May this Lent be Refreshing for You
Lent, in certain Christian traditions, is marked by the period before Easter in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert prior to his death and resurrection. It is generally characterized by the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, often times with a priority placed on fasting.
For those struggling with an eating disorder, shame, and/or low self-worth, however, the task of denying oneself nutrients or added pleasures can be confusing, troublesome, and even damaging. Fortunately though, there are many creative options towards having a faithful Lent while supporting your optimal wellness.
I like to start off each season of Lent by asking myself: what in my physical, mental, social, or spiritual life could I commit to doing this season that would foster greater healing and wholeness? It is so easy for us humans to get out of balance and Lent can be an invitation to bring ourselves back to alignment and homeostasis. Depending on which area of your life feels in most need of attention, here are some creative intentions for Lent:
Physical: One year my sister chose to floss her teeth everyday for Lent, another, she focused on buckling her seatbelt! Think of the ways you might be neglecting to take care of and adequately provide for your physical self. Perhaps you want to set the intention to drink a certain amount of water each day, commit to going to sleep at a certain time, or focus on doing some mindful movement. Do something to support the temple that is your body.
Mental: With all that life demands, our minds often get tired and stressed; we struggle to give them the rest and Sabbath that they deserve. For others, our mind can get neglected from too much idleness. Our mind can also be the realm where we are most critical and harsh towards ourselves. This Lent could be your opportunity to commit to telling yourself one positive thing each day, taking a class on a new subject of interest, practicing daily mindfulness, or reading or writing for a certain amount of time each day. Take into consideration how you might best foster your mental well-being.
Social: God created us to be social beings and yet it is easy, especially when we are hurting, stressed, or tired, to isolate and withdraw from the world. Consider the ways you can reconnect to your community. Maybe you want to choose a valued person in your life to write a letter to each week, attend some new events or a class at your parish, make a point to spend more time with friends, make a date to call your parents, children, or god-children weekly, or do some volunteering in your local community. Whatever it is, do something that revitalizes you and your relationships with others.
Spiritual: Lent is certainly a time to recommit to the spiritual practices that we have lost touch with or to try something new. You might consider doing a daily devotional, choosing a book of the Bible to focus on, starting or ending each day with 5-10 minutes of meditation, or praying each night for three people you interacted with throughout your day. One year I was feeling particularly out of touch with my inner self and creative force so I did my best to make time to draw, color, or water-paint in a sketchbook every day of Lent; it was a lovely way to celebrate the Spirit within me. Think about what nourishes you on a Spirit level and allow Lent to be a time of rejuvenation and fulfillment for you!
No matter what you choose, remember that Lent is preparing us for the life and light that come with the resurrection of Jesus. Hence, let it be a time of reflection, preparation, and renewal for you.
Blessings and a nourishing Lent to all,
Nikki Holm, MA
Chaplain
