What is Love?

1. What do you think Love is?

[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question.]

• Some people think love is a feeling. 
• Some people believe that they are love.
• Some people think love is family and friends.
• Some people think God is love.

2. What words can you think of that help describe love?

[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question.]

• Peace
• Acceptance
• God
• You
• Family
• Friendship
• Happiness
• Joy
• Kindness

3. How do others show love?

[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question.]

• Through their actions.
• Through their words
• Through loving themselves.
• Through loving God.

4. When do you feel loved?

[Go around the circle, and have everyone take a turn answering the question.]

• A lot of people feel love when they are around their friends and family.
• A lot of people feel loved when they are laughing.
• Many people feel loved when they are playing.
• Many people feel loved when they are happy.

The Very Picture of Love

Materials needed:

• Paper
• Markers or crayons

Directions

Since our Soul Talk was about what Love is, we are going to draw a picture that best describes how we love. Think back to our Soul Talk and pick a word that best describes how you love. Draw a picture expressing your word.

For example, if your word is “friendship,” it may be two people holding hands or a big heart. Remember there is no right or wrong way to express your word.

When everyone is finished with their drawing, we will go around the circle and have everyone share their pictures with us.

[Feel free to play one of our recommended songs while the kids work on this activity]

[Invite the group to find a relaxing position, take a mat or towel, if you are working on a hard floor. They may sit or lie down to be comfortable. Speak slightly slower in a soft, soothing tone throughout, pausing briefly between sentences. You may play soft, instrumental music in the background while reading the meditation script]

Welcome to our Meditation Time: The time where we relax and connect to the spirit in and around us. I invite you to sit or lie down and make yourself comfortable. Quietly do that now. [Wait until the group is settled, then read the meditation script] [Optional: Begin music.]

I am going to guide you through our meditation to help you relax. Let’s close our eyes, and let’s start by putting our hands on our bellies, and taking a deep, long breath in. Feel your belly rise as you breathe in – to the count of 1, 2, 3. Then feel your belly fall, as you slowly breathe out – to the count of 1, 2, 3. Now breathe in – 1, 2, 3. And slowly breathe out like a tire losing air – 1, 2, 3. Continue to breathe in and out slowly and steadily. Relax your body into the floor beneath you. Keep breathing.

Every time you breathe in, know how loved you are … by family, friends, by the infinite universe. [Pause.] That love is like a warm blanket, relaxing you, bringing you peace. [Pause.] Keep breathing slowly, in and out. You are loved for being you. Just as you are. For all that you are. [Pause.] Universal energy loves you no matter how you look, what you do, where you live, who you know. That is Love with a capital L. It’s unchanging, and ever-lasting. Breathe into that Love right now and feel it open up your heart. [Pause.] Feel your place of honor in the heart of Love. [Pause.]

Now let’s take one more deep breath, and slowly let it out. Now slowly open your eyes and slowly roll to the side and sit up to end our time of meditation.

[Optional: Turn off music] [Optional: Say: Please return your cushion to its starting place]

Closing — Choose One:

Closing Affirmation — Option 1 

Turn to the person to your right, look them in the eye and say “I am happy I could share this time with you and hear about your beliefs.”

 Closing Prayer — Option 2  
The light of god surrounds us
The love of god enfolds us
The power of god protects us
The presence of god watches over us
Wherever we are, god is and all is well!