At Church:

We learned that all people have a voice. This is part of our fifth UU principle:  we affirm “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Conscience is defined as “the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action.” This is our still, small, inner voice.  What a blessing to have this conscience to speak our faith to us.

Morning Time:

Turn on the Sun Switch (version of alternate nostril breathing)

or 

Mindful Moments with Lea about how to live BLESSING: 

Somebody Come and Play and remember that we are Lifted in Love

Consider these words by Leah LaBelle~ “My life has been a blessing. I’m grateful for everything I do have and the places I’m going and the things I’ve seen.” 

Weekly Chalice Lighting:

This fire is a reminder of the light within us all;

the yearning for freedom,

the longing for truth,

the flame of intuition,

the torch of conscience.

We dedicate this service to the remembrance of this Holy Light.

~Gregory David Miller

Meal Time: 

Discuss: How do you know when your conscience, that still, small, inner voice, is talking to you?  Why is having a conscience a blessing?

Drive Time:

Listen to: A light in the window by Carrie Newcomer

Bed Time: 

Read: Say Something

Family Time:

Three-headed dragon (or opera singer, if you watched Whose Line Is It Anyway)

In this activity everyone works together to use their voice and imagination to create a story – one word at a time – until a story is finished or a set amount of time elapses.

If needed, you can use pictures, either photos, magazine or Internet images, or story cards such as from the game Dixit, to start, inspire, or re-energize stories.

1. Everyone participating links arms. You are now a three-headed dragon (or opera singer)! Get into character by being playful and silly about your goal of telling a story one word at a time. 
2. Set your timer, if you’re using one.
3. The first person says the first word, the second person says the second word, and so on.
4. The process continues until the story is finished or the time elapses.
5. Write down some of the stories you come up with to remember, add more to later, or share (for bedtime).

Blessing of BLESSING

May the month ahead call forth the good in your life and your ability to see it, whether it be something from an experience or some quality of your person. To bless is to sanctify; to recognize the presence of grace; to confer well-being or prosperity upon others; to endow; or invoke divine favor upon others or ourselves. Giving gratitude for our blessings is a way to recognize and honor them. John O’Donohue writes in his book To Bless the Space Between Us, “The word blessing evokes a sense of warmth and protection; it suggests that no life is alone or unreachable. Each life is clothed in a raiment of spirit that secretly links it to everything else. Though suffering and chaos befall us, they can never quench that inner light of providence.” However you define it, this month and beyond, may your blessings be gifts that open doors to healing, connection, meaning, and transformation.

-Wendy Williams, edited by Karey Sutton

Monthly Meditations

Turn on the Sun Switch (version of alternate nostril breathing)

This breathing meditation will help to center, balance, and turn up your energy. Think of your nose like a light switch. If you feel really tired, reset and refuel your energy with this breathing meditation.

Centering: Let’s now get into our meditation positions.

• Sit comfortably in your chair or on the floor.
• Put your hands on your lap or on your knees.
• Sit up nice and tall.
• Focus your eyes in front of you.
• Find your breath moving in your body by taking in one breath through your nose and then slowly breathing it out through your mouth.

Practicing

1. Straighten your left hand so all your fingers are pointed toward the sky.  Take your left thumb and gently close off the left side of your nose.
2. Close your mouth and take a long, slow breath in through the right side of your nose.
3. Then, slowly breathe out through the right side of your nose. Relax your body and feel the warm sun energy flow through you.
4. Repeat this three to eight more times.  When you’re done, press your hands together in front of your heart (anjali mudra or prayer pose).
5. Take a deep inhale as you raise your hands above your head. As you exhale, sweep your arms open around your body to create a beautiful sun around you.

Why this works

Your right  nostril is connected to the sun energy in your body. When you do right-nostril breathing, it focuses and connects you, your body, and your mind in strength and energy.

Mindful Moments with Lea about how to live BLESSING: 

Somebody Come and Play and remember that we are Lifted in Love

• Remind the child(ren) about the importance of calming ourselves so we can better focus on each other and our time together.
• Tell them that a special friend named Lea has written songs for us that teach us important things about this month’s theme.
• Center the child(ren) before playing the video.
• After the video, talk and listen with your child to discover all the things you heard together.