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Heartwings Love Notes 675 - A Lenten Discipline Can Be More Than Fasting

Heartwings says, "The six weeks before Easter are a chance to practice some self discipline."

Regardless of one's spiritual orientation, self-discipline can be helpful to one's personal growth. In the days before supermarkets or
even grocery stores, for people in spiritual or religious communities or congregations to find enough to eat in the latter months of
winter could be difficult especially in the six weeks before Easter. The Christian religious institutions of the day dedicated this time,
known to Christians as Lent to the spiritual practice of fasting. From a practical standpoint, this extended what supplies remained. It
also provided a spiritual bonus to do so. Making a virtue of necessity, the Lenten observances of the past centuries helped individuals
get through the scarcity of food.

When I was growing up of course food was abundant. I was taught that the way to fulfill Lenten obligations was to give up something I
might enjoy eating. I was told that fasting wasn't just about going without a meal or not eating meat; it could mean giving up
chocolate, or ice cream or sweets in general as a discipline instead of not eating meat on certain days or whatever else might be
considered appropriate. However my great aunt Alice had a different approach. She believed in taking on rather than giving up
something during Lent. Being a giving member of the community she would assume extra volunteer work or make a special effort at
that time to visit elderly or invalid family members or friends.

I have come to believe that my Great Aunt's idea of a good Lenten discipline is more meaningful as a spiritual practice than giving up
desserts or candy. However, I am not one to visit the sick, nor am I involved in any community activities of a volunteer nature. Instead
I believe that for me to fulfill the spirit of this period I need to enhance my focus on gratitude and giving. I can become more mindful of
my blessings, spend more time acknowledging with gratitude the kindness of friends and family, and be more aware of whatever
opportunities may present themselves for me to be kind and thoughtful to others.

Self-discipline can consist of an act of rigorous denial or of observing and then acting as might be appropriate. One can lead a
spiritual life whether or not one has taken vows or lives within a specific religious or spiritual setting. If my Lenten practice becomes a
habit or enhances my ability to be more mindful, that will do me more good than giving up candy. In the process it may also help me
to be more aware of when I can do someone a kindness. By prioritizing these attitudes in my everyday life, I can enact a Lenten
discipline that will do more good in general than simply fasting from anything I might enjoy eating.

May you discover ways to enhance your spiritual life during Lent.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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