Second Week of Advent

During this week of Advent my focus is on finding ways to create "peace and unity with all the people of the world":

• I begin by being peaceful within myself and in (better) harmony with people I interact with (especially those who irritate me).
• I challenge myself to work to create the conditions of peace- justice, equality, and freedom- in my family and community. 
• I work to learn about how other people celebrate this season, and practice some of these in order to understand and appreciate traditions and beliefs of people throughout the world, and find a closer connection.

My advent plans have taken a sharp turn... yesterday my bicycle was hit by a van that ran a red light.! I have a broken arm, and ribs, and lots of bruising, but I feel lucky. I am so glad to be alive.

So I get this chance to feel unity with people who are hurt, people who can't use both arms, people who need help. I am so grateful for my friends and family, who are preparing food for me, running errands, and washing my hair. I'm not helpless, but I am in need of care, and so MUCH care is being showered on me! Thank you all.

Agenda:

1. Take some time for myself:
As with all illnesses, I now have a chance to truly rest. But besides rest, I plan to focus on my inner peace, because to be a peacemaker in the world- I've learned- you first need to feel calm, happy, and comfortable within yourself. After being the victim of a crime, it takes a little attention to feel that again.

People are all different, and we each have our own best ways to find inner peace. Some of my favorites are denied me right now - I can't sew or take a bath right now (because I have some stitches):, but I can

• take a short walk in my neighborhood.
• write in my journal.
• read a good book.

2. Sit with a friend:

My friend Peg is dying, which has helped to put my accident in perspective. I hope to spend some time with her later this week. 

3. Celebrate Rohatsu- a Buddhist holy day:

(See the post on Tuesday.)

4. Do some research:

This week I'd like to study the Syrian refugee crisis. The Syrian civil war began as a mostly nonviolent protest movement called the Arab Spring, and has ravaged the country since 2011. This war between Syrian government forces and rebel militias has spilled into other parts of the Middle East, and created a power vacuum that led to the rise of militant groups such as ISIS.

I want to keep informed about their situation, and will read a little in the news each day.

5. Make Syrian Red Lentil Soup:

About 10 per cent of the nation of Syria is made up of Eastern Christians, who celebrate Christmas. Many of them observe a 40 day fast of all dairy products, meat, eggs and fish, as a spiritual preparation before Christmas. I thought about going vegan for a month, or even a week, but when I'm able, I will start with this delicious Syrian soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. red lentils
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp. coriander seed
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• cumin oowder
• black pepper
• lemon

Yield: 4 cups-

1- Rinse and sort the lentils, and bring them to a boil with 1 quart of water. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes, until they have dissolved into a puree.

2- Meanwhile, grind the garlic, coriander seed and salt in a mortar and pestle into a coarse paste. Fry in the olive oil for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add to the soup and let simmer a bit longer.

3- Taste and adjust if needed by adding water or salt. Serve in individual cups garnished with a pinch of the cumin and black pepper, and a lemon wedge on the side.