Reflection Sunday 9th February, 2025

 Sunday School # 175

Reflection questions for Episode 14: Setu Bandh from Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels:

1. What message did Guru Nanak convey about the true purpose of pilgrimage during his visit to Setu Bandh?

2. How does Guru Nanak’s perspective on devotion versus rituals challenge traditional beliefs?

3. In what ways can we apply Guru Nanak’s teachings on inner spirituality in our daily lives?

4. How can we promote unity among diverse communities while respecting different traditions, as Guru Nanak demonstrated at Setu Bandh?

Summary of "Candle Light" – My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi

In this chapter, Cinnamon’s biological parents receive important and concerning news about his health. They learn from his adoptive parents that Cinnamon has a genetic condition that may cause him to lose his eyesight around the age of 40 and could also lead to hearing impairment. This revelation is deeply emotional for both the  parents, as they process the implications of his condition and think about his future.

The candlelight in the chapter symbolizes both vulnerability and hope, just as a candle flickers but continues to glow, Cinnamon’s journey is uncertain but still filled with love and strength. His adoptive parents’ concern and love for him are evident as they grapple with this information, reinforcing the theme that family is built on care and emotional bonds. The chapter highlights themes of resilience, unconditional love, and the importance of support in facing life’s uncertainties.

Reflection Questions

1. How do Cinnamon’s biological parent react to the news about his genetic condition?
2. What does the candlelight symbolize in this chapter, and how does it relate to Cinnamon’s journey?
3. How does this chapter highlight the difference between biological and emotional bonds in a family?
4. What can we learn from Cinnamon’s parents about handling difficult and uncertain situations?
5. How would you support a loved one if they were facing a similar challenge?

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

JDS School - My Good School Retreat 2024

DAY 1

Joy of Giving

The Retreat began with a walk on Khan farm, where we explored more about birds, plants, and animals. We also went to Arthur Foot Academy. There, we celebrated Children's Day, which included dances and speeches from Khan sir and our special guests, Mr. Amit Sachdeva, Mr. Sandeep Dutt, and Mr. Assad. Then, we helped AFA children with some stationery, decorated their class board with handmade flowers, and found real happiness in giving. The evening session was completed with our reading session.

Parnaz Singh

Grade-7th

DAY 2

Joy Of Learning 

First, we went for a jungle walk, saw different kinds of trees and tree houses, and enjoyed ourselves a lot in the lap of nature. In the presentation session,  all the schools help to explore and learn more about service, skills, sports, and study by representing the timetable and calendar of their school. Then we attended the GSA meeting, where we studied the inner life of animals and learned more about facing the world's challenges with Sandeep sir. In the evening, we explored the treasure hunt. And the memories were made more robust by dancing and enjoying the retreat to its fullest.

Prabhveer Kaur

Grade-7th

Day 3

Joy Of Exploring

On 16th November, we visited The Doon School, one of the best schools in India. We had many more beautiful experiences in the design and technology lab. There, we saw students of the Doon School making different types of metal and wood things. We also learned a lot about the art and creativity of the Doon School students. We went to music school, where we.

We Explored different types of musical Instruments. We also went to the library of the Doon school. That was a wonderful and exciting experience for all of us. The greetings of the Doon school staff were very warm. Finally, we visited the office of My Good School, which Sandeep sir very well maintained. Also, we got a chance to see the Bookshop, where we bought books to enhance our knowledge. Last but not least, it was a wonderful experience for all of us.

Harpreet Kaur

Grade-7th

Acceptance In Your Heart - Gaurangi Rastogi

Every day, we encounter different people with different personalities, some are very judgemental, or some don't judge according to their appearance. A few years ago, I met a woman who was an acid attack survivor. Her face was very burnt out that the nagging aunties would gossip about her. She heard the conversation but did not say anything.

I was a little judgemental at the time of the situation. I dared to talk to the woman, but the aunties made her go away from the avenue. Was it essential to make her go away? As she is not beautiful like others. That's what Acceptance is... accepting others, not based on looks, clothes, or wealth.

Accepting limitations of friends and family important, like: Snoring, Sleepwalking and incidents like the story of Takahashi. In addtion we must follow some habits of friends too.

'Takahashi,' the value is Acceptance, like Totto-chan accepts the boy as her friend.

Can't we accept others as our friends? Will you still not receive a person if disabled or with any other challenge?

Gaurangi Rastogi 
Class VII 
The Doon Girls School 

Reflection on reading Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window - Takahashi

Anger & Affirmations - Rishona Chopra

Often we get angry at the most minor things. If someone says something to us like ' You are rude', those three words can hurt you a lot. One of the ways to calm down is through affirmations. When I am angry then I like writing down and repeating affirmations:
I am a peaceful soul  
I am a happy soul
I am a mindful soul
I am a knowledgeable soul
I am an emotionally powerful soul

Another way to calm down is thinking that every situation you come across, even like the one above, is simply a challenge that makes you a more substantial, mature and better person.

Whenever we feel lonely or disheartened, we should remember that we have a best friend with us, and that is God. He is someone who always listens patiently to us and is truly a friend that we can never forget.

Rishona Chopra
Grade V
Gyanshree School