For those keeping track at home, Lent already started.
Almost three weeks ago, in fact.
Perhaps you noticed people walking around with ashes on their foreheads, or perhaps you were one of those people. I was.
I have been observing Lent my whole life, and by now, I’m in need of fresh ideas beyond the chocolate thing.
So I started nosing around on sites like Lifeteen.com
Some of the ideas I found were legitimate, and some were misguided at best and downright foolish at worst.
Whether you observe Lent out of earnest or grudging obligation, or see it as a spring cleaning for the soul or simply a second whack at your New Year’s resolutions, there are some things to avoid.
You are, of course, free to do whatever you want, but allow me to share some caveats.
My first category is rocks. Most incidents involving rocks coming into contact with the human body are bad news.
The same is true during Lent. Don’t kneel on rocks. Don’t sleep on rocks. And for Pete’s sake, don’t walk around with rocks— or popcorn kernels— in your shoes.
The nerves in your feet are strong but sensitive, and mistreating them is no way to care for your body.
Second on the list is cold showers. Most of us are lucky enough to have regular access to water heaters.
If you feel the need to remind yourself how blessed you are compared to many others, at least ease yourself into it by turning the water temperature down a little each time.
Yes, it might give you a hearty sense of self-denial, but it’s a shock to your system and your heart must work harder to pump the same amount of blood in order to keep you warm.
Lastly is fasting. Some are bound by religious rules to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
I admit I have never been a huge fan of fasting, but being a little hungry on fast days doesn’t hurt; it’s a reminder of how lucky I am, going without voluntarily while millions do not have that choice.
I have never been one to do extreme fasts, the kind where you don’t eat for days at a time, and I do not recommend it.
Try fasting from negativity. Fast from not smiling. Fast from reposting gossipy links and share the good stuff.
Whether you are religious or not, use Lent to make the world a better place in doable ways.
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