Greener Lent

Each year, around the latter part of winter, Lent arrives.  It nearly always surprises me.  Here it is, once again, summoning me to change how I typically live.

~~W. David O. Taylor, theologian and ordained Anglican priest

During Lent many Christians focus on simple living, prayer and fasting.  When it comes to simple living, there are major cultural and convenience barriers. Values of growth and consumption work against it and our lives are so busy, it’s hard to develop new habits. Yet, using Taylor’s words, Lent 'summons' us there. But where?

1. Lent and the Spiritual Benefits of Nature Walks introduces one Lenten practice to consider. It can deepen our love for the natural world and our commitment to protect Creation. Weekly or more frequent Lenten Walks could be solitary or with friends or family. Soapstone United Methodist Church held a Lenten Walk for their whole church family. Towns in England have held community-wide walks during Lent. 

Other options include exploring a different area park or labyrinth each time.  Labyrinths at four congregations in the Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle network - Beeloved Community Garden at W. Raleigh Presbyterian, Fairmont United Methodist, St. Michael's Episcopal, all in Raleigh and Unity Center of Peace in Chapel Hill - are listed in the World-wide Labyrinth Locator as being always open. On your Lenten walks, practice deep seeing (Vipasyana explained below) and experience your surroundings with each one your senses (forest bathing). Or bring devotional passages or poetry related to Creation care to contemplate. What a beautiful program of Lenten walks you can create!

2. Another option is Greener Lent, developed by Rosemary Herhold, a local Catholic who cares deeply about Creation. Open to all people of faith and no faith, Greener Lent is a set of spiritual practices - fasting, praying and giving alms - with specific programs for each.  The fasting practice offers a plant-rich diet while reducing or abstaining from meat, leading to spiritual and environmental well-being. There are four fasting levels, allowing people choice in their level of abstaining and offering doable challenges for everyone, including those who currently eat meat almost every day.

May your Lenten practices be blessed.

Submitted by Lynn Lyle, Pullen Earth Ministry and Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle

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