Day of LENT – REVISITED

Quiet Quitting harmful habits and reconnect.

The cultural and religious references defining lent have been engrained in my psyche, since my early childhood. In Greece the period of lent is defined by the “cleansing” the body, and ultimately the mind by abstaining from meat, eggs, cheese, all animal byproducts, and lastly salt and olive oil for 40 days before the coming of Easter/ Πἀσχα. What I gather was a pagan ritual heralding the coming of spring and summer, was adopted by organized religions, throughout the region as a practice in preparation for spiritual and mental advancement. I was not brought up in a devoutly religious household, yet I can recall following my Greek grandmother to communion, and do remember a sink full of entrails and liver the preparation of Magiritsa on the eve of easter Sunday.

For the twenty plus years I’ve lived outside of Greece, the traditions around lent have morphed, taking a more holistic approach to the act of “abstaining”. Although the mark of Kathara Deytera (Clean Monday- the official beginning of lent) as a jumping off point is lovely ritual to participate in, I left behind the idea of eating Taramosalata, and boiled Octopus, and directed my focus on behaviors, thought processes, ideas and habits I needed to let go of and ultimately do away with.

I didn’t want to be performative about what I was willing and maybe needed to pull away from as a behavior or habit, in order to truly learn something about change. It’s not just about quitting animal meat, or not eating dairy products, but revisiting what habits we must dissolve, in order to ultimately, purify and reconnect with our truest selves, and discover who we are without mental and societal crutches.

If we are to honestly connect with our bodies and minds in a healthier way, we have to make a concerted effort to let go of, behaviors, and thought processes that cause damage, hold us back, and keep us from our highest potential. It may prove to be a difficult process or an easy one, depending on our intent. Ultimately I find that abstaining or removing certain hangups, or mental crutches, may be a beautifully rewarding process, to overcome personal obstacles in my path to betterment. Yes, I have felt the pain of growth, and have seen often that it may not always result in a bright and shiny transformation.

Some of these rituals of transformation don’t necessarily have to be lofty or morally superior. A new goal, a new habit, can replace an old damaging one, providing a pathway towards personal growth and healing. Removing sugar is not effective if you’re drinking 4 cups of coffee a day and smoking, as these habits can counteract your efforts and lead to further complications. A short run or a long walk can serve as a refreshing alternative to a stressful cab ride, allowing for both physical movement and mental clarity, fostering a sense of well-being. Try aiming for meaningful conversation instead of pointless chatter, as the depth of connection we cultivate can greatly enhance our emotional health and overall satisfaction in life. Abstaining from meat can be coupled with a holistic approach to food and how you prepare it, including being mindful of sourcing ingredients, exploring new recipes, and maximizing nutrition. These healthier food choices overall not only contribute to a healthier body but can also lead to healthier mind choices in the long run, promoting a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both physical and mental health.

My current 40 day cleanse short list:

1. remove alcohol, spirits & coffee
2. short run 3 times a week and weight training
3. writing every day for this challenge
4. spend quality time with friends and family
5. schedule a self care session once a week.
6. Shorten time online that’s not work related.

Your Lent ritual:

Write down your short list for lent, including both sacrifices and acts of service you wish to embrace during this reflective period. Share this experience with your loved ones, as their support can make a meaningful difference; ask them to keep you accountable to your journey. Together, you can encourage each other to stay committed and inspired, fostering deeper connections along the way. See you on the other side, and cheers.