Hugh Prather III

In the later 80's I was in a search for meaning and found "Notes to Myself' on a bookstore shelf. Hugh Prather's writing provided insight and peace. He wrote about his thoughts, family and motivation in life, work and relationships. This was years before I had my own understanding so I was grateful for his writing. His book "How to Live in the World and Still be Happy" helped me realize that I am always in choice in what I think. In the early 90's I sent him a letter through his publisher. Three of four months later he called and wanted to know how he could help. We spoke about my topic and he provided suggestions. Today I still have ten of his books on my shelf; each one with pages dog earred as they were my most early resource and connection to the Universe as love, poetry, peace and meditation.
Hugh Prather made his transition on November 15 at age 72 while in his Hot Tub. Obituary and photo

Parenting with Spirit

I like how Unitarian Universalists (UU's) organize and create their youth education programs. They have a well developed curriculum and many churches have a full time Director of Religious Education and a formal year long 'coming of age' program for teens. They also teach about human sexuality and responsibility in the OWL (Our Whole Lives) curriculum. It is impressive.

This spring I took a course at the local UU Society and today found the blog on UU Parenting . Written by Michelle Richards, it covers a diverse set of topics applicable to families of any faith. Families who support their children in the developing their spiritual awareness create great opportunities to share experiences that enrich family life. In the April 26 topic, "Spiritual practices for children and youth" Ms. Richards points out how youth and teens have different methods of processing their spiritual essence and provides suggestions on how parents can integrate practices into their family life. Take a read and see what fits for you and your family.