Comments on: The Practice of Giving Something Up

By: Judy King

Judy King — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:36:45 +0000

Hi Barbara and everyone. Loved this conversation. I’m joining in a little late, lent is nearly two weeks old. I’ve given up any number of things for the duration of lent…mostly sweets–the joy of my former life. Still, really that was more like a diet than a spiritual practice. Besides once I was diagnosed with systemic chronic Candida I gave up ALL sugars and flours and processed carbs (and most fruits and starchy veggies) pretty much permanently.

I know the original thought of giving up something for lent, was to indicate a willingness to sacrifice…but I’ve come to a point where ADDING something means more to me than taking something away.

This is the third year I’ve promised myself to attend daily mass during lent (some mornings that’s a sacrifice ). I have a cousin who adds affirmations for herself and others during lent…I like both of those ideas, as well as The Artists Way.

One year I worked on collages that revealed oh, so much about me, to me as were suggested by Simple Abundance author Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Excavating your Authentic Self. Another year I worked on exercises from The Woman’s Comfort Book by Jennifer Louden and another I practiced the mindfullness of all religions as presented in Pocketful of Miracles by Joan Borysenko.

By: Barbara Samuel

Barbara Samuel — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:02:23 +0000

Bridget, I absolutely love that suggestion! One year for Lent, I am going to try it. Or maybe I will do it in the summer time for 40 days. I can really see that it could be very spiritually charged and powerful. Thanks.

Enjoy the Artists Way, Sandy. A drawing a day! That sounds so pleasurable.

By: Bridget Morton

Bridget Morton — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:45:41 +0000

Until several years ago, I always practiced some discipline during Lent. But during a seriously difficult time, as I tried to achieve mental and physical balance, it occurred to me that I had a knee jerk response to desire: if I wanted something, I immediately began a mental argument about whether it was necessary or valuable to my life. That year, for Lent, I gave up self denial. If I passed the Del-freeze and wanted a coffee shake, instead of going without I turned around and got one. When I wanted to walk on the beach instead of preparing dinner on time, I drove to the beach after work and fed the family later. That became the hardest Lent of my life, and possibly the most spiritually charged (and I didn’t gain a pound!) Do you have any idea how often you deny yourself simple pleasures? I gave that up, and found a happier, if slightly more ragged, life.

By: sandyl

sandyl — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:43:54 +0000

Instead of giving something up, I am working on The Artist’s Way for the seaon on Lent. I find that I am more mindful when I have a pen (a physical one) and three pages to fill. Also, by forcing myself to write three pages a day, I am slowing down and making time for myself. Giving up something never works for me. I also considered doing one drawing a day.

By: Kwana

Kwana — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:31:46 +0000

I’m working on giving up sugar and it is a misery but I know it will be good for my body and mind. Good luck with whatever you decide.

By: Leigh Duncan

Leigh Duncan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:39:42 +0000

For Lent I shall give up SLOTH and walk the treadmill every day.

By: Barbara Samuel

Barbara Samuel — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:06:31 +0000

Liver, Sharyn? LOL. As if I would EVER eat liver.

Maria, giving up stressing out is a good idea.

By: Maria Zannini

Maria Zannini — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:28:05 +0000

I would gladly give up my arthritis–if someone would just show me how.

I guess a good thing for me to give up for Lent is stressing out. It doesn’t do me any good anyway.

Great topic.

By: Sharyn

Sharyn — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:23:28 +0000

I’m doing the walk with Barb in June and am so excited! But for Lent I’m giving up liver and caring about anyone else’s opinions.

By: Barbara Samuel

Barbara Samuel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:47:34 +0000

Thanks for the book suggestions. I already have I’m Off Then, but I love the idea of reading a medieval one! Ordering it right now.

Good one, Tony, that we can focus on giving up ideas or behaviors or ways of being. Very powerful stuff.

Ruthie and Jill, that’s so powerful. I complain, too, kvetch about stuff that doesn’t even matter. Maybe I should give up complaining for Lent.

Am leaning strongly toward meat, Barb. Must decide by 5 pm, when I fix dinner.

HB, I’m so glad you like to read Rubin, too! I thought of you, too. She’s very like you in many ways. And that book is so clear and kind and accessible. I hope it sells millions and millions.