Surpass July Spiritual Emotional Program

SURPASS LIVING

Celebrating Freedom

Spiritual and Emotional Detailed Program Scripts

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

HOW TO USE | Spiritual and Emotional Programs • Use the script as a guide. It is not necessary to read every line if the group needs a shorter experience.

• Write the word choices on a dry erase board or post large-print word cards so residents have a visual anchor.

• Offer the two spiritual statements or quotes as a group choice. Residents may vote by pointing, raising a hand, or simply listening.

• Keep the tone calm, warm, and unrushed. Allow quiet participation to count.

• For Memory Care groups, use fewer words at one time, repeat the chosen word, and keep the reflection concrete.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING Liberty Lantern Reflections Facilitator Step Welcome

Grounding

Imagery

Suggested Language Today we are taking a quiet moment together. You may speak, point, listen, or simply be present. All of those are welcome. We are going to use simple words, gentle imagery, and a quiet pause to help us reflect together.

Let your feet rest on the floor. Take a slow breath in, and a slow breath out. Notice the chair supporting you. You are safe in this room. There is nothing you need to do quickly. We are simply here together, letting the body settle.

Imagine a small lantern or a small light in front of us.

The light does not need to be bright. It can be gentle, steady, & quiet. Picture that light resting on a table, glowing softly. If imagining is difficult, you may simply listen to the words or look here. The light may remind you of a candle in a window, a porch light at home, a lamp beside a favorite chair, or the first light of morning. As the light stays steady, let's notice what word feels helpful today. Maybe the word is peaceful.

Maybe it is hopeful. Maybe it is family, or courage, or kindness. Let the word come slowly to you.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

Spiritual Statement Choice

We have two closing statements we can choose from today. We will read both, and then you can point, say one, look toward one, or simply listen. Option one: Even a small light can bring comfort to a room. Option two: Peace can begin with one quiet moment.

Word Choice

We will read our words slowly: peace, courage, family, hope, home, and kindness. You may choose one, point to one, or simply listen. I will write our group words on the dry erase board so we can see what our group created.

Close

Thank you for sharing this quiet moment. May this room hold comfort, kindness, and belonging today.

May the words we chose stay with us in a gentle way.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

peace

Peace may feel like a quiet room where the lights are soft and the body can settle. It may feel like a slow breath that gives the mind a place to rest. It may feel like sitting beside someone kind without needing to explain anything. Peace can be small, and even a small moment of peace can be meaningful.

Peace stood out to you. That feels important. I am glad we can hold a peaceful moment together.

courage

Courage can look like taking one small step, even when something feels uncertain. It may feel like a steady hand, a familiar voice, or a light that helps guide the way.

Courage does not have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes courage is simply staying present and trying again.

Courage is a strong word. I hear that this word matters to you. You are naming something steady and brave.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

family

Family may bring to mind people we love, people who loved us, or people who helped shape who we are. It may be connected to a home, a table, a story, a tradition, or a familiar voice. Family can also mean the people around us now who offer care and companionship. This word can hold many feelings at once.

Family can bring up a lot. I hear that family is meaningful to you. We can honor that word together.

hope

Hope may feel like a small light that stays on, even when the room feels dim. It may feel like looking toward tomorrow with a little bit of openness. Hope does not need to be perfect or certain. Hope can simply be the feeling that something gentle is still possible.

Hope is a beautiful word. I hear that you are holding onto something meaningful. We can let that word stay with us today.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

home

Home may be a place, a person, a Home is a powerful word. I hear that feeling, or a memory of comfort. It home matters to you. We can sit with may smell like familiar food, sound that feeling and honor it. like a loved one’s voice, or feel like a chair that fits just right. Home can be where we came from, where we are now, or where our heart feels known. This word often carries deep meaning.

kindness

Kindness may look like a gentle Kindness stood out to you. That says word, a patient pause, or someone something beautiful. Thank you for making room for us. It may feel like bringing kindness into the room. being seen without being rushed.

Kindness can be given in small moments and still make a big difference. A room with kindness can feel safer and warmer.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING Adaptations and Visual Supports Assisted Living Facilitation

Memory Care Adaptations

• Invite residents to choose a word and share a thought, memory, or personal meaning if they wish.

• Use two word choices at a time instead of all six.

• Use the dry erase board to build a shared visual reflection.

• Allow residents to respond to one another and gently extend the conversation when it feels comfortable.

• Read each word slowly, point to the printed word, and allow nodding, pointing, facial expression, or quiet presence to count as participation.

• Keep the reflection shorter and repeat the chosen word back with warmth.

Visual Choice Supports • Print the word-choice page or write the words on a dry erase board before the program begins.

