1st week of Lent, Saturday – Look at another object within your view. Let your eyes examine it a trace all its edges, colour, light, etc. Let your eyes rest on this object seemingly without purpose. Let your mind settle and relax.

1st week of Lent, Thursday – This may sound weird but try it….smell your pillow. Every person has their own personal smell, like animals. This is your smell. Become familiar with your own smell, if possible. It is unique, like you are.

1st week of Lent, Wednesday – Find something soft to touch. Fell its comfort on you face. Enjoy the softness.

1st week of Lent, Monday – With eyes closed, listen to the world for five minutes. Allow yourself to notice the subtleties of noises and the quiet in between. Think of the ebb and flow of life through sound only.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday – With eyes closed, use your hands to hold your face. Run your hands over your features. This is the face given to you by generations of those who went before you. They live in this world because of you and your face. It is a God given face. This face bravely turns to the world in hope for good in the future. With eyes still closed, smile and feel this smile. Think of drawing the smile inside – to smile at yourself. YOU are worth your lovely face and its smile.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday – With eyes closed, hold your own hands. Lightly draw each hand over the other, gently massaging every part. The stop and just hold your hand, feeling its warmth and life. Notice that you are a live gift to yourself. These are the hands your parents cuddled so admiringly. These are the hands that touch the ones you love, touch your future. Stay holding your hands for this session.