Tapestry of Faith: Building Bridges: A World Religions Program for 8th-9th Grades

Spiritual Preparation

Prepare the workshop materials well in advance so you are not scrambling on the day of the workshop.

Before the workshop, think of an object you can bring to increase the beauty of the workshop space. The object does not have to be large, and no one else needs to know it has been added. It is simply for your benefit. However, you may choose to tell participants you brought a special object and why.

On the day of the workshop, give yourself plenty of time. Don't rush—let things unfold as they will. Practice awareness. Be deliberate, and do only one thing at a time.

If time permits, sit with your co-facilitator for a five-minute silent meditation before participants arrive. Close your eyes, focus gently on your breathing, and relax your body. If you find yourself thinking about something, even Taoism, let it go and refocus on your breathing. Don't check your watch. Instead, set an alarm with a soothing ring or vibration to let you know when time is up, so you are not thinking about that, either.

If you do not have time for the meditation, do not worry. Accept your reality.

See if you can maintain this relaxed posture during the workshop. If you find yourself clenching up in judgment, irritation, or impatience, unclench your body. Take a breath and breathe out the tension in your shoulders. Let go of the tension in your stomach or arms, and concentrate on the spots where you store tension. When our feelings stiffen, our bodies grab hold, too. Relaxing your body will bring you a feeling of greater peace.