• Print the two spiritual statements as a choice page, or write both options on the dry erase board.

• Allow residents to choose by pointing, naming, nodding, or looking toward a choice.

• If available, use a small, flickering battery-operated tea light or an image of a lantern for those who have difficulty visualizing.

•

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING | Liberty Lantern Reflections

Choose a closing statement

Even a small light can bring comfort to a room.

Peace can begin with one quiet moment.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 1: LET FREEDOM RING | Liberty Lantern Reflections

Which word feels right today?

Peace Courage Family Hope Home Kindness

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES Paths of Life Guided Imagery Facilitator Step

Suggested Language

Welcome

Today we are taking a quiet moment together. We are going to imagine a safe path. You may picture it, view the path here, listen to the words, or simply rest.

All of those are welcome.

Grounding

Let your feet rest on the floor. Take a slow breath in, and a slow breath out. Notice the chair supporting you. Notice that we are here together. There is no hurry.

Begin the Path

Imagine a path ahead of you. It may be a road, a garden path, a sidewalk, a hallway, or a quiet walkway. The path does not have to be clear. It can be familiar, or it can be imagined. You are not alone on this path; this group is nearby. The path is safe, and we will move slowly. There is no place you need to get to. We are only noticing what is around us. If the image changes, that is okay. If you do not see anything, that is okay too. You can simply hear the words and rest.

Add Sensory Imagery

As you notice the path, imagine the sky above it.

Maybe the sky is bright blue, soft gray, or filled with Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

warm light. Maybe there are trees, flowers, water, grass, or a porch nearby. Maybe there is a soft breeze on your face or warmth on your hands. You might hear birds, quiet footsteps, leaves moving, a distant song, or gentle silence. You may notice a place to pause and rest. Maybe there is a bench, a chair, a shaded tree, or a doorway that feels welcoming. Take a moment to imagine yourself resting there.

Spiritual Statement Choice

We have two closing statements for today. Option one: Every path can be taken one gentle step at a time. Option two: Open skies remind us there is room to breathe.

Choose Words

I will read a few words slowly: peaceful, brave, open, steady, home and hopeful. Choose one word for your path today, or simply listen as I read them. I will write our group words on the board.

Close

Bring your attention gently back to this room. Notice your feet on the floor and the people around you.

Thank you for taking this quiet journey together.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

peaceful

Peaceful may feel like a quiet part of the path where nothing is rushing. It might feel like shade, soft air, or a place to sit down. Peaceful can be a word for the body and the heart. It can remind us that rest is allowed.

Peaceful is a calming word. I hear that this path may feel quiet or restful to you. We can let that peaceful feeling stay for a moment.

brave

Brave can mean continuing even when the path feels unfamiliar. It can mean taking one step, asking for help, or simply staying present.

Brave does not have to be loud.

Brave can be quiet and steady.

Brave is a strong word. It sounds like this path may ask for courage. We can honor that bravery without needing to explain it.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

open

Open may feel like a wide sky, a Open feels spacious. I hear a sense of clear road, or space to breathe. It can possibility in that word. There is room mean possibility without pressure. here for whatever the path brings.

Open can remind us that there is room for more than one feeling.

Open can feel spacious and gentle.

steady

Steady may feel like a firm path under your feet. It can feel like a handrail, a familiar voice, or a slow rhythm. Steady does not mean everything is easy. It means there is something to lean on.

Steady is a grounding word. It can feel good to have something firm beneath us. We can take the path one small step at a time.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

home

Home may appear on the path as a house, a person, a sound, or a feeling. It may be remembered, imagined, or felt in the room right now. Home can be complicated and meaningful. We can honor that feeling gently.

Home is meaningful. It may be a place, a person, or a feeling. We can honor whatever home means to you today.

hopeful

Hopeful may feel like light at the end of a path or a small flower beside the road. It does not have to promise everything will be perfect. Hopeful can simply mean a little bit of light is still present. It can be soft and enough.

Hopeful is a gentle word. It sounds like there may be a little light ahead.

We can hold that hopeful feeling together.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES Adaptations and Visual Supports Assisted Living Facilitation

Memory Care Adaptations

• Invite residents to share where their path might go, what they notice, or which word best describes the path.

• Use concrete cues and visual word cards.

• Use open-ended questions if the group is comfortable.

• If someone becomes worried or confused, ground the group by naming the room, the day, and the fact that everyone is together and safe.

• Allow residents to describe a real road, favorite place, or imagined scene.

• Offer two choices at a time, such as peaceful or brave.

Visual Choice Supports • Print the word-choice page or write the words on a dry erase board before the program begins.

