Lent

I haven't participated in the Christian tradition of Lent since...well, ever. Though I was baptized and raised a Roman Catholic, our participation only went far enough to satisfy our traditionally Catholic grandmother. And while I'm no longer an active participant in the Catholic church (organized religion just isn't my cup of tea), I still find value and significance in some of the traditional practices.

The period of Lent denotes the forty days preceding Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. It is a time of soul-searching and repentance, and of reflection, taking stock and sacrifice. During this period, we voluntarily give up (or fast from) something in which we find pleasure as a means of returning to simplicity and purity, and to identify with Christ's sufferings.

Now personally, I don't feel that one need be a religious individual to participate in this Spring ritual of renewal. I think we can all benefit from a bit of sacrifice and reflecting on our lives. In these times of war and economic strife, I feel it is particularly important to take stock and be mindful of our blessings and to center ourselves around what truly matters.

So after some thought, I'm choosing to give up buying. That is to say, the act of spending money and the acquisition of possessions. It is far too easy for me to buy something just because I want it....a new shirt I happen to pass by or a new purse, a new facial cleanser even though I already have some, just grabbing lunch out instead of eating the food in the house I've already purchased, etc...and I'm choosing to give up this self-indulgent behavior.

Until Easter Sunday, I shall not spend a penny on anything (save for groceries*) or acquire any new possessions. This includes any health and beauty aids, entertainment and cleaning supplies. I'll just need to make good use of what I already have, and employ some ingenuity and creativity. No more Jamba Juice, no more Starbucks Chai Frappuccino's (ouch!), and I can kiss that cute bag I saw at work yesterday goodbye.

My husband is not participating in this, however he is supportive of me even though it means not going out to the movies or dinner until Easter ("Lent goes until Easter? Yikes, I thought it was a week!"). He's a good man. And there are still plenty of ways for us to entertain ourselves without spending any money. Like I said...creativity!

Anyone else participating in Lent? What are you giving up?


*And yes, I realize Lent traditionally includes the practice of fasting. Given my health issues, however, I'm not sure that would be entirely wise. Though for the sake of Lent, I'm defining "groceries" as essential meal ingredients. So I'll be fasting from Oreo's, Goldfish crackers, chips and salsa and the like. It's gonna be tough!