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 Empathy this month are:

Keeping in mind the definition of “empathy” as “identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings and motives”, please respond to the following quotes and questions:

“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” – Maya Angelou

How does this comment reflect your view of and experience of empathy?

 

“Empathy is a choice, and it’s a vulnerable choice because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling.” – Brene Brown

“Empathy is asking too much.” – Paul Brown

“I couldn’t even imagine!” – Leslie Jamison

Which of these statements connect best with your experience of empathy?

 

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus for creating change.” – Max Carver

Is there an experience in your life that reflects this description of empathy?

 

“The opposite of anger is not calmness, its empathy.” – Mehmet Oz

Can you think of a time when anger prompted you to act with empathy?