  Spiritual
This week: A Different Perspective on Lent Edited by: SophyBells  
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Hi, I'm SophyBells ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
In this newsletter I often write about a variety of spiritual paths and their practices -- sometimes I write about a special Jewish or Christian or Hindu or Muslim season or observance, while other times I might consider other paths, such as Pagan or Buddhist. I believe many of our spiritual paths share much in common, and in this global society I think it's more important than ever to find out more about traditions others than our own. So this week we'll take a look at a Christian observance -- Lent -- and I'll offer an alternative spiritual practice for folks to consider during Lent (something anyone can participate in, whether or not you follow a Christian path).
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book "Finding Your Religion," compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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A Different Sort of Lenten Journey
Many Christians will soon begin a period of reflection, repentance, and renewal as the Lenten season begins on March 9 with Ash Wednesday. For some this season will include additional time for prayer and meditation, along with other activities that traditionally occur within churches during Lent. For others, particularly those within the Catholic tradition, it will include "giving something up" for Lent as a way of showing respect for and attention to the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.
Growing up in a Protestant church, we didn't do much, if anything, for Lent. Our focus was on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The six weeks preceding went largely ignored, and other than noticing my Catholic school friends eating fish on Fridays, I was mostly unaware of any special spiritual observances during Lent. As I matured and my spiritual worldview increased, I became intrigued by a more intentional observation of Lent, especially the practice of doing something deliberate during those six weeks before Easter.
Several years ago while discussing Lent with a group of spiritual kindreds, we came up with an alternative idea. It involves a similar six-week ritual, but instead of giving something up for Lent, we decided we would each DO some new activity for the six weeks -- add something to our lives. The only requirement was the new activity must involve doing something kind for others, following Jesus' example of compassion. That year I added the activity of sending an encouraging email to a different person every day. One member vowed to smile at five or more strangers each day, while another saved the money they normally spent on cafe lattes, and after Easter donated it to a local food pantry. One volunteered walking dogs at the Humane Society a few days each week.
After Easter, as we discussed our experiences, we discovered our endeavors were a valuable spiritual exercise, something that made the Lenten season meaningful for us in new and profound ways. Best of all, some carried on our practices beyond Easter, sharing Jesus' example and compassionate ministry far beyond the limits of a six week exercise. With complete respect for the practice of giving something up for Lent, which is meaningful for so many, our idea offers an alternative ritual that might appeal to others, including those who don't follow the Christian tradition.
Additionally, it offered a great spiritual writing exercise for those in my group. Not only did I write notes to people that year, I also kept a journal of the practice, noting who I wrote to, if I got a response, how the notes were received, and how I felt about the experience. Others wrote about their experiences as well, and some produced some pretty great poems inspired by their spiritual endeavor.
So, whether you follow the traditional practice of giving something up for Lent, or if you decide to try the new way of doing something extra for others during Lent, I invite you to write about it -- journal, poetry, whatever suits your writing muse. Not Christian? It doesn't matter -- doing something kind for others is a universal spiritual practice, and I encourage you to give it a try.
I look forward to hearing from some of you about your experiences, and will share anything I receive about it next month.
~ SophyBells
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Below you'll find some offerings from other WDC members about Lent, or about the spiritual practice of doing acts of kindness .... Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review.
I'm not the only one who finds Lent a good writing inspiration. Here is an example of a writing project that several site members are participating in:
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A few about the beginning of Lent (and spring in the northern hemisphere) - Ash Wednesday:
And more items about kindness for your consideration:
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Here are some comments from my last Spiritual Newsletter on "Love," "Spiritual Newsletter (February 9, 2011)" :
From Babsqueen 
I noticed that you mentioned being able to forgive yourself as well as to love yourself in order to love others as well as God. We seem to be our own worst enemy but judging others when we may have the same flaw ourselves. At the beginning or your writing, you explained how you do something for yourself in order to be able to take care or do for others. I found also a poem I wrote titled, "Can you forgive?", that I wrote because of a disagreement with a sister. However, my husband and I were having problems also, he read the poem that was entered in the newspaper in the town he lived in, and responded to that poem. Having written it for one person, others felt it was for them and they wanted to amend relationship. Good write.
Your poem dealt with a timeless issue, no wonder many resonated with it even though it was only written originally with one person in mind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts -- glad you enjoyed the read.
From siouxme
Hello Snowphy. I am feeling very humbled by the inclusion of one of my poems in your newsletter. I never tire of writing about love. I have learned from my spiritual teacher that love is the most powerful force in the universe. Once the bond of divine love is formed between two people it cannot be broken.
Thank you again.
Thank you for writing it -- I was happy to share it with others!  Write on, about love and whatever inspires you.
From Zeke 
One can love one's self, but have constructive criticisms to improve things in my opinion.
Zeke
Agreed, we always should be open to improving and bettering ourselves. Loving ourself doesn't mean we do so blindly, or with openness to change. Thanks for reminding us.
From doves
very well said i like that and so true on it gettign past our own reflections to see the view clearer always helps life is cherished each day and a blessing so should be spent with smiles when can ,liked as you written hope you have a good weekend hun
Thanks so much!
From THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! 
Great Newsletter, Sophy - yes, loving yourself is necessary before you can love others. When I'm struggling to love myself, I ask my Dad for a hug!
Awww, great idea!
From semaphore20
I believe it is good to talk of love and the realities of it and the relation of how we feel about ourselves. Thank you for this. Today I am struggling with loving myself, all of me and this helps me remember that though it needs not be all about me it does include me first in order to accept others as well. Thank You.
Glad this resonated with you, and blessings as you struggle with something many of us are all too familiar with -- loving ourselves.
From kristiana
Spiritual does not just mean organized religion. This is an excerpt from my "Invalid Item" ...
Looking Inward
I no longer try to change outer things. They are simply a reflection. I change my inner perception and the outer reveals the beauty so long obscured by my own attitude. I concentrate on my inner vision and find my outer view transformed. I find myself attuned to the grandeur of life and in union with the perfect order of the universe.
I agree that spiritual doesn't just mean organized religion -- in fact spiritual often ends up being the opposite of religion in some cases -- which is why I never express that idea in my newsletters. Not sure where you got that impression, but thanks for the opportunity to clarify.
From Jessette 
Love is the greatest of all... If you really understand the the true meaning of love you will get the right answer in 1 Corintians 13 that will surely give you peace and happiness that you never compare to other explanation.. Meditate this word coz that the answer given from above...
1 Corinthians is a great treatise on love -- there are many others out there as well, all inspired if they come from the same spirit.
From shepherd46
What I do to nurture myself so that I can also love others is read my Bible, pray for guidance each morning and night, watch my diet and exercise every day and help others in need, whenever I can. I also ensure that I have some time to myself everyday--just to relax, meditate and think about how I can do better. I often look for ways where I can make life better for myself and others and I have found that when I slow down, I accomplish a lot more.
Thanks for sharing what you do -- glad it works so well for you, and maybe others can learn from it as well.
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming, they are greatly appreciated!
SophyBells |
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Spiritual: March 09, 2011 Issue [#4276]
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