January Spiritual Theme – Growth
By Rev. Bill

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 Linda Benson at chalicecircles@uuprinceton.org. Our Chalice Circle thoughts and questions around the theme of Growth this month are:

“In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.” – Audre Lorde
When has “difference” led to your growth? Did you fear it would instead, destroy?

“The loveliest roles, for me, have a growth arc – a beginning, a middle, and an end – and I’m always grateful when I can find one of those emotional journeys.” – Julie Andrews
What was a memorable growth experience of your childhood? What about last year?

“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.” – William Butler Yeats
Do you remember a time of happiness that involved growth? What was happening?

“Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” – Cesar Chavez
How have you, or have you, experienced language, or practicing “right speech,” reflect growth in character?

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl
When have you paused before reacting, and did that lead to growth?