Discussion Questions for "And Toto, Too: 'The Wizard of Oz' as a Spiritual Adventure"

Chapter 28 Confirmation

1. People "sometimes need help seeing in themselves qualities that are easily recognized by those around them." Has that ever been true of you?
2. Have you been becoming something slowly, day by day, with the help of those around you? What are you becoming?
3. A sacramental is "an outward, visible sign; a token, of the inner, invisible reality." What's the most important one you've received?
4. What do you think about The Wizard's statement, "a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others?"

Chapter 29 Into Thin Air

1. Have you ever been in an atmosphere with lots of energy and little real substance?
2. Have you ever, like Dorothy, wanted something so badly that you believed in it, even when you knew it wasn't real?
3. Have you ever, like The Wizard, let another believe you could do something that you knew you could not?

Chapter 30 Sterile

1. Did you ever receive a kind offer to settle for less than a goal you felt you needed to pursue?
2. Have you ever chosen to live a part of your life closed off to new relationships?
3. Have you ever chosen to risk your heart, even if it might hurt?
4. Are you good at asking yourself, "What have I learned?"

Chapter 31 No Place Like Home

1. Do you have a meditative practice - or anything like it - that helps you move into your heart of hearts?
2. Does this scene make you think of anything similar in your life? Have you ever awakened in a way that was hard to make others understand?
3. Have you ever had a profound experience of coming home?

Epilogue: The End And A New Beginning

1. When did you begin to say "I love you?"
2. How are the words, "I love you" spoken in your family and in your circle of friends?
3. "Those she'd said a tearful goodbye to were given back to her, only slightly different, in the next scene.
   " Do you think we'll ultimately be given back to those we love?