Storms - July Children's Program

For July, we had an online "Children's Program"  - we were grateful to have the option of gathering virtually due to the recent flooding in Vermont. We began by sharing things that we had been noticing about the natural world, including the rain, sunshine, heat, and beavers rebuilding their dams. We then read and acted out the book When the Storm Comes, written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Tae-eun Yoo, which depicts how humans and animals prepare and take shelter during a storm, and how they regroup and rebuild afterwards. We talked about how we can often feel multiple emotions at the same time, such as feeling scared and excited about a big storm, or sad and grateful about its aftermath. We also discussed how practicing gratitude can sometimes help remind us of things we can appreciate, even in the midst of a difficult situation. Each of us shared something that we were feeling grateful for, including shelter, safety, food, power and ice cream shops. We ended by listening to the ringing of the temple bell and sharing a group OM.