The Golden Rule| February 21, 2021
THE GOLDEN RULE
“Treat others the way you wish to be treated” 
There is a common thread of Kindness, Love and Compassion that runs through almost every religion and faith tradition in the world. It is considered the one most important rule and is so special and important that it is called The Golden Rule. 

The Golden Rule is about learning and practicing to see, acknowledge and respect the sameness in all of us. We learn to know that is true for me is true for all. We also learn to create a positive idea of ourselves because to treat others with kindness we must first show kindness to ourselves.
THINK ABOUT IT
Have you ever noticed that a small act of kindness has the power to brighten your day? That same kindness when shared by you with others creates an uplifting ripple effect, inviting them to treat others with kindness too. THINK about the ways that you like to be treated by others. In what ways do others treat you that makes you feel good? Write down your ideas and thoughts or keep them in mind. 

Sometimes we discover how we want to be treated by experiencing how we do not wish to be treated by others. Maybe a friend yelled at you and that didn’t feel good. THINK about how you would wish your friend to talk to you. Write down your thoughts or keep them in mind.

Using your ideas of how you wish to be treated, THINK about how you can treat others. Maybe you feel good when others do something special for you. Can you THINK of someone you can do something special for this week? Choose some of your ideas and make a plan to treat others the way that you wish to be treated.

ACTIVITY:
Kindness Cards: Spread some kindness by sharing kind words with others. Write positive messages on cards or paper for your family, friends, teachers and neighbors.
Kindness Coupons: Share your love and kindness to those closest to you by making kindness coupons that they can redeem for acts of kindness!
LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION
Metta bhavana, or loving-kindness meditation, is a method of developing compassion. Loving-kindness, or metta, as it is called in the Pali language, is unconditional, inclusive love, a love with wisdom. It has no conditions; it does not depend on whether one “deserves” it or not; it is not restricted to friends and family; it extends out from personal categories to include all living beings. There are no expectations of anything in return. This is the ideal, pure love, which everyone has in potential.
We begin with loving ourselves, for unless we have a measure of this unconditional love and acceptance for ourselves, it is difficult to extend it to others. Then we include others who are special to us, and, ultimately, all living things. Gradually, both the visualization and the meditation phrases blend into the actual experience, the feeling of loving kindness.
STORYTIME
THE GOLDEN RULE

By: Ilene Cooper Art: Gabi Swiatkowska

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - everybody knows the Golden rule. But where does it come from and why is it important? It's easy to say, but what does it mean? Why is it called Golden? Here, a grandfather explains to his grandson the importance of this simple rule and demonstrates the wonderful effect following it.
LET'S CREATE!!
Read through all the different versions of the Golden Rule and look at the different symbols each Faith uses on the 13 Faiths & 13 Golden Rules page. Can you see the common thread that runs through all of Golden Rules? Notice all of the different Symbols that represents them. Can you make a symbol that represents You? Can you put the Golden Rule into your own words?

Make a painting or drawing using your symbol and your personal Golden Rule. Place your artwork somewhere you can see it everyday to remind you to treat others the way you wish to be treated.
LIVING THROUGH THE BODY
LEARNING TO BE KIND
The first steps to being Loving and Kind towards others is learning to love and be kind to ourselves. We can teach children to love themselves by teaching them to have a positive self perception.
MUSIC
THE GOLDEN RULE by A Thousand Horses 
“Be kind to others like you
want them to be kind to you.”
JOIN THE BAND!!!
MAKE YOUR OWN PAPER ROLL KAZOO!!
Follow these INSTRUCTIONS to decorate and create a kazoo to use to play along to The Golden Rule song!!

OPTIONS:

AFFIRMATION
I AM KIND TO MYSELF AND OTHERS.
Practice using this affirmation as you spread kindness to yourself and others..
SHARE & SHOW
OUR YOUTH GALLERY
Send in your artwork, ideas and thoughts about this week’s lesson and it will be added to next week’s newsletter!! I’m looking forward to seeing what you send to share with your Youth Community and families!
Email your entries to MissShiyaS@gmail.com
JOIN ME ON ZOOM!!!
MONTHLY YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, February 28th, 9:00am

This is our monthly online Zoom Program on the Fourth Sunday of the Month. We look forward to this opportunity to build on the month’s lesson and to share projects & activities. ALL are invited!! Children will participate in new lessons and activities as well as sharing our weekly activities.
Meeting ID: 850 8501 9460 Passcode: 261116