Steps Toward Compassion series starts Jan. 12 in Lewes

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware three-week discussion series on Steps Toward Compassion is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 12 to 26 in Lewes. Dr. Len Bowman and Alex LeClaire will moderate.

The discussion series will focus on how to give participants a compassionate focus to their lives. It will be based on the book "Twelve Steps Toward a Compassionate Life," by Karen Armstrong, who believes that all people need to diligently cultivate their capacity for compassion to increase the harmonic quality of life on the planet.

The Jan. 12 session will explore the history of compassion and how it came into being in humanity and wove itself in and out of major religions. The Jan. 19 session will focus on empathy and action.The Jan. 26 last session on listening, recognition and enemies will focus on actions to construct new habits of thought.

Bowman, a member of the UUSD congregation, holds a doctorate in theology from Fordham University. He has taught philosophy and religion for over 30 years, and is currently teaching in the master of liberal arts program of Johns Hopkins University. LeClaire is currently completing a master’s in project management and works in the information technology project management field for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. A lifelong spiritual seeker and avid fiber artist, LeClaire has spent his life teaching and sharing in small groups many aspects of spirituality, philosophy and fiber art, and is currently a member of the UUSD congregation.

Advance registration is not required. A one-time $10 donation is requested for the course. The discussion series will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Route 9, Lewes. For more information, go to www.uussd.org or contact Bowman at LenBowman@gmail.com or 443-286-3495.