Since Feb. 18, a quarter of American adults have been observing Lent — a Christian tradition focused on self-discipline. Religion aside, secular or agnostic, taking part in Lent is a good opportunity to give up a negative habit, practice empathy or remember gratitude.
Historically, Lent is a 40-day period beginning on Ash Wednesday, leading up to Easter Sunday — this year, April 5. Lent is rooted in echoing Jesus Christ’s 40-day self-denial, with three traditional pillars: communal fasting, almsgiving and increased prayers. Lent has been observed by Catholics for centuries, but other Christian denominations, including Anglican and Lutheran, also adopt the period.
“A lot of people do come on Ash Wednesday,” said Daniel Liu, rector of Saint Mary Cathedral. “Every year we just remind you, … so there’s a focus on confessing your sins, looking at life and trying to do a little bit better.”
Springtime is the season for renewal across different religions. Concurrently, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting for Muslims. Celebrating self-discipline and compassion for the less fortunate, nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide practice this tradition every year.
It’s not just a time for improvement but a period celebrating community, sincerity and empathy.
As students of a top university, many of us live in a comfortable society where both necessities and luxuries are accessible to us. Food, shelter, education, rooftop pools … the list writes itself. Losing a sense of gratitude and taking privilege for granted is easy to do.
Areille Gastilo, a health and society sophomore, said going to college has helped her lean into her Catholic faith more willingly, rather than just following family traditions.
“I understand more of the weight of (Lent),” Gastilo said. “Going through the season of Lent is about self-reflection and the love for you, but it’s also about giving that love toward others.”
We’ve all failed at making more time for our loved ones or giving up bad habits, but making an effort with a set timeframe with a community of people enhances our chance of success.
Liu emphasizes recognizing the difference between instant gratification and what will give us long-term pleasure.
“What our immediate senses and pleasure tell us is not the best guide for what will make us happy,” Liu said. “Eating food isn’t going to make us happy. … It’ll give us pleasure for the moment, but to be able to have discipline and say no to things for the sake of something greater is part of our faith.”
I like to consider this period as one of re-centralizing. A gentle reminder to recognize your shortcomings and your agency to change them. Dedicate more time to your community, give thanks, give up a habit. I’ve given up using my phone in bed, prompting me to read or journal before bed. It’s not the most impressive change, but it’s one that impacts me positively.
Just because these practices are religious in essence, don’t feel you have to shy away from them.
Slimmon is a history junior from London, England.
