My theme for Lent this year is Mindful Contribution. I've been working at being more mindful-- being aware of how my thoughts wander, feeling grateful and savoring life, showing greater compassion, and expressing all of that with kindness, engagement, and contribution. It's a pretty fuzzy effort, easy to forget about or minimize, especially when I get busy.
As a symbol of that goal, I plan to fast from screentime at mealtime. I will eat each of my meals in a more meditative way- saying a prayer, giving attention to the food, perhaps writing a letter or writing in my journal, talking to my family, or reading something contemplative.
I'm also going to continue to explore social justice issues, and take some compassionate actions. I'll do a little study, prayer, journaling, artwork, or action each day... I don't know how this will evolve, but it will be revealed to me, week by week!
February 25, 2nd Sunday of Lent:
-Prayer of thankfulness for simple food
I've had the flu for 9 days and ate almost nothing. (I lost 5 pounds but I don't recommend the flu diet!) While it's true that Lent is a time of fasting, now I offer my prayer of thankfulness for simple foods-- for a bowl of muesli and a banana; for a chicken sandwich on whole grain bread; for tomato soup and crackers. I savor ever bite and am thankful.
February 26:
-Study compassion
“It is unconditional compassion for ourselves that leads naturally to unconditional compassion for others. If we are willing to stand fully in our own shoes and never give up on ourselves, then we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them. True compassion does not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate than ourselves but from realizing our kinship with all beings.”
― Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
-Prayer of thankfulness for simple food
I've had the flu for 9 days and ate almost nothing. (I lost 5 pounds but I don't recommend the flu diet!) While it's true that Lent is a time of fasting, now I offer my prayer of thankfulness for simple foods-- for a bowl of muesli and a banana; for a chicken sandwich on whole grain bread; for tomato soup and crackers. I savor ever bite and am thankful.
February 26:
-Study compassion
“It is unconditional compassion for ourselves that leads naturally to unconditional compassion for others. If we are willing to stand fully in our own shoes and never give up on ourselves, then we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them. True compassion does not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate than ourselves but from realizing our kinship with all beings.”
― Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
February 27:
February 28:
March 1, Full Moon:
-Journal queries
Write about new ideas I have this spring- ideas of change and new beginnings.
What is the hope I feel?
What is the strongest fear?
March 2, World Day of Prayer:
-Prayer for Creation
Divine Creator, Spirit in All Things,
Your kingdom is Here, and Now.
Your creativity is manifest everywhere I look on this heavenly Earth.
Nourish us Body and Soul in this earthly Paradise.
Forgive us for not noticing, for overlooking, the tiny, the subtle,
The seemingly insignificant beauty in your Creation.
And teach us how to forgive those who would harm your Great Works.
Make our Loving attention constant.
Deliver us from Ingratitude.
For You are our perfect Guide through the Delights of our sacred Home.
Your kingdom is Here, and Now.
Your creativity is manifest everywhere I look on this heavenly Earth.
Nourish us Body and Soul in this earthly Paradise.
Forgive us for not noticing, for overlooking, the tiny, the subtle,
The seemingly insignificant beauty in your Creation.
And teach us how to forgive those who would harm your Great Works.
Make our Loving attention constant.
Deliver us from Ingratitude.
For You are our perfect Guide through the Delights of our sacred Home.
March 3, Hina Matsuri:
- Prepare for the spring planting
