Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In the Catholic tradition, Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus and preparing the believer for Holy Week through sacrifice, self-denial and repentance. Throughout history the number 40 is thought of as the sacred time that it takes to make a positive change in one's life.
Over the years during Lent I have given up candy, swearing, drinking, watching General Hospital (which actually led to me stopping all together) not really having a full understanding of the purpose of this exercise. Some years I just boycotted Lent all together.
Then through a conversation with my Spiritual Director, I was able to have a whole new context for Lent that one can incorporate regardless of one's spiritual practice. This time of year is a great 40 day structure to make some positive changes. It's an opportunity to fast (give up) on old patterns and feast (incorporate) new patterns.
I started speculating on what I could fast and feast on to make some changes and came up with the following things to integrate the mind/body and spirit.
Happy - Mind
Fasting on - being paralyzed by fear and the fear based thoughts and conversations that have been swimming around in my head and coming out of my mouth.
Feasting on - taking actions in my life that will clear out the clutter, and move my life forward in the direction that I intend. Expanding my thinking - giving up what I already know and being willing to learn, to grow and experience life newly by blocking the flow of life through my fearful thoughts.
Healthy - Body
Fasting on Coffee -I love coffee, so it is a sacrifice for me to give it up, but I also see the benefit to it, as lately the acidity of the coffee has started irritating my stomach.
Feasting on - Healthy Eating - I will eat totally clean for the next 40 days (no sugar, processed foods, carbs) and I will begin cooking more frequently. At least 4 days a week. Also feasting on exercise. Keeping up my 6 days a week regimen with diligence.
Hot - Spirit
Fasting on - Being in such a hurry and "needing to know."
Feasting on - Practicing surrender and quieting myself and connecting with spirit and my own spiritual center though daily meditation and prayer.
Forty days from today is Sunday, April 17th. I will be blogging about what changes are occurring for me incorporating these habits and practices.
I also invite you to join me on this journey. Take on some practices for yourself, comment and let me know what you are taking on and join on on the conversation of what changes you are experiencing in your life through these practices.
What are you feasting and fasting on?
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