becoming: A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Adulthood

A young woman is smiling and walking forward. Her path is flanked by young adults holding hands out in a prayerful pose.

During the bridging ritual youth begin their journey of becoming UU adults, flanked by young adults who are also on the journey.

Life can be really hard. Life can be really wonderful. And our faith should be there for these times, even when our faith communities might not be.

Becoming: A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Adulthood is for the times when we need spiritual accompaniment. Whether in solitary reflection or group worship, this little book is here to be companion, guide, and hard surface to lean or dance on.

Becoming was created with the constant transition of young adults in mind—and the awareness that change is a constant for adults of all ages. The readings and reflections were compiled by a Unitarian Universalist (UU) young adult, and it includes words from UUs and non-UUs of the past and present, including personal reflections from other UU young adults. Hymns and songs are also included, to expand and deepen your meditation, prayer, reflection or worship.

How Do I Use It?

Becoming can be used individually. Read it all at once, or carry it with you through your transitions and pick out passages that speak to you at different stages. Get one for yourself, or as a great gift for bridgers and emerging adults.

Becoming can also be used with others! It comes in handy if you need a reading, prayer or hymn for a worship.

It's also great to use with young adult groups and campus ministry settings. Gather a small group of 4-10 people that meets regularly over a specific period of time, then use the accompanying manual "Becoming Together" (PDF, 16 pages) as a guide to work through each of the book's chapters. This manual is set up to use just one copy of becoming as a facilitation guide, so it can be done very inexpensively.

a young woman faces the camera, wearing overalls, with a coyp of "becoming" sticking out of her front pocket

It's always good to have a copy of "becoming" in your front pocket

Becoming A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Adulthood

By Kayla Parker

From Skinner House Books

A spiritual companion for young adults and all who live amid transitions and tensions. Dozens of carefully selected readings address themes that are prominent for people in their twenties and early thirties.

Buy This Book

Use becoming in Small Groups

Use this accompanying manual "Becoming Together" as a guide to work through each of the book's chapters in a small group.

Download the Manual PDF