Though I hope a long stretch of years lay before me, my Catholic faith’s distribution of ashes today reminds me of my mortality and the need to prepare my soul. At some point in high school, I gave up giving up things for Lent and opted towards action or reflection. The time God has given me is limited and I measure my soul’s preparedness for being with God against the impact I have on others and the world. Lent is my time to cram in as much good as I can into my soul to make up for my failings the rest of the year, so as I began planning for this year, I came up with many areas where I just don’t think I’m doing enough, where my soul is calling out for focus and attention and a connection. I want to make the most of this gift of time I’ve been given and leave God’s grace behind me as I move closer to becoming ashes. I want to be intentional.
To that end, my food choices have bubbled their way back to the forefront of my consciousness. I am fortunate enough to have food choices and I do squander the choice without much thought towards the impact of my choices on the environment or on the people involved in the making of my food. For Lent, I will be more intentional about the food I eat, the foods I don’t eat, and the people involved in making my meals a reality, from planting to distribution, to my plate. I am still a strong believer in sustainable farming methods, and I will be more intentional in supporting these farmers and producers. I want to honor the planet with which we’ve been entrusted by being a better eater.
To be intentional, I need to be more aware. As someone who struggles sitting still, meditation has never been my thing. I generally am the one asking, “are we done yet?” approximately 30 seconds into the meditation practice. Fortunately, I found the Jesuit practice of the Examen, which I lovingly call the Contemplative in Action’s guide to meditation. It also aligns with the Dalai Lama’s analytical meditation notes, so it’s good enough for me to consider it meditation. I will practice the Examen each day in Lent, reflecting on where I dimmed God’s light and where I brightened it.
As I put it into the universe, may it be so. May your Lenten journey be what your soul needs.
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