Pre-Easter Orthodox Lent: My Personal Journey
So, it is Orthodox lent time. Well, technically the Great Lent started on February 15. But, I decided to do at least one week of this year's lent anyway. So, here I am eating no meat, fish, sea food or dairy products since this Monday. I have two more days to go, and I have to say -- surprisingly, I am feeling good.
I am not the most devout Orthodox Christian, so I have never really lented in my life. I tried two or three years ago, and the most I could go for was three weeks. But, I kind of liked the experience of having to resist...
In the modern world, we are not used to having to resist anything. Within reason, we can usually get whatever we feel like -- be it food, clothes, cars or vacations. So, the notion of refusing your wishes can be odd.
The Orthodox lent also gets you to go through the torture of resisting your temptations all by yourself, unassisted. That is also something that I don't get a lot of in my life living in a first world nation. I mean, if you want to quit smoking, you just stick a plastic patch on your arm, and Nicorette does the trick for you. If you want to stop eating, you go to Jennie Craig and she will feed you the food that will make your slim. Again, the helping hand is always there if you want it. But, how often do we get to face our temptations all on our own? Hm.. Kind of scary, eh?
It is an interesting experience that can be daunting, but it is also something that I think all of us could use more of. It definitely opens your eyes to what is under-valued and how addicted you are to certain things in your life.
Meanwhile, here is a photo resume of some of the items that I can and can't eat while I am lenting for a week. Looks like I am in for some serious "soul cleansing"...
CAN EAT
CAN'T EAT