We Begin with Compassion

Last Sunday we gathered to sing, share, listen, breathe, create, reflect, and introduce our first theme: Compassion. 

We began our gathering sing-a-long style, using the digital back up music, but found the tempo a bit slow. This Sunday we plan to create our own beat! We will experiment with sound and tempo by layering drum, triangle, maracas, and assorted percussion into a rhythmic base and then try adding our vocals to that- It will be fun to see what we come up with. Please feel free to bring your favorite percussion – we can especially use a few drums.

”Waking Up I Smile…” continues to be our go to stretch and poem. It is a favorite, and a joyful reminder that any given moment we can begin again. This Sunday we will stretch with the Feelings poem as we recite…

Feelings come and go

Like clouds in a windy sky (2x)

Conscious breathing is my anchor (2x)

Ask your child to show you the movements – from tree top branches swirling in a storm to rooted tree pose, solid, and peaceful. An excellent, tangible way, to physically symbolize the transformation of strong emotion.

Last Sunday we began our discussion with a story about a boy looking to buy a puppy from a farmer with a litter for sale. The farmer tried to dissuade the boy from choosing a lame runt by telling him how disappointed he may be with a pup that would never be able to run as fast or play as well. The boy smiled & lifted the leg of his jeans revealing his own silver leg brace. He kindly informed the farmer that ”he didn’t run too well himself “and the pup needed someone who could understand. 

And so we uncovered the link 

between understanding and compassion. 

This Sunday we will experiment with how recognition, and understanding, can lead to compassion … we’ll play the Feelez game! By breaking up into 2 groups (actors & bystanders) we’ll be better able to experience and explore up on our feet. We will switch off creating/acting out the feeling scenarios (actors) or exploring compassionate ways to respond (bystanders). Come play with us!

Moody Cow Learns Compassion by Kerry Lee Maclean revisits our friend Peter (aka Moody Cow), and introduces us to some of his ”bully” friends. ”Once again, Grandfather, the beloved old steer from Moody Cow Meditates, brings serenity and long-horned wisdom as he gently teaches to compassionately identify with other beings.” It’s a terrific sequel. This Sunday we look forward to sharing Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth.

Our Meditation last Sunday was “The Secret of the Heart Chamber” from Sitting Still like a Frog by Eline Snel, and read by Myla Kabat-Zinn. A simple 4 minute journey to discovering the beautiful treasure of your heart. This week we will practice our breathing with ”First Aid for Unpleasant Feelings” encouraging compassion for ourselves with whatever we are feeling.

In The ART room we have begun our mobiles, and they bloom with the virtues of the heart. This Sunday we will finish them up…         Come and see what you can grow!