1- Watch the two TED Talks above: "Want to be Happy? Be Grateful" by Benedictine Monk David Steindl-Rast (Click here to read the transcript) and "It's Time to Reclaim Religion" by Rabbi Sharon Braus (Click here for the transcript).
2- Write at least a 2 page paper and answer the following questions: How would you define your worldly identity at this time? What are your major life responsibilities? What are your goals and aspirations? What challenges are you facing that contribute to who you are? (At least one well-developed paragraph. Provide specific examples to help explain your points). This role involves being entrusted with something for the good of others. Where in your life do you find yourself responsible in this way? (At least one well-developed paragraph. Provide specific examples to help explain your points) Reflect on the TED Talks by Steindl-Rast and Braus: how do their ideas relate to the Benedictine Hallmarks of Love of Christ (the sacred) and Neighbor and Prayer (mindfulness)? Regardless of your orientation towards religious faith or practices, for what are you grateful in your life at present? How do you seek to be mindful and focused on the things that matter? How might these two Hallmarks relate to your own sense of spiritual self-identity? (At least one well-developed paragraph. Provide specific examples from the videos and your own life to help explain your points)