Youth of Unity
Family Groups

Family Group Material is great for lesson ideas, group activities and rally planning. Here are some older Rally Family Group Material.

Namaste - South Central Fall Rally 1998

Concept: Looking at our daily lives to see how we the living Spirit of Christ energy flows in us and those around us. To see the living Spirit of Truth in each of us.

Unity principles: Divinity of Man, Omnipresence of God, Law of Mind Action

Objectives:
1. To provide a forum to see and experience the Spirit within in our everyday life.
2. To provide a format that integrates a service, spiritual, and social connection with our brothers and sisters.
3. To have fun.
4. To have a relaxed schedule of activities that allows for integration of learning times.
5. To provide an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
6. To have an opportunity to recognize our oneness through the Christ Spirit.
7. Some tools to work with: practice the presence; seeing the Spirit in one another; finding something to look forward to each day; mind set; connecting or joining with energy rather than resisting; see the good in all situations--not getting caught up in dramas; supportive environment; be open to each experience and let it be okay; developing confidence in yourself; God with you--talk to God; Let go and let God; affirm that we are all perfect children of God.
9. To incorporate Unity principles all weekend.
10. To experience the Christ energy in many different formats--dance, sound, silence, nature, eye to eye, touch, joining, spiritual dance, breath, etc.
11. To provide an atmosphere of love, connectedness, safety and openness

You will be provided:
basic materials listed under "materials" in workshop activities unless specified below

You will need to bring:
tape player and centering tapes
workshop materials
any items to personalize your space--alter items, incense, blanket, etc.
some spaces are not carpeted so you may want to bring an extra blanket to sit on
candle for heart talk (with holder to protect floor)
your centered & prepared self having studied these activities in advance

OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 1: "Leaving the layers behind, it is in you and in me".
1. Opening prayer (3-5)
2 Sheets in the wind (8-10)
3. Love, Spirit, Light (8-10)
4. Agreements (10)
5. Self Awareness (35)
6. Closing circle (5)

WORKSHOP 2: "Expressing your Truth, let your Spirit shine".
1. Process the day so far and the burning bowl (10)
2. Opening prayer (provided) (5)
3. "The Holy Man Story" (20)
4. Artistic Expressions (30)
5. Octopus Message (20)
6. Closing circle (5)

WORKSHOP 3: Heart talk-Seeing the Spirit around me
1. Opening Prayer (3)
2. Skit Preparation (15)
3. Heart Talk (55)
4. Cinnamon Roll Hug (2)

WORKSHOP 4: Spirit connects us all
1. Opening prayer (10)
2. Necklace activity (20)
3. Eye to Eye (15)
4. Appreciation Notes (15)
5. Closing circle (10)

WORKSHOP I --Friday night 1 hr, 20 min

THEME: "Leaving the layers behind, it is in you and in me".

OBJECTIVES:
1. To become comfortable with the group
2. To establish group agreements
3. To get to know each other
4. To introduce the theme of the rally & look at our self awareness
5. To bond your group with touch

MATERIALS: tape player, meditation tapes, newsprint, markers, masking tape,
a roll of bathroom tissue, pens

PREPARATION: tape paper to wall for agreements;

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ACTIVITY 1: OPENING PRAYER (3-5 min)

Ask everyone to hold hands (in circle) as you open with a prayer to relax, center and connect the group. Take enough time to allow them to settle into being here---suggest letting go of the events of the day and becoming fully open and present to their family group experience. Put the theme of the introduction workshop into your opening prayer.

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ACTIVITY 2: Sheets in the wind: (8-10 min)

PURPOSE: To get to know each other
MATERIALS: Roll of bathroom tissue

DIRECTIONS:
1. Workshop leader asks everyone to take as many sheets of tissue as they wish up to 12 sheets.
2. Leaders go first, make first timers feel welcome.
3. Go around the circle and have each person tell something about him or herself for each sheet of tissue that they chose. For example give name, what chapter, favorite hobby, pets, how long in Y.O.U., what you do for fun, etc.
4. People include at least one positive quality about themselves.

