12-11-2016
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Family Ministry Office, R.E. Building – Rooms 1 & 2


Love and Gratitude

 

In this session we will focus on the sixth Unitarian Universalist Source, “Spiritual teachings of earth centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature,” expressed in children’s language as “the harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life.”

Gratitude is a spiritual orientation connected to the experience of joy and the practice of generosity. This session cultivates an “attitude of gratitude” as a practice that leads to spiritual health and well being. Children talk about the importance of gratitude in their lives and explore how gratitude can feel, in our feelings and in our bodies.

 

Take Home:

To honor our connection with nature and what we learn from its harmony, set aside a few days to adjust your family’s rhythms to the rhythms of nature. Wake up when it gets light. Go to sleep or do activities by candlelight when it gets dark.

The book Circle Round: Raising Participants in Goddess Traditions, by Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill, has many ideas for activities, stories, and songs that reflect the sixth Unitarian Universalist Source and teach about the harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life.

Set aside a time every day for sharing gratitude. Mealtime or bedtime can be especially good choices. Simply light a chalice and give each person an opportunity to name what they are thankful for. In addition, consider setting aside a time once a week for a family gratitude circle, in which you express gratitude for one another using the guidelines above.

 

Check it out: Session 11