• Print the two spiritual statements as a choice page, or write both options on the dry erase board.

• Allow residents to choose by pointing, naming, nodding, or looking toward a choice.

• Consider sharing an image of a path for members who have difficulty visualizing.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES | Paths of Life Guided Imagery

Choose a closing statement

Every path can be taken one gentle step at a time.

Open skies remind us there is room to breathe.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 2: OPEN ROADS AND OPEN SKIES | Paths of Life Guided Imagery

Which word feels right today?

Peaceful Brave Open Steady Home Hopeful

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE Freedom to Be Myself Facilitator Step

Suggested Language

Welcome

Today we are taking a quiet moment to think about the freedom to be ourselves. You are invited to speak, point, listen, or simply be present. We are not trying to perform or get anything right. We are noticing strengths.

Grounding

Let your shoulders soften. Take a slow breath in and out. Notice your hands resting. Notice that each person here brings something different and valuable.

Imagery

Imagine a favorite color, a comfortable room, a talent, a strength, or a small way you express yourself.

Maybe you imagine a song you enjoy, a color you like to wear. You might think of a role you’ve held, a tradition you’ve loved, or a way you’ve cared for others. If you don’t see a picture, that’s okay — you can simply listen. Each person has a way of being that adds something to the room. Some people bring humor. Some bring calm. Some bring strength, creativity, gentleness, wisdom, or kindness. All of those belong here.

Spiritual Statement Choice

I have two statements for today. Option one: Each Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

person brings a color no one else can bring. Option two: Being yourself is a gift to the community.

Choose Words

I will read a few words slowly: kind, funny, strong, gentle, creative, and wise. Choose one that feels like you today, or one that you appreciate in someone else.

Reflect and Affirm

I will write our words on the dry erase board. Look at all the words our group chose. These help us discover the strengths in this room. We will take a moment to honor each word without needing to explain it perfectly.

Close

May each person here feel accepted, valued, and free to be themselves.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

kind

Kindness is a strength that can change the feeling of a room. It may show up in a smile, a patient word, or the way someone makes space for another person. If you chose kind, you may be noticing the importance of gentleness and care. Your kindness, in any form, matters here.

Kind is a beautiful word for you to choose. I hear the value of care in that word. Thank you for bringing kindness into our group.

funny

Humor can be a gift because it helps people breathe, laugh, and feel human together. Funny may mean a playful spirit, a quick wit, or the ability to find lightness in a moment.

If you chose funny, that may be part of how you connect with others.

Laughter can be a wonderful form of belonging.

Funny is such a warm word. I hear that humor and lightness matter.

Your sense of humor is welcome here.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

strong

Strength does not always mean being Strong is a powerful word. I hear that loud or forceful. Sometimes strength strength has meaning for you. We can is patience, endurance, love, or honor that strength today. simply making it through a hard day.

If you chose strong, you may be naming something steady inside yourself. Strength can be quiet and still very real.

gentle

Gentleness can help a person feel safe, seen, and respected. It may show up in a soft voice, careful hands, or a peaceful presence. If you chose gentle, you may be noticing the beauty of calm and tenderness.

Gentleness is not weakness; it is a meaningful way of caring.

Gentle is a lovely word. I hear the calmness in that choice. Thank you for naming something tender and important.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

creative

Creativity can be a color, a song, a story, a solution, or a way of seeing the world. It does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. If you chose creative, you may be honoring imagination, expression, or the freedom to try something new.

Creativity gives each person a way to leave a mark.

Creative is a joyful word. I hear that expression matters. There is no perfect way to create; your way is enough.

wise

Wisdom can come from years lived, lessons learned, and moments noticed. It may show up in quiet knowing, good advice, or simply seeing what matters. If you chose wise, you may be honoring experience and perspective. Wisdom is something a community needs.

Wise is a meaningful word. I hear respect and experience in that choice.

Your wisdom has a place in this room.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE Adaptations and Visual Supports Assisted Living Facilitation • Invite residents to choose a word that describes themselves or someone they admire.

• Allow short sharing if residents want to speak.

• Encourage the group to notice strengths in one another and reflect those strengths back warmly.

Memory Care Adaptations • Keep word choices concrete and positive.

• Offer two words at a time and allow residents to point.

• If abstract identity language feels difficult, say, Which word feels good today? rather than Which word describes you? Use facial expression, gesture, or quiet listening as valid participation.

Visual Choice Supports • Print the word-choice page or write the words on a dry erase board before the program begins.

• Print the two spiritual statements as a choice page, or write both options on the dry erase board.