ACTIVITY 3: "Love, Spirit, Light" (8-10 min)

PURPOSE: To learn our names in a fun way.
DIRECTIONS: 1. Players may stand or sit in a circle.
2. Each must learn the name of the person of his/her right and on her/his left.
3. A person in the center of circle points to anyone in the circle and says either "Love, Spirit, or Light and then counts to three. If they fail to respond before three, they go to center of circle.
4. Keep it moving quickly.
5. Option: To really move things quickly, have more than one person in the center calling on people.

Example: "Love, one, two, three" If he/she says "Love" the person to whom he/she has pointed must name the person on his/her right before three is reached. If "Spirit" is said, he/she must name the person on his/her left. Should the caller say "Light" the person to whom he/she has pointed must say his/her own name. LEADER -do a couple of practice times and then begin; LEADER GOES FIRST AS ALWAYS.

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ACTIVITY 4: AGREEMENTS (10 min)
(Talk about the purpose of group agreements)

PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for being together in a safe environment for the rest of the rally.
MATERIALS: newsprint, markers
PREPARATION: none

DIRECTIONS: Explain the importance of agreements. To make the family a safe place to be and to be able to share our self openly...brainstorms agreements on the newsprint on the wall. When the group has completed their list, ask for a show of hands and some commitment (fingerprints, signatures, kisses, draw around your hand and sign own) to be sure everyone agrees. Note: If the group does not own the agreements, they will not be effective.

Be sure to include:

1. Be on time--someone being late affects the whole group.
2. Be willing to participate in all activities--risk if necessary.
3. No put downs/criticism/sarcasm/interrupting.
4. Give loving attention to each person sharing.
5. NO right or wrong answers.
6. What is said stays within the group.
7. Right to pass.

ACTIVITY 5: "Self Awareness" (35 min)
Purpose: To develop awareness of our self-talk
Materials: Handout, pens, markers, soft music
Preparation: Refocus the group first

Directions: Ask the group, What do we mean when we say: "Love God, love one another"?
Discuss for a few moments (take a few comments).

Leader: Ask what is self-awareness? How does it work in your life? (No discussion)
Did you know that 84% of self-talk is negative self-talk.
Now: Ask everyone to close their eyes for a moment and think about how they talk to themselves. Do you think about how smart or dumb you are?
Do you tell yourself how beautiful or ugly you are?
When stand in front of a mirror, do you like what you see?
What other self-awareness or talk do you have going on?
Ask yourself, would I talk this way to a good friend?
Do I really believe those negative things about myself?
Now: Open your eyes.

State: Most of us practice criticism and judgments about our self and others. As we practice these actions, we use the law of mind action (explain this for those who not know this principle) to help create a false separation from our "True Self", the Spirit from God that lives in us. We will now practice turning these habits and actions around, so we may see the true about ourselves.

Please distribute the handouts and pens. Read the handouts out loud. Allow for a brief time then continue to the next one.

Processing:
Get with a partner and share the positive things you had to say about yourself.
Have each person choose the thing they like most about themselves.

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ACTIVITY 6: CLOSING Affirmation Circle-10 min

Form a closing circle and go around asking each person to enter the center of the circle and share the one thing that he/she chose from the list of positive items. Affirm the family member in the center by either placing a hand on them and affirming their word or by placing your hands out in the "YOU" blessing fashion and affirming the family member. Carol, you heart is full of kindness and we love you.

Close with a prayer focusing on the Spirit within and hugs all around.

GROUP MOVEMENT: Be at the campfire site (Vespers by 9:10)

Self Awareness-Handout

Whenever we use "should" we are making ourselves "wrong." Either we are wrong, or we are going to be wrong. Write four things that you 'should" do.

I Should ….

Replace each "should" above with "could." "Could" gives us a choice and we are never wrong.

I Could ….

