I wonder about a time when you felt there was too much going on in your life of the world?
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I wonder what helps you when life is overwhelming and is too much for you?
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I wonder what God does when the world feels like too-much to handle?
Video Conversation & Reflection
Join Rev. Claire Klein and Nathan Holst from Peace United in Duluth for this week’s conversation and reflection.
Please note: May contain content not suitable for all ages, please preview before sharing with children. Recommended for ages 9+.
Music
Keep Our Steps Steady by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
For Reflection
Everything can feel too much sometimes. Perhaps we have been betrayed, or lost a loved one or our source of income, perhaps meaning has gone missing or we simply don’t know why we feel that everything is too much. Now is the time to remind yourself that this too muchness is part of the healing process of all living beings. It is an essential part of metabolizing experience in order to move on to more.
— Robin Rose Saltonstall
Caring for the Common Good Project
Amplify Kindness
Practice mindfulness with this simple, meditative craft project intended to focus on the present moment.
Short film: Yes-People (All ages) This Oscar-nominated animated short, “Yes-People,” follows several Icelanders as they navigate minor daily conflicts—on their way to work, or to school, or while grocery shopping.
Full-length movies: Inside Out (ages 6+) Common Sense media review,
Contemplative Movement
Outdoor Explore
What: Bring to mind reasons you feel overwhelmed. Notice how a sense of too-muchness feels in body, mind, and heart. Walk toward a quiet place. Find a rock along the way.
Reflect/Ask:
Share some gratitudes, one by one.
Repeat each gratitude. Let the weight of the rock draw the sense of gratitude deep into your being.
Notice how gratitude feels in body, mind, and heart.
Where is God in overwhelm; in gratitude?
Creative Project
Word Clouds
Materials: paper & writing utensil; optional access to the internet & printer
How to: Using one or two words, have each person name three things about which they feel overwhelmed and three things for which they are grateful, right now.
Record responses in two separate lists or drawings.