Historicallythis is an extremely shortened version of this account the Lenten season tell us about the time when Jesus, the Christ went to the wilderness to reflect and meditate. Among other things, he spent 6 weeks, about 40 days, without food and shelter. Just meditating. Nowadays, if you are a Christian, you know that the Lent season starts after Carnival, or Mardi Gras, and lasts 40 days, culminating with the celebration of Easter. This is a good piece of information even if you are not Christian. For those who live in the Northern Hemisphere, this is a time when spring is coming, and with it, the sense of renewal or rebirth of nature. For those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a time when autumn arrives and with it, the quieting of the Earth and the preparation for the darkness of winter. In both cases, nature invites reflection. Now you may ask: What do I care about Lent if I am not a Christian? Well, I say that no matter what religion you belong to, if any, seeing that nature is also inviting you to become more aware of the seasonal changes, Lent may be the best excuse for you to go into your cave for a little while and, as others have done before you, to reflect and meditate on your life. What can you do to take advantage of such a great time for the renewal of your soul as well as the renewal of your body and your life? Here are some suggestions: 1. Take time off. Go for walks, take hot baths, go for bike rides, or skiing, etc; preferably alone. 2. Quiet down. Be silent. Turn off the radio. Avoid phone calls. 3. Refrain from watching TV, especially the news. Remember that there is always someone who will let you know what horrible tragedies are hitting the globe. You will not feel deprived of information. 4. Slow down: delegate what you can. Put off for tomorrow as much as you can. The world will not end because of that. 5. Eat wholesome, nutritious food. Let go of sugar and junk. Eat organic foods and take your supplements. 6. Let go of grudges, resentment, judgment, unkindness. When your mind starts rampaging on someone, immediately turn your thoughts around and send the person to the light. That includes you. 7. Avoid conflicts. Stay away from arguments. Use your manners. Be nice to people. Smile. 8. Pray. Ninety percent of the planets population believes in a higher power. No need to ask for anything. God already knows what you need. Just be thankful for your many blessings. 9. Focus on what you want and it will expand and manifest to you. Dream. Dream big. 10. Appreciate everything around you. Bless everyone you encounter. 11. Care for those who cannot care for themselves. This includes older people, children, and animals. 12. Be gentle with yourself. Use natural products for your body. Move slowly. Practice some Yoga or Tai Chi. Take deep breaths. 13. Cleanse your body. Drink herbal and medicinal teas. 14. Do your journaling. Use mine if you dont like to write that much. 15. Meditate on your life. Where are you? Where do you want to go? There. I hope you will pick up on some suggestions and practice them for these 40 days. Come Easter, you will realize how much better you feel and how much you have improved the lives of those around you. |
