Our Monthly Spiritual Themes guide our Chalice Circles, which are small, intentional groups of members and friends that gather for spiritual enrichment through personal sharing. For more information on Chalice Circles, please email chalicecircles@uuprinceton.org. Our Chalice Circle thoughts and questions around the theme of Dignity this month are:

“My father used to have an expression. He’d say, ‘Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about your dignity. It’s about respect. It’s about your place in your community.’” –Joe Biden

What were you taught about the relationship between work and dignity? Have the jobs you have had added to or detracted from your dignity and respect?

 

“Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.” –Abraham Joshua Heschel

When have you had to say “no” to yourself or another to maintain your dignity?

 

“I don’t believe in the school of hard knocks, although I’ve had them. All that stuff about whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is so not true. Do you know what makes you stronger? When people treat you and your art with dignity.” –Lana Del Rey

Do you agree that being treated with respect adds more to your dignity and strength than hard knocks? What has made you stronger in your life? Has it been “hard knocks” that don’t kill you or being treated with respect?

 

“Humor is an affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man’s superiority to all that befalls him.” –Romain Gary

“There are so many low points with stand-up. You are perpetually humiliated, so it doesn’t really matter anymore. I don’t have any dignity left to lose. An audience can’t hurt you anymore when you’ve been completely dismantled.” –John Oliver

Have you used humor in your life to overcome difficulties or has its use led to self criticism or criticism by others leading to a loss of dignity?