Ash Wednesday/Lent

3/2/22

From Stardust/Starlight We Come

To Stardust/Starlight we shall return

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To remember who we always were

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To remember we are Loved, Beloved

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To let go of what doesn’t serve our truth

From Stardust/Starlight We Come

To Stardust/Starlight we shall return

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To walk with ourselves, in our inner world

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To walk with others past, present, future

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To walk with time itself, the universe itself

From Stardust/Starlight We Come

To Stardust/Starlight we shall return

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To dance with Gods, Holy Parents, “I am”s

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To learn from those called Rabbi, Teacher

We enter the period of Lent, 40 days

To let Holy Spirits enter our hearts

From Stardust/Starlight We Come

To Stardust/Starlight we shall return

Today we start the season called Lent. This is a time that is often marked by give things up (such as in a fast) or taking things up (such as adding a devotion/prayer time.) This is a time to grow spiritually in what ever manner that looks like for us. For example I found Queering Ash Wednesday on Facebook today.

There are countless ways you might celebrate the season of Lent. This is a quick list of 50 such ways in no order but which I hope inspires you to pick something that is meaningful for you. 

(Note only choose something if you want to. It is perfectly valid to choose to take a chill lent and say do only one, one-time event/activity instead of feeling like you have to do multiple things each and every day. Plus you can even choose to fast from religion/church for the period of Lent taking time away from church or other religious commitments so you can come back refreshed)

1. Do a traditional devotional
2. Create your own devotional
3. Do yoga or meditation each day
4. Spend time outside each day
5. Read a book from a different point of view
6. Read a poem each day
7. Read a newspaper/news site each day
8. Write a poem each day
9. Write a short story each day
10. Write a myth each day
11. Attend a worship space in person
12. Attend worship from across the world virtually
13. Make Art each day of Lent
14. Volunteer each day of Lent
15. Send an encouraging note/card/letter each day
16. Dance, Sing, Celebrate
17. Eat a chocolate covered strawberry each day
18. Eat bread and grape juice at home each day
19. Eat your veggies each day
20. Drink more water each day
21. Walk a labyrinth, or do a finger labyrinth
22. Have a cup of tea each day
23. Meatless Mondays or Fishy Fridays
24. Donate/Toss one items each day that doesn't bring joy
25. Make one homemade meal each week
26. Make one new recipe each week
27. Use lotion each day
28. Burn candles each day
29. Only Buy local
30. Only Eat out at BIPOC owned restaurants
31. Go to art galleries
32. Go to art museums
33. Go and explore public art
34. Try therapy for the first time
35. Call someone you have not spoken to in a long time
36. Check in with your own physical and mental health
37. Check in with those with mental health challenges
38. Check in with those who are home bound
39. Visit those who are sick or in prison
40. Hang out with pets/animals/et al
41. Explore another culture
42. Explore what brings you Joy
43. Explore how to be create
44. Explore how to let go of trauma
45. Explore your family history
46. Fast from negativity
47. Fast from self doubt
48. Fast from perfectionism
49. Fast from excess social media
50. Fast from buying new (non-food items)