This game is a fun and energizing activity that demonstrates how challenging it can be to develop our spiritual qualities in the world.

Blow up a number of balloons, small to medium size. Using a permanent marker, ask the participants to write a virtue or spiritual quality on each balloon. You might encourage the participants to take a moment and blow gently on the balloon to dry the marker ink.

Then, standing in a circle, have the group tap the balloons into the air and challenge them to keep each and every balloon airborne. Even a quick group will find this a challenge-some virtue or other will careen wildly outside the circle, or one will take a nose-dive.

This offers a wonderful visualization of how difficult it is to develop spiritual qualities in everyday life. It is not something that can be done easily-it requires keen attention, determination, and, many times, the help of our friends and family.