Rousseau and Dignity: Art Serving Humanity

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

This interactive workshop co-taught by Julia V. Douthwaite, Professor of French Studies at Notre Dame, and UC Davis-certified life coach, Becky Lindstrom, has two goals:

1) To allow participants to reflect on the concept of dignity by viewing some of the stunning portraits from the Amnesty International photography exhibit, DIGNITY: Human Rights and Poverty (first exhibited in May 2010 in Paris and again in 2012 at the University of Notre Dame); and

2) To invite participants to document and share their thoughts on dignity, happiness, poverty and humanity through the quotes of 18th century humanitarian, Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Prof. Douthwaite was the curator of the exhibit at Notre Dame, which served as the catalyst for her recently published book, Rousseau and Dignity: Art Serving Humanity. This beautiful collection gathers essays from contributors ages 7-92, and includes moving portraits of people in poverty living all around the world. It calls on us to expand our concept of dignity and to cultivate deep compassion for humanity.

Becky Lindstrom is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective of the world and connect with the compassion, unconditional love and gratitude found inside each one of us. She will use her excellent listening and reflecting skills to support participants as they move through their own journey of self-discovery.

Location information: The Center for Spiritual Growth is located in Southfield Village at 6450 Miami Circle (off Miami Rd just south of Kern Rd). Parking is in the main circle drive in front of the large white Community Center. When you enter the building, head to the second floor (stairs or elevator). The conference room is down the hall to the left of the large rock and stained glass wall.