• Allow residents to choose by pointing, naming, nodding, or looking toward a choice.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE | Freedom to Be Myself

Choose a closing statement

Each person brings a color no one else can bring.

Being yourself is a gift to the community.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 3: FREEDOM TO CREATE | Freedom to Be Myself

Which word feels right today?

Kind Funny Strong Gentle Creative Wise

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Belonging Blessing and Community Circle Facilitator Step

Suggested Language

Welcome

Today we are closing our week with a quiet circle of belonging. You may speak, point, sing, listen, or simply be present. There is no right or wrong way to join in.

This is a moment to notice what we shared together.

Grounding

Let your feet rest on the floor. Take one slow breath in and one slow breath out. Notice that we are together in this room. Notice that each person has added something by being here.

Review

This week, we shared music, art, food, words, kindness, and community. Some people sang. Some people listened. Some people created. Some people watched. Some people helped. All of that counts as belonging.

Spiritual Statement Choice

I have two closing statements for our community. I'll read each one slowly. Option one: Belonging grows when we make room for one another. Option two: A community is built through small acts of kindness.

Choose Community Words

I will read a few words slowly: welcome, kindness, home, friendship, peace, and music. Choose one word Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

for our community today. I will write the words on the board so we can see them together.

Blessing

May this community be a place of welcome. May each person here feel seen, heard, and valued. May kindness move through our hallways, our tables, our songs, and our daily care. May we remember that belonging can begin with one gentle word, one shared smile, one song, or one quiet moment together. (Pause) May the person who sings, the person who listens, the person who smiles, and the person who rests all feel included. May this week’s spirit of connection continue after today.

Song Option

Optional closing song: This Little Light of Mine. Play the song. sing. or sway together if the group knows it. Use the song as a warm closing rather than a performance.

Close

Thank you for being part of this community circle.

Our roots are strong, and our new growth continues.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

welcome

Welcome can feel like a door Welcome is a generous word. I hear opening, a chair saved at the table, that making room for others matters. or someone saying, I am glad you are We can carry that feeling forward. here. It can be simple and powerful.

A welcoming community notices people and makes room for them.

Welcome is a gift we can offer again and again.

kindness

Kindness may be a smile, a patient moment, a helping hand, or a gentle tone. It can travel through a whole community in small ways. Kindness does not have to be grand to matter.

It helps people feel safer and more seen.

Kindness is a beautiful community word. I hear care in that choice.

Thank you for naming it.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

home

Home can be a place, a memory, a Home is a deep word. I hear that it person, or a feeling of being known. carries meaning. We can honor that A community can feel more like feeling together. home when people greet one another and notice what matters.

Home can hold comfort and longing at the same time. We can honor both.

friendship

Friendship may look like sitting nearby, sharing a song, laughing together, or checking on someone. It can be long-standing or begin in a small moment. Friendship reminds us that connection can grow slowly.

It is one way community becomes personal.

Friendship is a warm word. I hear connection in that choice. It is good to notice friendship here.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Word Reflection and Validation Guide Word

Imagery Reflection / Affirmation

Respond and Validate

peace

Peace may be a quieter pace, a familiar voice, or a room where people feel accepted. It does not mean everything is perfect. Peace can be one calm moment that helps the day feel softer. A community can create peace through patience and care.

Peace feels steady. I hear the need for calm and comfort. We can hold that together.

music

Music can bring people together Music is a joyful word. I hear how without needing many words. A song much song can bring into a room. We can hold memory, rhythm, comfort, can let music close our week warmly. and joy. Music can invite singing, tapping, smiling, or quiet listening. It can help a community feel connected.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Adaptations and Visual Supports Assisted Living Facilitation

Memory Care Adaptations

• Invite residents to help name highlights from the week and choose final community words.

• Keep the review concrete: We sang, We looked at art, We made food, We shared words.

• Offer optional sharing and allow residents to read parts of the blessing if they enjoy reading aloud.

• Offer two word choices at a time.

• The closing song can become a shared sing-along.

• Use a familiar refrain or a short recorded song clip rather than expecting full singing.

• Keep the blessing shorter if attention is limited.

Visual Choice Supports • Print the word-choice page or write the words on a dry erase board before the program begins.

• Print the two spiritual statements as a choice page, or write both options on the dry erase board.

• Allow residents to choose by pointing, naming, nodding, or looking toward a choice.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION | Belonging Blessing and Community Circle

Choose a closing statement

Belonging grows when we make room for one another.

A community is built through small acts of kindness.

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional

DAY 4: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION | Belonging Blessing and Community Circle

Which word feels right today?

Welcome Kindness Home Friendship Peace Music

Celebrating Freedom | Spiritual and Emotional