Youth Curriculum, 3-16-25

Curriculum Overview:

This lesson explores the idea that who we are is more than just our thoughts, feelings, and labels. By practicing surrender and presence, we learn to trust the flow of life rather than trying to hold onto what is always changing.

March Monthly Theme: Living in the Flow 
Week 3 Value: “I Got It, I Lost It” – Letting Go and Trusting the Flow
Affirmation: “I am not what I hold onto or what I let go—who I am is always here, steady and free.”

Spiritual Lesson:

Sometimes, we think we ‘have’ something—an idea, an identity, or a way of being—only to feel like we lost it. But when we stop trying so hard to hold on, we discover that our true self is always here, steady and free.

Mindfulness: “Breath of Release”

Through deep breathing and call-and-response affirmation, children practice exhaling limiting thoughts and embracing their true presence. This helps them experience the freedom of being rather than doing.

Active Listening: Book/Music/Video

• Book: The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
• Music: Let It Go (Indina Menzel) – Reinforces releasing control.
• Book:  Let’s Go for a Walk by Ranger Hamza – Encourages noticing the present moment (younger class)
• Music: Peace Like a River (Elizabeth Mitchell) – Reinforces flow and surrender. (younger class)

Creative Expression: Feather Catch

Kids try to catch a floating feather with one finger, then with an open palm, discovering that grasping too hard makes it slip away. This playful game teaches them that surrender, not struggle, helps things flow naturally.

Connecting: The Disappearing Name Game

In “The Disappearing Name Game,” children write their names, then slowly erase them while reflecting on the idea that they are more than just a name or identity. This fun and reflective activity helps them explore the concept of letting go of labels while realizing that their true self remains unchanged.