Next, ask yourself: "Why haven't I?" Perhaps you don't really want to; it's not your idea. Can you drop any "should" from your list? Whenever you find yourself saying "should", mentally change it to "could" and give yourself a choice.

Self Awareness-Criticism

List five things you criticize yourself for:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Do you belittle anyone? Do you criticize anyone?

List five names and what "bugs" you about them: What do you criticize them for?

Take these same people and find at least one thing to praise about them.

5.1

Challenge yourself to let these people know what you appreciate or praise them for.

Again, when we focus on the good in any situation, we bring more good into our life.
Self Awareness-Positive gets Positive

As was just stated in the last handout the more we see the good in things the more good we bring into our life. Let us look at the good in ourselves .

List at least 15 positive things about yourself:

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

WORKSHOP II - 1 hour, 30 min Saturday afternoon
Theme: "Expressing your Truth, let your Spirit shine."

Objectives:
1. To provide a forum to see and experience "Spirit" in our everyday life.
2. Have fun.
3. Provide an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
4. To have an opportunity to recognize our oneness through the Christ Spirit.
5. To incorporate Unity principles.
6. To experience the Christ energy in many different formats--art etc.

Materials:
Paper, art supplies, love, music
Preparation: none

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ACTIVITY 1: Process the Day & the burning bowl (10 min)

Purpose: To reconnect and process the activities of the day.
Materials: none
Preparation: none

Directions: Go around the family group circle and have anyone check in on how their day and weekend has gone so far. Be sure and ask about the burning bowl experience, Dances of Universal Peace, the sight in general. Also ask if anyone has been practicing seeing the good in themselves as we discussed last night in families. If not ask if anyone would share why not? If so, how have they been practicing.
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ACTIVITY 2: OPENING PRAYER (5 MIN)
Hold hands sitting, and read the following prayer to center and focus the group.

Meditation: Take a few deep cleansing breaths and relax (pause) ...Hear the sounds around you and feel the person next to you and allow the sounds and the touch to bring you into this space. You are perfect at this very moment. You are "Spirit" and you have always been so…, yet you go on masked from this Truth, because your mind tells you that you are incomplete, not God's perfect being. You define yourself as incomplete as a seeker and because of this belief you never really experience your real "Christ Spirit" nature… Here and now you are one with the sun, air, ground, sky, sea, all those around you; …free.... completely free.....A Spirit without limits, …only your disbelief keeps you separate.....keeps you from knowing who you truly are....in letting go you know enter the universal flow....completely being and knowing your Spirit self.....You are an always constant center of pure radiant energy consciousness....I now open myself to new understandings of who I am......I open myself to be aware of how I get in my own way .... of how I get in my own way of expressing my perfect self.....my Christ self........take a few more slow breaths and when you are ready, open your eyes and great yourself and the neighbor on your right with Namaste.
ACTIVITY 3: "The Holy Man Story"

PURPOSE: To introduce idea of holiness of every man
MATERIALS: Story
Ask everyone to listen while you read the following story by Susan Trott.

Chapter 1: The Line

There was a holy man who lived in a hermitage on a mountain. Although solitary, it was not strictly a hermitage because some monks lived there with him. Even before the world began to seek him out, he was rarely alone.

When word got out about him, people came to see him during the summer months when the hermitage was accessible, first a few people, them more until there was a long line climbing the steep mountain path single file-tens, hundreds, and then thousands, some of whom never made it to his door before the snows came and forced their return.

The were no inns so the pilgrims had to be prepared to camp, which was not a hardship as the weather was warm and dry. The views were outstanding and wildflowers flanked the path. At night, the stars were dazzling. However it did take strength to carry the camping gear and food, so anyone who was frail did not attempt to see the holy man who, in any case, was not a healer.

The line moved slowly, but it moved continuously during the few hours a day he welcomed people. In Fact, those who were near the head of the line and could observe were amazed by how people he managed to see, even though they were admitted one at a time.

