57,600 minutes, 57,600 moments so dear...

[jchrisobrien]

Behold my attempt to pardoy Lent and Rent without resorting to sounding racist.  (Titles like "We're not gonna pray Lent" were thrown out.)

Lent begins today.  I wouldn't have remembered this had I not read someone's LJ entry about Fat Tuesday.  I don't observe Lent, since I don't set foot inside any churches these days.  The idea of giving up something as a way of reflection and meditation is still interesting, if arbitrary, like making a new year's resolution.  I considered giving up drinking alcohol during Lent, but that would probably rule out several other activities as well.  My alternative could be working out every day during Lent, giving up "sloth" or "an extra 20 pounds".  I don't know if exercising every single day would lead to injuries or strain, running on alternate days from lifting would help, as would taking one day otu of the week to let my body relax. 

What it comes down to is building discipline.  Lent makes a nice 40 day period of working hard on a goal, and giving enough time to see changes in that goal.
Tonight will start off with running, then watching Japanese movies with Arcanus and Nimfe. 

Comments

[tisana.livejournal.com]

While I've never been religious--and hence never observed Lent--I like the idea of focusing on a goal, building discipline for 40 days. Viewed from that vantage point, it has a purpose other than self-flagellation.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

Flagellation should only be done to others, never one's self.

Here's to having goals!

[etrinao.livejournal.com]

I love your "we're not gonna pray...LENT" thingy.

i'm probably the least religious person anyone will ever meet, but i've given up something for lent every year for a long while now because i think it's good to practice going without. this year it's booze. i figured it would be good for me to enter traditional alcoholic situations without alcohol, as a building experience.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

That's a good goal. Going to the clubs and drinking have been linked together forever. I know friends of mine that go out and don't drink, and still have a good time. It could be a neat experiment, if anything, though I do know some night's Ive been out w/out drinking ended up very boring and low energy. That may not be a good sign.

[carta.livejournal.com]

Starting Monday (because it's not possible this week), I am giving up all manner of food I love. I'm not religious, but the fact that this has a dedicated ending date makes it seem more possible and achievable than the nebulous "give up candy FOREVER or until I cave" NYE resolution.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

Are you giving up the foods because they are unhealthy? or just to do without? One reason I didn't want to give up drinking is wanting to still have a vice. Being single and celebate for a while now, I want to have some sort of decadence in my life. Though I could try replacing drinking with more sushi or dinners in the North End... it's still more fun with someone else.

[carta.livejournal.com]

Mostly because they're not the best food for me, and I need to take better care of what goes into my body. But things that don't have deadlines and end dates don't work for me, but forty days? I can do that.

I've got so many other vices, I could drop one a week through Lent and still have vices to spare.