Life Tapestry

			Life Tapestry

Click here for comments about this curriculum.

An Exploration of Adult Life Issues

Authors: Marcia Bowen, Jeanne Nieuwejaar, and Richard Stower

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1994

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Offers adults an opportunity to explore and share insights on such issues as listening and communication, dreams and reality, aging, intimacy and independence, and spirituality in an open and supportive setting. Modeled on the popular curriculum for high school youth, Life Issues for Teenagers (LIFT), the program uses experiential activities, small-group work, guided meditation, and the arts to help adults learn about themselves and each other.

Goals for Participants

To reflect on their life journey
To recognize and name their own feelings
To become aware of patterns and passages in their lives
To understand their present reality in the context of community
To clarify values and aspirations for the future.

Age Range Adult

Size of Group 8 to 15 (12 ideal)

Space Requirements A comfortable, softly lit, private room with access to space for food preparation and art activities

Number of Sessions 9 or 10, depending on the option chosen for the first session

Length of Sessions First session, 6 hours; subsequent sessions, 2 112 hours

Leader Training Go-leadership, preferably by a male and a female, is recommended. Facilitators should be well organized and comfortable with each other and the issues raised in the program. No special training is required beyond good group process skills.

Leader Preparation 1 1/2 to 3 hours per session

Strengths

Contains clear, well-scripted sessions
Presents opportunities for building group trust and intimacy
Includes a wide range of interactive and experiential activities
Includes excellent participant handouts
Has a strong worship component.

Limitations

Many activities require a fairly large open space
Facilitators should be experienced, with the ability to be supportive while maintaining clear boundaries.

Adaptability

Can be adapted to a retreat setting
With minor modification, sessions can be used as group-building exercises for congregational committees or other groups.

Unitarian Universalist Values Although not explicitly addressed, UU values are the foundation of the program. Many of the openings, closings, and resources are drawn from UU sources.