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.
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