Chapter 3

Reflection Questions
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World - Joan Chittister

Chapter 3

From the man who stood at the side of the road offering his message quietly but relentlessly, Chittister received an answer to an often asked question - what can I do about....?. "If we want something done we must just do something - one thing, one small thing."

And later she comments: "To do nothing is deadly doing."

How does this story and/or these quotes speak to me?

Reflecting on the Hindu story of the monkeys, Chittister suggests "there is always something - some one thing - we can do to make the power of our presence known. Whether it works or not, in the end, it will be the very attempt that makes the difference."

Are these examples in my life of times when I attempted to do something (because I felt strongly about it) that didn't turn out as I had wished, yet I recognize I did make a difference?

Describe the situation(s), what I expected, and what happened.

How do I feel now as i reflect on the experience(s)?

"Persistence is the antidote to powerlessness." (pg. 24)

When have I been persistent because I felt strongly about something?

What effect did my persistence have on me? and on the situation?

"The truth is that none of us is powerless... (pg. 25)

When do I feel powerless?

When do I feel inner "power" to stand for what I believe?

For me, what does it mean to make a difference?

Updated: May 18, 2008

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