HILLSIDE CHAPEL AND TRUTH CENTER

Transformative Living Program

Fall 2008

Why Struggle? Learning to manage life's changes with grace shares tips, tools and techniques on how to manage life's predictable and unpredictable experiences with ease and grace.  This course uses meditation, positive prayer and affirmations as a foundation for personal and spiritual growth and development.

Books: Why Struggle? life is too short to wear tight shoes by Barbara J. Faison

         Daily Thoughts from the Hill

OBJECTIVES: 

      Why Struggle? Learning to manage life's journey with ease and grace is an interactive  
       course that:

• Practices affirmations and prayers as guides for embracing change

• Demonstrates how to use meditation as a tool for spiritual practice

• Illustrates techniques on how to manage stress using various techniques

• Encourages students to consistently practice techniques that will impress their subconscious mind.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to complete all reading and written assignments before class, and participate in class discussions.

SCHEDULE OF COURSE CONTENT

Oct. 15            Orientation to Course

In Class Assignment: Write Intentions for the class

Objective:  After completion of this session students will

Know the requirements, expectations, and objectives of the class. 

Oct. 22             Chapter 1       Develop A Belief System

Chapter 2       Be Adventurous

Chapter 3       Know Yourself

Objective:  After completion of this session students will understand

·        How the assess personal beliefs

·        Create an adventure box

·        Learn ways to enhance self awareness through
prayer and meditation

Assignment: Identify beliefs that are self-defined and compare to tribal beliefs. Create a list of adventures to do before you die. Start practicing meditation for at least 5 minutes a day. Find 2 scriptures that resonate with where you are in your life and share with the class.
 

Oct. 29             Chapter 4       This Moment

Chapter 5       Money is Not Evil

Chapter 6       Self-Confidence is Like the Weather

Objective: After completing this session students will be able to

·        Recognize when they are in the present moment

·        Practice a being still meditation

·        Understand personal relationship with money

·        Discuss biblical references regarding money

Assignment:            Journal experiences of being in the present moment for the week. List all the things you would buy if you won the lottery for $10 million dollars. Meditate and journal on what you would do after spending the money and share with the class. Continue practicing meditation for at least 5 minutes a day.

Nov 5                Chapter 7       Be Kind

                        Chapter 8       Love Yourself

                        Chapter 9       "You Can't Make Anyone ___"

Objective: After completing this session students will be able to:

·        Appreciate the effort to be kind and compassionate

·        Learn how to manage personal choices by focusing on self awareness

·        Recognize what is personally important to loving yourself

Assignment:  Implement at least one act of kindness and note how it affects them personally. List specific thoughts around what it means to love yourself. Continue practicing meditation for at least 5 minutes a day.

Nov. 12             Chapter 10     Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda…Not
Chapter 11     Slow Down

                        Chapter 12     Ask for Help

                        Chapter 13     Fear is Real

Objective: After this session students will know how  to:

·        Focus on their desires without guilt

·        Practice meditation techniques to help with slowing down

·        Learn to ask for help

·        Identify specific fears and reference the Bible as a guide for managing emotions

Assignment: List five things that you could have or should have done and how you can turn them into actions. Practice meditation for 5-10 minutes daily and share your experience with the class. Create personal affirmations to help ease fears. Find a Bible verse that helps ease your fears and share with the class.

Nov. 19              Chapter 14     Be Quiet

                        Chapter 15      Be Silent

Chapter 16      Embrace Change

                        Chapter 17      Know the Stages of Grief

Objective:  After completing this session, students will

·        Understand the importance of regularly practicing stress reduction techniques

·        Be able to identify and use relaxation tools and techniques that can aid in letting go of stress and relaxing.

·        The importance of getting the meditation and quiet time for materializing success

·        Understand how grief impacts each person differently and the various stages involved with grieving

Assignment:  Devote a minimum of 10 minutes daily to meditation. Practice personal affirmations based on personal goals. Find 2 scriptures that resonate with where you are in your life and share with the class.

Dec. 3              Chapter 18      Let It Go/Move On (LIG/MO)

                        Chapter 19     Acceptance

            Chapter 20     Forgive

            Chapter 21     Celebrate Everything!

Objective:  After this session, students will be able to:

• Know what acceptance and forgiveness mean and how they impact your life

• Learn techniques to help let go of the past and move forward in life

• Discuss how celebration is important in personal growth

• Reference scriptural references for forgiveness and celebration         

Assignment:  Write forgiveness letters or do worksheets for 3 people you need to release. Continue to practice affirmations and meditation daily. List your successes for the year.

Dec. 10             Chapter 22     Be Grateful

                        Chapter 23     You are not Alone

                        Chapter 24     Adopt Children

                        Chapter 25     Be Yourself   

Objective:  After this session, students will be able to:

·        Create personal prayers of gratitude

·        Practice affirmations out loud

·        Discuss times where you felt alone and how you managed through those feelings

·        Recognize the importance of having people of all ages in your life

Assignment:  Be prepared to lead a meditation in class. Spend time alone not in meditation or prayer and take notes on what comes up for you. Connect with someone you haven't been in touch with recently.                                                                                 

December 17                       Class Review

Objective:  After this session students will

·        To manage life's changes with ease and grace

·        Have specific tools to help manage stress

·        Know how to meditate and create strong affirmations

·        Understand how consistent meditation and affirmation help bring about manifestation

Assignment:   Share experiences with the class that may include affirmations, meditation, prayer, scriptures, and specific techniques that help ease life's unpredictable journey.