one day last week i wrote this journal reminder to myself:
breathe.
take one day at a time.
reorder my priorities.
elevate the important.
fill my life with only purposeful endeavors.
begin anew.
i looked at the calendar.
ash wednesday.
how apropos.
what immediately comes to mind for me when i think of lent?
- solemn observance
- six weeks, 40 days
- preparation
- atonement
- self-denial
- fasting
- the wait for spring
- discipline
- grief and mourning
- meatless meals
- veils of violet
- sorrowful reflection
- abstinence
- sacrifice
- camouflaged suffering
i no longer participate in the lenten rituals of the church.
yet remnants still remain that are both significant and relevant to me.
a mutation of the habits once learned.
mindfulness.
meaning.
meditation.
lucidity.
simplicity.
essentiality.
reflection.
edification.
contemplation.
i’ve always liked the idea of doing and consuming LESS during lent.
relinquishing practices and items that no longer serve.
getting back to the basics during this season of promise.
allowing that which must fade to wither.
baring the soul.
awaiting jubilant rebirth.
today i read about the japanese idea of kaizen.
one small change each day to reach one’s goal.
incremental, step-by-step, continuous improvement.
each day, each hour, each minute.
a perfect concept for my lenten observance.
what does the season of lent inspire in you?
*******
when we commit to rediscovering our true essence,
we bare our souls and await rebirth.
enjoy my complimentary guide.
[for a colleague’s perspective on a similar theme,
read this lovely article by april powell carchietta.]
As usual, your poetic perspective has me contemplating my choices. What a beautiful post april! You captured both your past practice and current ones to illustrate the ability we all have to realign. I love how you tied it in with kaizen as well. Wonderful connection! <3
Lent is very important to me, it’s when I truly reflect and study what God’s plans are for me, my family and our business. More importantly, I think about my friends and family currently struggling with health issues, financial struggles etc. I pray for them but also look to see how I can be of service and to “consume LESS and relinquishing practices and items that no longer serve.”
April, you are always so genuine and with your poetic verse, always inspire for us to become kinder and more mindful, thank you.
Beautifully written post, and inspiring. We are Catholic, and I brought my boys up that for me, Lent is not just about giving up, but giving back. So in our home, we might not give up candy or give up a bad habit, I taught them more to focus on what they could do to make someone’s day or life better. It really took away the “punishing” side of the old religion, and brought more of the spiritual, loving ourselves, others and God within us. I love the Japanese idea of Kaizen. It truly resonates with me! Thanks for such a heartfelt post.
“i no longer participate in the lenten rituals of the church.
yet remnants still remain that are both significant and relevant to me.
a mutation of the habits once learned.”
I feel the same way. It’s such a part of me, observed or not. Love that you gave me a chance to go back there for a few minutes!
I did not grow up with practicing the ritual of Lent but for some reason every year around this time my daughter and I do something like take a break from sugar for a few weeks. Could be that the winter has left us craving spring and lighter eating, but I always like having this ritual right around now.
First, as a ‘recovering’ Catholic, I must say your first lists looks very much like what I think of when I think of Lent. Anything but inspiring. For me looking at spring as a season of renewal and embracing all that is good and lovely and GREEN feels so much more nourishing. I don’t want to ‘give up’ anything, ever again. Love your prose. Thank you.
Thank you for this wonderfully written post. When I think of lent, many of the same things came to my mind. I am Catholic and I believe that having less in general is a great practice, no matter what time of year it is. The mindfulness and reflection are also great ideas to practice all of the time.
I enjoy your writing April. I do not observe lent, rather seasonal rituals and practices that are similar. Spring is a time of transition, space clearing and welcoming the new.
Mindfulness is also a wonderful practice.
I love this, April! Someone sent me an article about things to give up for lent and none of them were “things” but rather mindsets, fears, etc. This follows that same vibe. I’m inspired by the idea of letting go of judgement and not participating in gossip/negative thinking.
Yes and YES – what practices are traditional? Not many but I just stay in my heart, surround myself with enthusiasm and vitality xx