Lent

Today is the first day of Lent. I find it slightly amusing that people who profess no religious affiliation still follow the rituals and tenets of a faith long abandoned. But then it does no harm and people who are 'giving up' things like chocolate and other indulgences have the chance to reflect on the fact that we do indulge ourselves in luxury while some people (many people) are struggling to exist in the world.

I 'grew out' of my Christian faith some time ago and take no part in the rituals that have become just that to many. I do self indulge - a lot- and honestly try to temper that with some sensible ................. I don't want to use the words 'self sacrifice' because not to eat things like cake and chocolate is not really that, let's be honest, the world will not stop because we can't eat such things.......... but my early morning brain won't find an alternative.

All this 'giving up for lent' is meant for us to reflect on our lives and what is really important to us and to have something of a taste of the frugal life that many are forced into through circumstance of birth or life events. Also, I think the Christian view is that by living frugally in the body, the spirit has a chance to grow (I may be putting that rather badly, but I hope you know what I mean) - Islam has a similar approach with Ramadan and other cultures similarly so.

As you are aware I took part in the Janathon challenge, but since then my exercise regime has taken a knock. I do get tired and sometimes (often) after a long day at work, or a busy family day at the weekend I grasp any proffered excuse not to do some form of exercise with eager hands. However, when I was participating in Janathon I ignored the gremlins that tried to persuade me to drive past the gym and come straight home and I went rather than report that I had done nothing - or not report at all. I have a very sedentary lifestyle these days, I spend many hours in front of a desk, in my car, at home knitting and sewing. My body is showing the signs of this and I suspect lots of the sluggish tiredness is as much to do with the lack of exersize as anything else.

This rambling blog has now brought me to the point. As a non Christian - or Muslim - or Jew or any other monotheistic religion that requires self sacrifice and contmeplation on a regular basis, I have decided that I - and probably others around me - will benefit more if I ADD something to my life rather than take anything away.

I hereby announce therefore, that I will do some form of exersize that will benefit my mind and body througout the period of Lent. I can't promise (or threaten) to post here everyday, but I will certainly attempt to log it all and do a summary at least once a week.

Watch this space as they say ☺