Sometimes the pilgrims had to step aside for one of the monks who lived with the holy man as he or she stepped rapidly and lightly up the path, carrying supplies from town ten miles below. Their wheat-colored robes easily distinguished these men and women.

Those in line never saw the departing pilgrims who went out the back door and down another path to the bottom of the mountain because the upward path, which was called the Hermitage Trail, was too narrow to take two-way traffic.

Chapter 2:The Hermitage

The hermitage was a two story, white washed wooden building built on a rock foundation. It was plain, rugged and square with a peaked roof. There was no ornament-no cross on the roof, Star of David over the door, no stone Buddha in the garden. No garden for that matter. It was a no-frills hermitage.

It faced east and was a few hundred yards from the actual mountain peak. Above tree line, there were marvelous boulders strewn about, shaped by time and cataclysm, finished by rain, snow and wind.
At the base of one boulder was a small pond the source of, which was underground spring, which provided pure water for the hermitage. There were many such mountain springs on the mountain, some of which formed falls and streams that joined with rainwater and snow melt to flow to the reservoir in the town.

Flamboyant birds and flowers adorned the gray rocks and the sky was an unstained canvas for clouds and flyways.

When the door was opened wide, the next pilgrim in line, waiting beyond the gate, would be summoned forth by a man in a wheat-colored robe, a small. Nondescript looking person. "Yes?" he would ask when a pilgrim reached the threshold. "I have come to see the holy man." "Follow me, please."

He or she would follow the small man through the house, along a hallway with doorways open to various rooms into which the pilgrim would peek hastily, but the monk ahead was moving so very quickly through the house that the pilgrim could not linger but literally had to rush after him.

In no time at all they had passed through the entire first floor of the house and were at a large door similar to the one the pilgrim had entered. It was the back door. The monk opened it and waived and said , "Goodbye." "But I have come to see the holy man!" said the visitor plaintively. "You have seen me," he gently replied.

And the next thing the pilgrim knew he would be outside, the door solidly closed behind him. This is why the line moved so rapidly and how so many people got to see him. The trip through the house was twenty seconds, add another twenty for greeting, and parting, another twenty for returning to the front door, and what you have is a person per minute.

Most times the holy man would add, "If you look on everyone you meet as a holy person, you will be happy," which added seven seconds.

Rushing back and forth through the house in this way was a lot of footwork for the holy man, who was seventy-two years old, so periodically he took five-minute rests. Rarely, but sometimes, which were happy times for him, he sat down and talked to a pilgrim.

Chapter 3: Feelings
What did the pilgrim feel about being given such a short shrift after their long inchworm trudge up the mountain?

Most of them, like most people everywhere, were nice. Maybe, per capita, there were more nice people in the line than else where, because of the nature of the destination-good people wanting to be better people.

Still, even the nicest among them, when the door shut on their departure, felt some of these feelings: wronged, hurt, cheated, disappointed, betrayed, ill used, and angry.
But it was amazing how fleeting this letdown was because, as they stood outside the door, somewhat dazed, feeling any or all of the above, they began to review their visit to the holy man and to understand. The door had been opened to them. How many places would this happen in a world of peepholes, locks, bolts, and bars? The door had been opened wide and the one-man reception committee had stood there, eyes alight, a small smile, saying, "Yes?" -a "how may I help you, sort of yes.

Whereas the pilgrims had not greeted him at all, had not introduced himself, said hello, how are you, may I please come in, but, instead, full of his own importance, his own mission, had treated the door-opener as the lowliest servant, saying, "I've come to see the holy man."

And the door opener, realizing the visitor's mission had already been accomplished, showed him out.

Thinking this the pilgrim felt very sorry about his behavior and vowed that he would come again next summer and do it differently. He tried to remember what the holy man looked like and could not, because he had not looked at him. He would not recognize him if the same man opened the door next year. But no matter. In fact, he would be gracious to everyone from now on, imagining that everyone was the holy man, that everyone indeed had holiness in him. This would be very hard. Still he would try. Because that was what he had learned from the holy man, and it was a huge, wonderful, staggering lesson. And it meant… yes it meant that even he himself was a holy person somewhat. His heart swelled and he went down the mountain path exulting, " I have seen the holy man. I have seen him."

