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Non-essential internet sounds like a haaard one. Lupine Send a noteboard - 16/02/2010 05:38:25 AM
So, a survey! Rather limited in scope, since if you're not Christian you probably won't be answering any of the questions.

1. Do you observe Lent?

I have sometimes in the past. I once gave up ice cream, and that was really good for me - I still like it and eat it once in a while, but now I am content with a spoonful or two. It's not like I binged on it before; I just enjoy it more now.

2. Why (not)?

I think it's good to challenge yourself, to exercise restraint and practice moderation where you would normally overindulge. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you employ it for trivialities, the stronger it is when facing the big stuff.

Oh, and religion... well, I've been drifting for quite some time now. There's a gorgeous Episcopalian church near my house, but it's almost a little too old school for me. (Never thought I'd say that!) I would like to start attending church regularly again, but I don't want to be surrounded by stiff-necked old parishioners. I'd like to have it be more of a social venue. If I could get involved in some projects that help the community (Habitat for Humanity, things like that), that would be even better. Problem is, I don't know how to figure out which churches in my area are both liberal and socially conscious.

3. What does your observance of Lent typically entail? Giving things up, taking things on, or something else?

I usually give something up, but I could try to take on weekly church attendance this year. (I had that for the first seventeen years of my life, so it wouldn't exactly be hard.)

4. What's the hardest thing you've ever given up/taken on/something else?

I became vegan one year. It was difficult - and ultimately not good for my health.

5. What, if anything, are you planning to do for observing Lent this year?

Well, adding church is one idea... I'm not sure I have too many shallow pleasures that I can reasonably give up right now. My body has been rejecting food anyway, and I'm so not abstaining from sex. Maybe Diet Pepsi, but I feel like I'd fail very hard at that. Hmm. Ideas?

6. Do you observe Sundays as feast days (and as such, exempt from fasting/abstinence), considering that the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday don't include Sundays?

I have sometimes done this, sometimes not. It always felt like cheating to me - giving things up isn't exactly very hard if you can tell yourself, "In just six days, you can have it."

Six is a good number. I'll stop here.

Apparently I think so too, since I used it in my last answer!
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saceFormerly known as Clover
Still Paul's friendand Pippin's mum
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/Survey: Lent approaches! Anyone giving up anything? - 16/02/2010 04:28:08 AM 871 Views
Lentils Approach! On my menu!! - 16/02/2010 04:39:18 AM 679 Views
Well, it made me giggle, anyway. *NM* - 16/02/2010 05:43:01 AM 267 Views
Cute and funny. - 16/02/2010 06:10:22 PM 563 Views
I'm giving up christianity. Challenging but worthwhile. *NM* - 16/02/2010 04:53:11 AM 279 Views
*pats you on the head* *NM* - 16/02/2010 05:40:24 AM 278 Views
you have to have something to give it up *NM* - 16/02/2010 01:24:33 PM 360 Views
I have a friend who used to pledge to be a better Buddhist for Lent. - 16/02/2010 05:02:03 PM 643 Views
I usually give up something... - 16/02/2010 05:24:13 AM 662 Views
You could go to the Vatican.. - 16/02/2010 02:04:39 PM 623 Views
Non-essential internet sounds like a haaard one. - 16/02/2010 05:38:25 AM 673 Views
possibly - 16/02/2010 10:12:41 AM 628 Views
Great Lent already began on Monday. - 16/02/2010 01:45:16 PM 607 Views
So you aren't doing any of the fasts or dietary restrictions? - 16/02/2010 05:08:14 PM 529 Views
No, I'm not following any restrictions. - 16/02/2010 09:36:52 PM 546 Views
the orthodox lent sounds similar to what Catholic Lent was >.> - 16/02/2010 05:21:10 PM 556 Views
Pretty much. - 16/02/2010 09:38:48 PM 782 Views
Haha, you aren't kidding! - 16/02/2010 08:14:08 PM 654 Views
It was good to know that I could do it, though. - 16/02/2010 09:39:32 PM 654 Views
I'll give up something. - 16/02/2010 02:02:02 PM 537 Views
I'm not a Christian, but I've given things up in the name of Lent. - 16/02/2010 02:20:14 PM 566 Views
It's definitely socially handy. - 16/02/2010 05:19:22 PM 599 Views
which is really rather sad. - 16/02/2010 05:28:35 PM 599 Views
Is it weird that I really like Lent? - 16/02/2010 05:21:54 PM 583 Views
Perhaps it is. But, less so than lint, I'm thinking. - 16/02/2010 05:25:28 PM 627 Views
I actually do enjoy cleaning lint traps in the dryer. It's fun! *NM* - 16/02/2010 05:34:08 PM 343 Views
it's an adventure *NM* - 17/02/2010 07:33:26 PM 326 Views
No. It's foolishness. - 16/02/2010 05:26:53 PM 643 Views
<3 *NM* - 16/02/2010 08:44:41 PM 355 Views
Your drier must be hard-core Protestant. I'm sorry. *NM* - 16/02/2010 11:49:15 PM 350 Views
Re: /Survey: Lent approaches! Anyone giving up anything? - 17/02/2010 02:49:49 AM 461 Views
Can I give up the act of giving things up? - 17/02/2010 04:40:18 AM 546 Views
Nyet! - 17/02/2010 01:02:01 PM 586 Views
- 17/02/2010 01:42:59 PM 633 Views
- 17/02/2010 02:13:35 PM 579 Views
Sort of. - 17/02/2010 04:22:03 PM 954 Views
The question that comes to my mind is.... - 17/02/2010 06:19:46 PM 555 Views
I'm giving up - 20/02/2010 05:21:08 PM 559 Views
Sounds good. *NM* - 21/02/2010 08:18:40 PM 334 Views

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