This experience can be adapted for a 1-2 hour session, in-person during a church education hour, retreat, or workshop, or online. Though designed for people of faith, it can be expanded for interfaith or broader community settings.
Facilitator’s Note:
Your role is to create a safe, courageous space for individuals to share, listen, and deepen empathy. Resources like Parker Palmer’s Touchstones for Creating Trustworthy Space can help guide boundary-setting. This resource focuses on spiritual care rather than disaster preparedness. Let participants know if they start to feel anxious or have a trauma response please invite them to step out or raise their hand for support. Tears are welcome in this space. People may begin thinking they are ok and find that memories bring emotions and memories that are a surprise.
Context:
There will be space during this time to turn attention to any variety of traumas, storm, flood, mass violence, fires, collective illness or something
else. If your community has shared a common
trauma, like a hurricane, try to include symbols
or tangible items that have meaning in your community.
Hospitality Considerations:
- Will food or beverages be provided?
- How will the space be set up (indoor/outdoor, seating arrangements)?
- Ensure accessibility for all participants.Materials Needed:
Materials Needed:
- LED candles (or traditional candles)
- Cloth/items for sacred space
- Refreshments
- Paper, pens/markers, oil pastels, flat rocks(or less expensive cards or sticky notes) for optionalbenediction
- Nametags
- Canvas boards or thick paper (one per person)