Process the Story:
1. What might the world be like if we treated everyone as a holy person?
2. How might we change if we really treated everyone as holy?
3. When it is hardest to see holiness in others?
4. It is said, it is easy to see the good, but it's hard to remember to do it. What is something we can do to help us remember?
5. Think of a situation at home or at school that you would like to bring love into and how you might take unconditional love into those situations at home or school? How can we support each other in this?
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ACTIVITY 4: Artistic Expressions (20 min)

PURPOSE: To express our unlimited Spirit through art
MATERIALS: Art supplies, music
PREPARATION: none

DIRECTIONS: Let everyone know that we are now going to work with art supplies to create what we see our own holiness being. Ask them to remember the story as the expressing the perfect Spirit that is within them and within each of us. Have them create anything that represents the Divine Spirit of Namaste. Play soft music in the background.

DISCUSSION:
1. Ask if anyone would be willing the share what his or her art expression represents.
2. Ask how this art ties into their families' art.
3. Ask will anyone use this expression of Spirit to remind them of their own Divinity.
ACTIVITY 5: Octopus Message (20)

Purpose: to nurture and be comfortable with each other
Materials: soft music, player, watch to keep time
Preparation: set the tone for this activity as a sacred, quiet, loving experience, put on soft music

LEADER INPUT:
Explain that touch is a very nurturing thing and some people have not had the experience of loving touch in their environment. Many people have not experienced touch as healing and soothing. Doctors and care givers recognize the importance of touch in peoples lives ... and in this safe environment we are going to experience touch as a gentle, caring, respecting, loving energy.

Leader: You will lead this activity--indicating when to change people-- (figure your time, if time to do this as 2 groups of six, this can be very powerful or you may want to divide into 3 groups if time is limited--you will want to time the massages...each person should get at least 2 -3 minutes plus 1 minute change time... center the group with each person before beginning...be sure to massage hands, head, feet, etc.

DIRECTIONS:
One volunteer will lie face down in the center of the circle. Have the other people position themselves at the head, back, legs, feet...but do not touch yet.
Begin by gently placing hands on the volunteer (keeping hands still)...close your eyes and become centered, seeing yourself as an instrument of God's love ... giving love to this person...then slowly begin to massage the person...one person may lead various movements for the others to follow. (tapping, stroking, kneading, etc.)

After 2 minutes for each person, the healers bring their hands slowly to a stop and rest for a moment before lifting them away. Allow this person to have a moment in quiet before getting up. Then ask for a new volunteer. Encourage everyone to have a turn, but let it be okay to pass....if someone passes, offer an alternative like sitting up massaging their hands and shoulders.

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ACTIVITY 6: CLOSING CIRCLE (5 min)

DIRECTIONS: Your choice, use the idea that each of us is limitless Spirit.

GROUP MOVEMENT: Into free time, please remind everyone of the available activities.

WORKSHOP III - 1hr 15 min, Saturday Evening
THEME: Heart Talk, Seeing the Spirit around me
OBJECTIVES: To share at a deeper level
To clear energy of group

MATERIALS: hearts, maybe candles & holders

PREPARATION: set the tone of the group

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ACTIVITY 1: Opening Prayer (3)
Lead a short opening prayer around the theme of seeing the Spirit around us.

Activity 2: Skit Preparation (15)

Materials: Whatever you find that is appropriate.

Directions:
Each family group is to create a 3-5 minutes skit about our Theme this weekend, NAMASTE (seeing the Christ Spirit in all that we do). The skit could include ways to see the Spirit in all things, nature, friends, family, self, school, government, etc. You may show the ways we can practice staying in tune with our Eternal Spirit. You may express how to handle a situation in which the Spirit of Christ is not easily seen and how to move past that situation into the Truth.

