As part of our commitment to Earth via our Laudato Si’ Action Plan, we are inviting everyone who shares in our charism to take a monthly Eco-Challenge with us.
A season for thanksgiving
In this season of Thanksgiving, may we consider ways to give thanks for the creation around us. May we be mindful of the beauty of creation. May we practice gratitude for the abundance given to us in the created world.
Take the Eco-Challenge
- Spend time with animals, including pets, or observe wild animals surrounding our homes including birds, squirrels or chipmunks.
- Notice the beauty of the plants in our environment, be they houseplants and flowers or trees and shrubs outside our windows.
- Give thanks for the amazing creation that is your own body.
Here is one example of a meal blessing.
O loving Creator, you provide food for both body and soul. I am mindful that this food has already been blessed by the sun, earth and rain. May this food make me aware of the interconnection between you, the universe and all of us. I am grateful for the hidden gifts of life in this food. I thank the farmers, grocers, bakers and cooks who have brought me this abundance.
This may include mindful walking or prayer and meditation in nature or simply meditating in front of a window overlooking a yard or observing the clouds in the sky or the moon and stars in the night sky. Research confirms the healing power of nature on our bodies, minds, and souls. Research also confirms that a practice of gratitude is healing as well.
I’ve been enamored with nature (trees, flowers, sky, animals) for many years. So my challenge is to become more aware of the wonder of the human body… my own, and that of others. When body parts don’t work, we become aware… I want to notice the miraculous way my body is “one” in parts that do not cause problems to me.
I will try to become more aware of what plants, animals, birds and fish do for us humans and try to do one action to protect one of them.
This was a beautiful reflection.
I will be even more aware of how blessed my body and health are.
Each month a find a prayer about creation to begin our Keep Mobile Beautiful meeting. I love feeding the birds and ferral cats that visit my yard. I try to grow flowers that will help the bees and butterflies. I use my leaves to keep potted plants warm in the winter and my pinestraw to protect my plants. Nature is my prayer so I am grateful for November challenge. God’s creation helps us to be mindful of his gifts.
I’m committing to saying a prayer of gratitude at each meal. I so often just sit down, start eating, and pay attention to the TV or my phone with very little thought or acknowledgment about the natural cycle and gifts of nature and people who made my food possible. I am thankful for this Eco Challenge because it will help me start to develop that awareness and give regular gratitude for the food that sustains my body.