Astro Iris I’ve had these two days, Monday and Tuesday, where it’s actually been difficult for me to “collect” my thoughts and simply decide on the next topic to debate. Me and myself, for the moment, and of course, you, if you decide 🙃🤭 to express yourself. You have the opportunity now as Mercury is in direct movement. Also Mercury is the one who, for these two days, pumped the brakes on my thoughts in choosing a topic. I realize now that I have needed to focus on this specific moment we are going through.
So, the chosen topic is about Lent and the state of during Lent. Why?
Because we are in the last couple of weeks in which we can choose Lent, the direct connection with Easter Holi(y)day.
And because there is so much controversy regarding this act. Just because society shows us a connection to the church and to God. Like something sucks about it (not to say “something bad”, this obsessive phrase on people’s lips, a direct sabotage that also amuses us) !!!! That’s just a little reminder !!!😉😉😉😉
After all, the act of Lent is much deeper and once understood (if you want to understand, necessarily), can bring immense benefits to our vital structure.
Let’s take the concrete example of modern fasting. I call it, more recently, “everyday fasting”. This is exactly a form of Lent (or Advent fast), as we know it religiously, which emphasizes only curbing our appetite for food. The goal?! To each his own. Basically, it’s about slimming and health in whatever form everyone needs.
Let all other appetites flow with them! And us with them too! After all, life is not just about food. It has other “goodies” waiting to be served. We abstain from food but we stuff other types of “feed” (the list is long) into us that can be far more harmful than the eating itself.
Now back to religious aspect of it, Lent. Its deeper meaning comes with the real challenge of cutting off, one by one, various cravings and temptations. From mental to sexual, material, behavioral. So, not just animal food and its derivatives.
Yes, I do practice Lent and accept its religious aspect. And I practice it always setting up an intention. The intention is always about self-educating, self-correcting, self-improving, self-empowering, self-growing, etc. on one or more aspects of life. Basically, it’s an authentic form of connecting to a source of life where even if I have access to everything (more or less), to access what I really need. Furthermore, the clarity that comes of Lent reaches a peak each time, which expands more and more to a maximum of that time available. It also comes with a lot of will and a willingness to do things. And to do them well, good, with passion and dedication. It comes with extended inner strength, an inner confidence from a safety that cannot be defined. That safetiness I know it’s there, sitting somewhere inside me. And it comes with the result of the intention I set up when I decided to practice this act and whatever it is, to stay focused on the act itself. Each time, the result is achieved and I know it is the right and correct path. It is the ultimate and absolut confirmation.
You don’t even have to “schedule” church visits if you feel it doesn’t represent your life. Nor a veneration of any icons. You just have to be authentic and recognize to yourself if you are ready for such an action.
The church is an institution and has its role. It is not the representative of God on Earth, even if that is what we are told, and it does not impose anything to anybody. Instead, physically, it is open to everyone and everyone (knowingly) chooses what reality they creates.
Finally, I encourage all of you to find the courage to choose whatever form of fasting and Lent you want and suits you. Even in a form of exercise. The essential matter is to give it a purpose, something you have always wanted to achieve as a personal outcome.
And as a final message, my Lent is no better than your fasting. And neither is your fasting better than my Lent. Nor is the fact that you don’t access such an act at all.
Lent / fasting just IS. And even more, it’s very very personal.
Let’s get personal and rise up the courage! 🤍😇
