Chalice Lighting
May we know once again that we are not isolated beings,
but connected, in mystery and miracle,
to the universe, to this community and to each other.
Check‐in: How is your spirit right now?
Introduction to Journey Circles:
- Journey Circles provide a space free from judgement, interruption and challenge,
- A space for spiritual exploration and search for meaning,
- A time to intentionally look within ourselves and recognize and reconnect with our Inner Wisdom,
- A place to develop deeper connection with others through sharing.
What a Journey Circle Is NOT
- A social club
- A therapy group
- Discussion group for current events
Covenant:
- We observe strict Confidentiality. Do not share other people’s stories outside of our group.
- Speak only when it’s your turn. Abide by time restrictions (Generally 3 minutes).
- Speak from the heart. This is not a forum on current events.
- Be non-judgmental and non-confrontational. Use “I” statements in any responses.
- Refrain from giving advice or trying to fix problems
Check‐in: What is most on your mind today?
Opening Readings
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” (Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism)
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as night the day, that thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Willian Shakespeare, British playwright)
“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”
(Winston Churchill, British statesman, former Prime Minister)
Topic Exploration
Society, especially Western society, places a high value on truth. Truth is the foundation for a fair and just society. In court, we require witnesses to swear to tell ‘the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’, because only that way can justice be delivered.
There are two aspects of truthfulness: being true to yourself, and being true to others. The two are not quite the same thing, although they are closely linked. Truthful people will:
- Know themselves‐‐their own strengths and weaknesses. They will not delude themselves about their successes or failures, nor misrepresent themselves to others;
- Meet any commitments or promises that they make;
- Understand that truthfulness creates social bonds and societal cohesiveness, and lying and hypocrisy break both.
Is it ever right to NOT tell the truth? There are two possible ways to not tell the truth: withhold information, or provide false information. Most of us know that you do not need to tell everyone everything. Context is all‐important, and you have to consider whether people need and/or want to know something. Further, you may possess confidential information that you have promised not to share. Is it right to provide false information or lie? Truthfulness is important, but so is not hurting or endangering others. Truthfulness and tact must go hand in hand, because otherwise the truth may be unacceptable or hurtful to those who hear it. This is where you exercise your personal conscience.
However, it is never acceptable to lie in order to make yourself look better, or to avoid trouble that you have brought upon yourself. If you lie about yourself, or to avoid trouble, and people find out, they are unlikely to trust you again.
(Excerpts from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/truthfulness.html)
Questions / Sharing
- Do you believe that truth is Incontrovertible, as Winston Churchill said? Or do you believe truth depends on context and source and other variables?
- Do you agree with the statement that it’s unacceptable to lie to make yourself look better, or to avoid trouble you brought upon yourself? Do you know people who have done that, or have you been tempted to do so? What are the likely ramifications of such behavior?
- Do you expect different levels of truthfulness from spouses or families, than from sources in the outside world? If so, why?
- Have you been lied to about a significant matter, and how did that affect your relationship with the one who told the lie?
- If you say what you believe is true, and someone else says what they believe to be true, but the two truths differ, what do you do?
- In what circumstances would you have no hesitation to lie, or withhold the truth?
Closing Readings
“Be Impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” (Don Miguel Ruiz, Mexican psychologist)
“All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.” (Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher)
Check‐out and reflections on today’s session: Please express any closing thoughts on the content or process of today’s session.
Extinguish the Chalice
We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. these we carry in our hearts until we are together again.