Activity 3: PREPARATION FOR HEART TALK (55 Min.)

OPENING PRAYER: (Do the centering activity below after reviewing Heart Talk Agreements--remember many new people need to hear these. Read them we do not need to brainstorm them. If anyone wishes to add anything have them chime in at the end.)

HEART TALK AGREEMENTS:
1. Go over following heart talk agreements and be sure all agree. (these are unchanging)

a. Only the person with the Heart talks, everyone else listens, giving complete attention and support. There is no response.
b. The Heart is passed only to the left--never back or thrown
c. You may choose not to say anything and just pass the Heart to the next person.
d. You only talk about how "YOU" feel, not about what someone else said.
e. Listen without advice, criticism, and judgment.
f. Keep what is shared in confidence with this group, the exception is if anyone says anything about physical abuse, sexual abuse, or suicide then we must report that to the authorities.
g. Be considerate about how long you talk.
h. Remain for the whole talk.
i. Leader shares first.
j. Heart continues until it goes completely around the circle with no one sharing (unless it is necessary to set a time limit.)

DO THIS BEFORE BEGINNING THE HEART TALK --OR CREATE YOUR OWN WAY TO CONNECT EACH OTHER IN the Spirit of LOVE:

2. Have group in a circle holding hands with their eyes closed, and do the following centering exercise:

"Take a deep breath and slowly let it out...do that again...and take another deep breath and let that out...now just listen to the silence around you...now listen to the sounds you hear in the room...imagine something that makes you feel a lot of love...Bring your awareness to your heart center... at this place is where you experience your oneness with Spirit...Your heart is one with God's heart...As your heart beats, it is the Spirit of God's love singing to you of oneness...(pause)...Now, as you breathe feel your breath moving in and out of your heart...watch your breathing... imagine your breath coming in and out of your heart...
Recognizing your heart to heart connection with Spirit, begin to be aware that you are also connected with each person in the circle.... Know that this is a safe place to be....
you are surrounded in a soft white light....so safe...so loved ...the white light wraps you in love....the perfect love that God has for you... imagine feeling that light radiate from your heart area...flowing down your left arm...out your left hand and into the hand of the person on your left....picture this love flowing around and around the circle and when you feel peace in the room take a deep breath...open your eyes when you are ready."
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ACTIVITY 4: HEART TALK (part of three above)

Heart talk topic: Seeing the Spirit around me!!! How do I use this awareness in my life?
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Activity 5: Cinnamon Roll Hug

Directions: Ask for a volunteer to begin wrapping around the inner part of the circle until the circle is tight. Please be sure to do this with awareness of peoples feet, we do not wish any injury. When the circle is wrapped tightly, say one, two, three squeeze and end with fuzzies for everyone in he group.

Thank everyone for sharing and move into Smith for Group workshop at 7:15PM

WORKSHOP IV - 1hr, Sunday Morning
THEME: Spirit Connects Us All
OBJECTIVES:
1. To take it home
2. See Spirit in Nature
3. To connect as a group on a Spirit level

Activity 1: Opening prayer (10)
Have everyone come together and share the experience of the silence and the God walk. Lead a prayer to settle everyone in. Thank you Spirit for you're the life give us. We are truly the children of a great Father/Mother. We are thankful for our good, our lessons, and the gift of seeing the Truth of Spirit in all things. Water running over rocks in the brook, the sounds of wind rustling in the trees, birds singing their song, and critters gathering for the time of rest: All these things are full of the Living Spirit of God. We give thanks for these manifestations of nature and we affirm that the Spirit of Christ is found in all things. Namaste and Amen.

Possible Questions:
What was the Silence like for you? Did you commune with for Spirit Self? How did it feel?
How is a God walk a demonstration of Namaste in our life? How is a God walk an example of the Truth that we are all connected in Spirit? What did you like most about your God walk, least? What did you like most about the Silence, Least?

Youth of Unity Family Groups

Youth of Unity
Family Groups