Circle of Luminaries Activity
Circle of Luminaries is a wonderful activity to inspire imagination and helps to reflect on and connect with meaningful values. Luminarias are lanterns often set out in lines to light the path from one place to another.
Gather all of the craft materials: paper lunch bags, sand, small electric candles or tea lights, scissors, markers, glue, sparkles, etc.
Distribute one paper bag to each person and instruct each person to use the craft materials to create a unique and meaningful lantern case. For example, be used to explore a meaningful situation that resulted in the resolution of a dispute and what it took to let it go and continue to maintain a healthy relationship.
You are inviting each member of your group to produce the outer-casing of a lantern with as much thought and meaning as they wish. Use scissors to cut small holes in the bag and use all of the crafty materials to make them look beautiful.
Allow 5 to 10 minutes for the lanterns to be produced. When ready, ask your group to sit in a circle, placing their lanterns directly in front of them.
Place a little bit of sand in the base of the bags and a votive candle on top before lighting them. If you can not access an outdoor area at night, you may choose to dim or switch off the lights of your indoor space.
With the mood set, lead your group in a sharing and reflection exercise as you wish.
Moment of Reflection
- What did you think about as you created your lantern? Why?
- Describe the symbolism of your lantern.
- Describe how you felt when the lanterns were lit?
- Did you notice anything once all of the lanterns were illuminated?
- In what ways do the lanterns represent you or our group?
The topics of this publication: reflection, self, mindfulness, wellbeing, creativity, imagination
