For the July Family Program we stayed together as a whole group (kids and adults) and explored the many forms of water. We began by sharing things we had been noticing in the natural world, including birds, butterflies, heat, rain and flowers. We then read a poem from the book, Water is Water, by Miranda Paul, which illustrates the many forms water can take. We passed around a jar of water with sand in it, which we shook and watched the sand settle as we felt our breathing. We discussed how the water in the jar could be like our minds, and that often we prefer having a clear mind versus a muddy one. However, whether the water is clear or muddy, it is still water. In a similar way, whether our minds are busy or quiet, happy or sad, mind is still mind - awareness is awareness.
Next, we went on an adventure to Connie's Pond, which is more of a river and mudflat than pond right now, since the beaver dam burst in a previous rainstorm. We also adventured to Laughing Brook, which has also changed quite a bit over the years.
We ended with a group snack and mindful eating, followed by offering water from our adventures to the altar.
