Category: observation

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.

Hiatus, Silence and Reconnection

Return to Writing Projects, Thoughts and Rekindling the writing fire.

It has been a very long break. I’ve been with the lights off and the store closed for over a year. It just didn’t feel right. I miss writing. I miss sharing. I miss interacting with the few people who still like to hear about what I have to say. I felt for quite some time, that I din’t have much to say, and what I did have to share, didn’t feel particularly interesting. My impostor syndrome and lack of inspiration, felt like a double blow to putting words to the page. Until now.

I’m not making any bold declarations… but I’ve been mulling over my writing projects for far too long, and it feels like the time to start. Carpe Diem and all that Jazz. Leaving and coming back to this ongoing offering of words and ideas, gave me some much needed perspective. I felt rootless for a while, like my writing didn’t have fertile soil to grow in.

I’m making baby steps, through soft grass, to explore the feelings, stories and opinions I want to share. It’s taking me to new places. This time It’s less about confessions and more about stories, things I have kept in the back burner simmering like a tasty ragu, waiting to be shared.

I can’t say that I will be consistent, but I will try. I can’t say that I will be good every time, but that’s my desire. I can’t say that you; my small yet loyal audience, will follow me on my new path, but I hope that you will.

So for now I say goodbye to a very silent year and welcome 2025 with some fun, interesting and hopefully compelling writing projects.

I’m slowly migrating to Substack, which seems easier and more manageable platform to share writing and if all goes well; Patreon as well.

I’ll share more details after the new year.

Cheers. In health, prosperity and Good looks.

Eleana

Right Here Right Now- March 27 Day Challenge

Being Present.

Hello lovely readers, friends, of friends, lovers, fighters, and truth seekers.

Hey. It’s me. If you’ve read my words in the past, or I’ve forced them on you at some point during the last 10 years of publishing my blog posts; so welcome back. I must apologize for my absence. (for those who liked what I did in the past and urged me to do more) I fell off the writing wagon. Life happened, with all it’s ups and downs. That being said, I love writing to you dear reader. I have missed this interaction.

And I’m glad I’m back.

This past year, I’ve been somewhat engaged with the everyday rollercoaster of life. I just got off a mad ride and am now catching my breath. The dizziness and nausea have subsided, but it left me wondering how many others are dealing with the same uncertainties. It seems that life has been nothing but “that kind of ride” for a lot of people. I am certain there are a lot of us who have felt the same, and continue to do so. I hope through this 27 day experimentalchallengebirthdaypostextravaganza, to open up discussions, curiosity, and connection.

This year, for this dedicated writing experiment, that became ritual, that became celebration, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

I invite you into this 27 journey with me. It’s going to be a wild( ish) ride.

Thanks,

Eleana

Day 14. Be your own super-hero

Let’s stop relying on or waiting for others to save us.

Super Heroes have played a vital role in how we see those who are meant to protect us from harm. They were largely created to be seen as crime fighters, ultimate saviors, crusaders against evil and bad forces. In the early 20th century, the first comic book heroes were created, as a way to fend off fear of war (WW 1), and present its audiences with the illusion of a super human capable of problem solving, saving and restoring peace to the world. That is only reserved for the pages of Marvel and DC comic books. What the comic books don’t tell you is that we are all perfectly capable of being your own superheroes.

Don’t wait for others to protect you, put your life together, absolve you of your responsibilities and save the day. We are the only ones who can do that, our saving starts from us. We are the only ones who can fend off the baddies from our lives, and protect ourselves from the evil forces that come our way. Instinct, survival, self preservation, self reliance. It all comes down to knowing that when the shit hits the fan, you can pick up the sword and fight your own battles, and win.

The battles will come, as they always do. The difficulties are never far away. The hardships will come and go. We may have sidekicks who help us, or villains who set traps for us, but the saving is all about our own self worth. A saviour is not out there dawning a cape and spandex, they are right here staring right back at you in your bathroom mirror. Heroism isn’t about super abilities, it’s about doing what’s necessary to keep going, and keep living.

saviour

/ˈseɪvjə/

a person who saves someone or something from danger or difficulty.

That person is you.

Day 12 Verses: Light in the clouds.

Look closely.

Make it count.

That sliver of light reflected in a dark moment.

With the sounds of the Smiths in my ears, I’m thinking about truthful, honest, compassionate, emotional, beautiful ways in which we can connect with ourselves and others.

This is not a trial run. It’s the main course, the only life we are given. I am smitten. We owe it to ourselves to be a beam of light cutting through the clouds. Take notice. What works, what doesn’t. Holding on to shit you don’t need may seem comfortable, familiar, safe.

Safety is an illusion.

Our time on this earth is minimal, I’m not being subliminal. These are the facts. We act out the parts we thought we could play. We stray away from what we really want instead of plunging into the unknown and trusting what we know to be true. Think about the impact you want to have, the thing that will stay long after you’re gone. That is the sliver of light. Who you are in the cloudy sky.

I know it’s not fair, years may go by and all you focus on is the misery the monotony in your heart. Stand apart from the crowd, dare to wear red in an all gray life.

Fuck them. War isn’t the answer. See above the clouds.

Make love.

Day 10. Self Love First

Loving, respecting, knowing yourself is key to every aspect of your life. It’s not selfish, it’s essential.

Self Love, is much maligned, misunderstood and mismanaged. I’ve battled with this for as long as I can remember. Self loathing has led me towards poor choices in partners, in jobs, in career paths. Rooting for myself has never been easy. There are countless times I can remember needlessly comparing myself, doubting my abilities, choosing abusive and toxic relationships because I had no love to give back to myself.

