Reflecting on Lent
I religiously (ha) avoid discussing religion on my blog. But, on a day like Ash Wednesday, it’s something that’s hard to ignore. Even if you know nothing about the meaning of the day, you are bound to bump into someone on the street with ashes and wonder a little bit.
I don’t feel like I have a strong religious background. I was baptized in a Catholic Church and attended mass quite a bit with my family when I was younger. I went to “CCD” on Wednesday nights through most of my childhood. But after I started high school, I lessened my attendance of organized religious services. I had a few bouts here and there where I attended mass, but it never stuck. I usually enjoyed the message, but felt out of place. As I’ve learned more about religion as I gotten older, I think I can closely relate to many religion’s principles, but maybe Buddhism the most.
Anyway. I’ve always admired the concept of Lent. Traditional practices during Lent include prayer, fasting (food and festivities), and goodwill towards neighbors (volunteering, etc.) The fast reflects on “the forty days Jesus spent in the desert, during which he endured temptation by Satan.” Fasting begins on Ash Wednesday (today), and lasts until Easter Sunday (April 12th). The six Sundays in Lent are not counted towards the forty days, as they represent a “Mini-Easter.” (Thanks for all the info wikipedia!)
I truly believe that the practice of fasting, along with giving up other non-food luxuries, can be a healthy reminder of our good fortune and blessings. It can be used as a time to reflect upon who we really want to be – as an individual, spouse, friend, neighbor, coworker, citizen, etc. Ideally, we would focus on these things ALL YEAR LONG, but the truth is, we don’t. We get comfortable and we take things for granted – whether that be our supply of food, a good friend’s companionship, job security, our health, etc.
I suspect that now, with the state of the economy, people are reflecting on their fortune and luxuries a bit more than they had before. People are naturally cutting back. I feel like we are. The “bad” economy has not affected us directly, but we are conscious of it. So why not use that as a start to fully engage in a self-examination? What luxuries do we have in our lives? Which could we give up, or cut back on?
I think many of the tangible things I take for granted on a daily basis could be considered luxuries – owning our own home, owning two (running) cars, owning a treadmill, owning multiple high-priced electronic items, owning a laptop, having enough food in the house that I can overeat, and so on.
And there are non-tangible things I take for granted – having a full-time well-paying job, the physical ability to work out, my marriage, my relationship with my family, the right to speak my mind, the good will of my neighbors, and so on.
What actions can I take to be more appreciative? What could I cut back on in my life, that would allow me to be a better person to myself, and also to my friends/family and community?
Realistically, I could give up:
- Sugary Treats. Kevin is giving up sugar – but has the same partial reasoning behind it as me – it might boost some weight loss. Would giving up sugary sweets be a real sacrifice to me, or would it be selfish? I have a definite sweet tooth that causes me to seek out a sweet treat almost once a day… how would refusing that urge better me? Would it teach me to be grateful?
- Swearing/Gossip/Negative Talk. I don’t think this is always 100% possible, but I think I could be making a lot greater effort than I am.
- Spending money on frivolous items. Every once in awhile, I get the urge to read a new book, or magazine, even though I have plenty of them at home. It’s an indulgence and a waste of money.
- Dining out. Cut back to 2 nights a week (one being Subway before fencing) and 1 lunch throughout the week. This one may be difficult. I would have to be prepared by always having something to eat with me.
- Blogging. I wouldn’t stop blogging, but cut back on the amount of time I spend reading blogs and possibly, writing for mine. Would this be beneficial, or detrimental? I find blogging and reading blogs therapeutic and an aid to my well-being. I can at least monitor the hours spent on it.
Actions to better myself, my relationships, and my impact on society:
- Be a better listener
- Volunteer
- Have more patience
- Call family/friends more often
- Focus on meaningful communication
(What am I missing, from either list?)
I think I would like to give this a try. I think I could use some betterment, and reflection right now, especially when it comes to the second list. I spend a lot of time thinking about my own goals… about my life. I feel that I am a thoughtful and considerate person, but I could MAKE THE EFFORT to become more involved with other people.
Maybe I will end up writing some progress reports on this experiment. Or at least a summary in the end.
I hope I conveyed all of this in the most respectful manner possible.
