lenten contemplation.

one day last week i wrote this journal reminder to myself: breathe. take one day at a time. reorder my priorities. elevate the important. fill my life with only purposeful endeavors. begin anew.

i looked at the calendar. ash wednesday. how apropos.     what immediately comes to mind for me when i think of lent?

• solemn observance

• six weeks, 40 days

• preparation

• atonement

• self-denial

• fasting

• the wait for spring

• discipline

• grief and mourning

• meatless meals

• veils of violet

• sorrowful reflection

• abstinence

• sacrifice

• camouflaged suffering

    i no longer participate in the lenten rituals of the church. yet remnants still remain that are both significant and relevant to me. a mutation of the habits once learned.     mindfulness. meaning. meditation.

lucidity. simplicity. essentiality.

reflection. edification. contemplation.     i've always liked the idea of doing and consuming LESS during lent. relinquishing practices and items that no longer serve. getting back to the basics during this season of promise. allowing that which must fade to wither. baring the soul. awaiting jubilant rebirth.     today i read about the japanese idea of kaizen. one small change each day to reach one's goal. incremental, step-by-step, continuous improvement. each day, each hour, each minute. a perfect concept for my lenten observance.     what does the season of lent inspire in you?     *******     when we commit to rediscovering our true essence, we bare our souls and await rebirth.

enjoy my complimentary guide.   [maxbutton id="1"]

    [for a colleague's perspective on a similar theme, read this lovely article by april powell carchietta.]