I never thought I deserved it. It’s what I knew best. Self criticism, my first line of defense. Self doubt, was the kicker at the end of a long road to not believing in my abilities, or my strengths . Self love has come with great effort. Knowing that I have to look at myself and ignore the asshole who tells me I’m not worthy, I am not deserving, I’m ugly, I won’t amount to anything, who at times has a megaphone and I can’t shut her up. I never said it makes any sense, it doesn’t. For anyone who deals with this asshole, it’s like the addiction you can’t kick.

Now, after years of doing the work, falling off the wagon and getting back on, she’s still there, but I’ve placed her in her corner, in the back seat with a snack and some boxed juice so she doesn’t bother me so often. I recently spoke to a friend who gave me this visual to think about when referring to my self made demons. Mine mumbles from time to time about not good enough and I tell her to be quiet. She’s lucky I still let her sit in the room with me, far away and out of view. I don’t know if I can get rid of her completely but I know that she is part of me, and I’ve outgrown her power over me.

How Self Love Begins with Us.

It took a very long time and a lot of false starts to unwind the tightly wound idea in my head that I don’t deserve the best life has in store. The asshole still comes around strong from time to time. I know how to deal with her, despite the familiarity of it all. Self love has taken forms that I had never thought possible and it has always started with understanding, accepting, allowing and being ok with who I am and have become. The rituals have changed, the narrative has been altered, to allow for stronger boundaries, wiser choices and deeper forgiveness. Love is always rooted and built upon honesty. Being honest with myself about my accomplishments and my flaws has allowed me the space to grow. The darkness never quite goes away. Those who suffer know this all too well, but in the end, LOVE WINS.

Start with Self Love. It may be hard at times, you may relapse and go back to your self loathing ways. But like any recovering self loather. It about loving yourself one day at a time.

Day 6 & 7 LENT

Quiet Quitting harmful habits and reconnect.

The cultural and religious references defining lent have been engrained since my early upbringing. Greek culture like countless others, defines the period of lent as a way to “cleanse” the body, and ultimately the mind by abstaining from any meat, eggs, cheese or animal bi-products for 40 days before the coming of Easter, Pascha, Pasqua, Πἀσχα. All organized religions practice some sort of cleanse, renewal, in order to prepare for spiritual and mental advancement, not many follow what traditions ask of us.

For the 20 plus years I’ve lived outside of Greece, this tradition has taken a new meaning for me. Although the mark of Kathara Deytera (the official beginning of lent) as a jumping off point is lovely to partake in, I left behind the idea of eating Taramosalata and boiled Octopus, and focused more on what behaviors, thought processes, ideas and babits I needed to abstain from and ultimately do away with.

It’s not just about quitting animal meat, or losing weight, but revisiting what truly unhealthy habits, one must let go of and ultimately reconnecting with yourself.

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 habits, behaviors, though processes that cause damage, hold us back, and keep us from our highest potential. It may be a difficult process or an easy one, and ultimately rewarding to remove personal obstacles to growth. But we all know growth hurts. Its not always this bring and shiny transformation.

For the next 40 days make a choice, stick to it. A new goal, a new habit can replace an old damaging one. Removing sugar is not effective if you’re drinking 4 cups of coffee a day and smoking. A short run or a long walk can replace a cab ride; aim for a meaningful conversation instead of pointless chatter. Abstaining from meat can be coupled with a holistic approach to food and how you prepare it, healthier food choices overall, healthier body and mind choices in the long run.

For My 40 day cleanse short list I’ll share some ideas with you here:

  1. remove all 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.

write down your short list for lent. Share this experience with your loved ones, ask them to keep you accountable to your journey. See you on the other side.

DAY 4-5 First be a woman

Paying homage to the women who have shaped, fed, loved and nurtured me over the years.

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world
upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it
back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. The
men better let them.” Ain’t I a woman – Sojourner Truth

The kind of woman I always wanted to be didn’t come into view until my late 30’s. I was not aware of my strengths, I didn’t know how to harness my femininity, my passions and my voice. There were and still are many aspects of the woman I want to become that have yet to reveal themselves. I have since found there are a lot of women who are and have similar experiences finding their true identity. Although I have amazing, friends, guides, and teachers in my life, up until recently I didn’t know how to embody the woman I could be proud of. Who was that woman to me? How did she reflect herself to the outside world?

The woman I have now come to love, I owe to the countless women who have given me the thread to continue to honor my ancestors, my guides and my mentors along the way. Everything I have I owe to the women in my life. Sharing who I am openly here and in my poetry comes from the continuous support of my mothers (biological and adopted), grandmothers, friends, sisters, aunts, mentors, witches. Powerful, loving women, held me up when I was collapsing, held me accountable when I was being an asshole, trusted me with their hearts and helped my connect with mine. Loving and being loved has been shown to me by the careful guidance, of countless women over the years.

The strength I gather from the women around me, our common and no so common experiences, started at a very young age. At 5 I observed my grandmother in her infinite wisdom and strength give me life lessons I was only to understand later in life. My voice teacher in grade school ignited my passions for writing and singing, encouraging me to unabashedly find my voice. My wild artistic and uncompromising side was encouraged and celebrated by my close friends who knew that an untamed heart was better than a closed one.

These amazing accomplished, courageous women, saw me for my potential, raised me to be strong and independent and taught me to think for myself. I was drawn to their wisdom and their complexity. Women defined me and shaped me as an artist in school, a writer in college and a performer in my late 30’s. My sisters have encouraged me to be myself, speak my truth, show my vulnerability, share my experience, in ways that will always humble and astound me.

To celebrate the women in our lives is to celebrate life itself. To honor the women who have given before us, we honor our place in her-story. In the next few posts I’ll be sharing small stories from the women who have and continue to be my backbone.

Happy Womens HER-Story month.