Second week of Lent
Simplifying the Care of the Body
This week, we are invited to experience our bodies from a different perspective than our daily habits. If you are unable to do the exercise for any day then create your own. It is the awareness that the exercise touches that is the important part of the practice.
Monday:
Cover Your Mirrors for a Whole Morning
Are you able to look at yourself without being critical or look at someone else without judging? Has the mirror been an instrument of judgment for you through the years? Today, explore underneath your surface appearance.
Tuesday:
Skip Today’s Shower or Bath
We have the luxury of indoor plumbing with hot and cold water from the tap and are able to bathe daily. How would daily life be for you in a culture of poverty where you could only bathe at special times? Today, do not bathe or shower to increase your awareness of those who live in situations of poverty where it is difficult to access water and bathe only rarely.
Wednesday:
Wear Your Oldest Clothes Today
Wear your oldest clothes no matter what your scheduled or with whom you will be meeting. How does your perception change when functioning in a consumer-based society if you cannot afford to keep up your appearance? What does it feel like? Do other people look at you differently? How is your self worth connected to your appearance?
Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit By Paula Huston Ave Maria Press (December 19, 2011) Is being used as a guide.
loosenthegrip 
I have found the past 3 days very telling…. I really didn’t do a good job of making “it” happen… though I thought about it… Maybe it underlines the fact that appearance and cleanliness are important to me… not that I need to shine everywhere I go, but to feel good about myself, at least I have to try!