Side note: Jen has some interesting input on the topic.
Themocracy
I think giving up the sugary treats is a little bit of both, honestly. It is a sacrifice because it’s something I truly enjoy. I like going out and grabbing something at the candy store, or taking a break at work to go the vending machines, or receiving a cupcake gift from my boss who makes killah cupcakes. So saying no is a sacrifice. Making conscious decisions to avoid something I love is a sacrifice.
But, yeah, there is a selfish motivation to it as well. I do want and need to lose weight and get in better shape.
However, I’m choosing to prescribe to the former rather than the latter to justify this move. Sure it’s convenient. But if it works, it also means I’m making an effort to appreciate the life that God gave me (or is that just cheesy?).
kapgar – Thanks for explaining it to me. I hope I didn’t offend you. I could only seem to focus on how it might help me lose weight, since that seems to always be on my mind. You are right – giving it up WILL help you focus on what you have. When you are thinking about a craving, it will be an automatic reminder to think of the other fulfulling things you have instead.
I am a lapsed Catholic. I went to Catholic school and I have a heathly adversion to plaid.
I never like the idea of giving something up. I know it is about sacrifice but I would rather do something to better myself or others. It is a sacrifice of time, energy but I guess the real reason is that I don’t like to be deprived of somthings.
My lent I decided to be more dedicated to the gym, at least twice a week. I have this horrible bout of laziness and I need to get out more and especially work out. I also plan on working towards letting things go and for me not to stew and re-hash situations over and over. both will lead to a health mind and body.
Maybe it will help towards a healthier spirit.
Not religious, but giving up something that’s bad for me or doing something that’s good for me can be nothing but good. As Christina above me said, getting back to a gym would be very good. Candy is something I could give up, but I really don’t eat much of that.
I don’t consider myself religious in the traditional sense but I think any (serious) attempts to improve oneself must be a step in the right direction. I think you have some points about the recession. In some ways I think it might be a good thing because it is forcing people to look at things differently and reprioritize their lives and where they spend their time.
I went to Catholic school for nine years; unfortunately I’m now at a place where I don’t do much for any holiday. I’m thinking I might at least go back to no meat on Fridays this year. We shall see how that pans out…
Christina – I think the goal of doing something to better one’s self and others is equally important to giving something up, if not more. I mean, I could be sitting alone at home, not eating my sugary treats, but be stewing up nasty thoughts. Why not use that time to do something better? Sometimes, we have to sacrifice times to get things done. Good luck at the gym. Will you be blogging about it?
martymankins – What are your get back to the gym plans? It’s probably difficult to plan it out with your trip coming up. I always have a hard time planning exercise around vacation.
teeni – I agree with what you say about the recession, even though a lot of people probably don’t see it that way. Most of us Americans are blessed… even spoiled, by goods or free time, or freedom or whatever. It is time to re-evaluate.
Cheryl – Hee hee. Hey, you don’t sound very committed! 😉 You can do it if you want to 🙂
I’m not Catholic, but I’ve given things up for lent before. I think it’s a good idea for all of us every once in awhile to consider giving something up. It makes us appreciate everything else a little bit more.
And as you noted with the sugar, there are also some other benefits for us sometimes too.
Very interesting post.
TC – Thanks 🙂 I think it is a good idea. I hope that after this 40 days I continue on with it!
Whatever you decide to give up is between you and God. Family and friends are not allowed to feel sorry for you or ask you how it is going. We never really followed this rule in our home. Grandma always encourged us to fast and to share, what that was going to be with the family.
mom – I am surprised, I didn’t know that. Probably because Grandma always talked about it. So, are you saying I shouldn’t talk about it here? 😛
I was raised Catholic, and I guess I still am…haven’t renounced the Church or anything. I live in the Deep South where religion is a way to batter people, and I have lost some faith in organized religion. That being said, I think of Lent as a time for introspection…for some people that comes better from giving up, for some that comes more from contributing more…as a child I was forced to give up cake or chocolate or something like that and I never once came out of Lent closer to God due to that sacrifice, it felt like a punishment.
Hotch Potchery – During childhood, I was told to do the same. And I never learned from it. Now I have the perspective to understand the point of it. I wish this is something that would have been taught to me better.