Lent calendar, Week 1

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 14, Ash Wednesday: 
-Set my intentions for fasting
-Make pretzels
-Mealtime prayer: (YouTube video.)

God bless to us our bread,
And give bread to all those who are hungry
And hunger for justice to those who are fed.
God bless to us our bread.
~words and music by Osvaldo Catena

February 15, Nirvana Day:
-Read the Buddha's teachings
I read from my favorite Buddhist author, Pema Chodrin. She has a book that's entirely about the impermanence of life called Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion. 

February 16, Chinese New Year: 

-Buddhist prayer of Five Contemplations:
This food is the gift of the whole universe—the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
May I live in a way that makes me worthy to receive it.
May I transform my unskillful state of mind, especially my greed.
May I take only foods that nourish me and prevent illness.
I accept this food so that I may realize the path of practice.

February 17:

-Visit the Asian Celebration and feed the Lion Dancer