Quiet Dignity

Dignity does not consist of possessing honors, but in the consciousness that we deserve them.

Aristotle

What I write for this blog is, on occasion, decided for me. In today’s case it was determined by two events. The first was a meditation I listened to this morning by Jeff Warner titled, Quiet Dignity. The second event was a postcard falling out of my planner. The postcard was of the portrait in the photo above. I was drawn to this painting when I saw it at a John Singer Sargent exhibit. It has become my favorite work by him. To me, it exemplifies quiet dignity.

I realize, as exhibited in the painting, quiet dignity can be seen at any age. I would like to think that if we did not posses it in youth, it would be a trait we acquired as we aged. Sadly, age does not necessarily denote dignity. Quiet or otherwise. As we age the term dignity is used more often in how we are treated or cared for and less as a personal trait.

Earlier this week, over lunch with a friend, I was challenged to find some well-written books about aging. I take up the quest with no small amount of angst. Partly because I have yet to read a book on aging I would be willing to recommend. I have found many are condescending, written with an attitude of superiority. I am older, I am not an idiot. I am not interested in platitudes. Please do not speak down to me. It will ruffle my marginally dignified manner. It’s a work in progress.