Lent

[jay]

The Lenten season is, for Christians, a time for self-reflection, introspection and change. Working on one's own stuff, and contemplating greater truths. Attitude adjustment. Observantly, one embraces some added discipline during the season, not out of some self-abnegating impulse but as a focus and means of facilitating reflection. Traditionally this has included self-denial disciplines (like forgoing favorite consumables or recreational activities) and/or active disciplines (getting up for morning exercise, volunteering or charitable acts, study).

I know that one of my own issues is that I'm counter-suggestive, wary of trusting others regarding myself and bridling against anything that faintly smacks of control. I tend to (slightly arrogantly) presume that I know what's best for me, more than any external individual or group.

So, at patgreene's suggestion, I'm going to choose a Lenten focus -- by not choosing it myself. Leaving it in others' hands, some of whom I've never met in person. A meta-level discipline, in effect. First I'll ask for suggestions, then in a couple of days post a poll, then be bound by the results until April.
[Poll #110855]

Comments

[geekchick]

dancing_star suggested: "you need to find postive good things you like about yourself, and list 3 to 5 every day for the rest of Lent"; I think that's a faboo idea (although I know how hard it is to do and might suggest at least starting with at least one thing a day and adding more as you think of them).

Yes!

[dawnd.livejournal.com]

Great idea. Let me add my voice to the growing chorus. And I agree with Geekchick--might be better for you to start with ONE thing each day, and add to the list daily. By the end of Lent, you should have at least 40 things that you think are good about you. And that's gotta be a useful list.

May I also suggest that if you get completely stuck, you can ask for input from other people. NOt that you can do this every day, or it will negate the exercise. But rather than allow yourself to be stuck in a down moment, solicit suggestions for general areas to look at, perhaps.