Pinterest Pick Thursdays!

Pinterest Pick Thursdays!  And... It's going to be slightly chilly this weekend!  Aren't you excited?  I know I am, fall is my absolute favorite season.  School supplies, sweaters, apple cider, Halloween costumes, haunted houses, pumpkins, corn mazes - these are a few of MY favorite things.  So, while it isn't quite fall yet (the equinox falls on Tuesday, September 23 this year), this week's Pinterest picks are all dedicated to that wonderful season, and the appreciation it inspires in me for our mother Earth.

Pinterest Pick of the Week:
Nature Exploration

Faith Formation Component:
Content

Time for Activity:
An morning or afternoon block

Recommended Age:
All

Materials:
Dependent on the activity.

Activities:
Our seventh principle reminds us that we are all part of the 'interdependent web of all existence,' and that it is our responsibility to care for that web.  Fall is a great time of year to be reminded of this, because fall is traditionally the time of harvest.  Our Earth provides us with so much, and sometimes we forget we don't need ALL of it.  So, take a step back this weekend and appreciate all that mother nature has to give.  So, here are my quick suggestions on how to reconnect with nature this weekend.  Use the questions below each suggestion to 'bring the lesson home.'

• Enjoy nature.  Spend time outside, in the brisk fall air, doing something you love.  Go for a walk, play disc golf, partake in a world wide Easter egg hunt with geocache, garden, visit the park, or simply sit outside and enjoy your favorite drink.
• What is your favorite nature activity?
• Why is it important to get outside and experience nature?
• Older children and adults may find interesting discussion material in this article from The Guardian about the affects of nature on mental health.

This picture is of Gunnerside in Yorkshire England.  It was taken
from The Guardian article referenced above.

• Explore one of our six sources, 'science and reason,' and get hands on with these 15 Fun Science Activities for Fall.  
• What sort of wisdom can we gain from science?  
• What does science have to do with our spirituality?
• Older children and adults may find this article on NPR about Spirituality and Science, an interesting follow up.

This stock image of a woman communing with nature was
taken from the NPR article referenced above.

• Connect with our local community.  Check out one of the local nature programs that are offered around Cincinnati this weekend.  There is everything from learning about monarch butterflies, to canoeing, to building fairy houses.  You can find all these activity listings by visiting Cincinnati Family's website.
• What was your favorite thing about today's activity/
• I wonder how we can use what we learned / did today at home?
• If you are up for a weekend getaway or day trip, check out the magazine's article about Hocking Hills.

This picture shows several people on segways in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
The picture was lifted from the Hocking Hills article referenced above.

• Recognize the inherent contentedness of it all.  Gather around your family altar, a fire pit, the dinner table, or sit with that favorite drink in your hand, and recite "Autumn Prayer" from Christine C. Robinson:

God of the Autumn, help us to live

with the grace of falling leaves

the enthusiasm of the flaming Aspens

with the serenity of the old trees, whose roots reach deep into the earth.

God of the Autumn, help us to know

that living and dying are one

that life is precious, and beautiful, and limited.

that nothing good is ever lost.

God of the Autumn, help us to see

in the ways of nature a way for ourselves.

• What is this prayer saying?
• How do we honor its message?

Original Sources:  The Autumn prayer was courtesy of UUA's worship web.  All other original sources are linked above.

Wishing you all well,

- Ms. Meredith