigit’s cape has magical powers that allow her to trick a villain. But why, really, does the uncaring landowner change his attitude toward the hungry poor? Without a magic cape, how can we emulate Brigit? Participants explore love, faith, and determination as tools of our own human agency which we can use to make a miracle happen inside ourselves or others.

In a wide age span or multigenerational group, remember to facilitate sharing and participation for the benefit of all. Be mindful that a participant of any age who seems reluctant to speak may need more encouragement to find their voice.

Goals

This session will:

• Cultivate experiences of wonder and awe in playful appreciation
• Explore the idea of personal transformation
• Posit that a personal, inner transformation can be a miracle
• Introduce love, faith, and determination as tools for personal transformation and equip participants to use these tools to foster miracle transformations in themselves and others.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Share “miracle moments” to further discern what they consider a “miracle”
• Analyze how, in a Celtic story, the folk heroine Brigit miraculously transforms a landowner from uncaring to generous
• Identify personal transformations in themselves or others and explore how they might use love, faith, and determination to create transformation
• Understand love, faith, and determination as core values in our Unitarian Universalist faith.