Monk Mindset Special Edition: LENT is Here.

Reflection on the Monk Mindset and Quote

In the Christian tradition, Lent is a period of letting go of idols that hold us back from becoming whom we yearn to be. 

Stripping off the idols that entangle us like bandages on a corpse, we begin to unravel our most true identity rooted in God. 

The 40 days of Lent mirror the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert praying and fasting in preparation for his public ministry. It’s a sacred time to prepare for rebirth in the joy of our own resurrection. 

When I was in the monastery, we often did a silent retreat to start Lent. During this time, I’d use the ancient Lenten spiritual framework of “prayer, fasting, and almsgiving” to set specific goals for how I wanted to be transformed during Lent. Here are some real examples from my monastic Lenten practices: 

• Prayer: “be faithful to all daily prescribed prayer times” (a total of about 4 hours)

• Fasting: “no coffee” (that was a hard one)

• Almsgiving: “Smile each time I talk to a brother in the community” (loving those closest to us can be hardest)

When you set spiritual or personal growth goals, I recommend setting three goals MAX, but it could be as few as just one goal or practice to keep focused.

Put It Into Practice This Week

1. Identify what you need to change. Set aside at least 30 minutes (more if you can) and invite God to show you how He wants you to grow this Lent. Often it’s that thing you know you need to let go of – some deeply rooted sin, addiction, or habit that keeps you from your authentic identity. You know what I’m talking about. 

2. Set Keystone Action. Once you identify this, what is one keystone action that will propel you toward letting go of what’s holding you back?

3. Write it down. Write down this action and keep it in a place you can see it daily. Make a commitment to live this out for the 40 days of Lent. 

4. Trust in God, not yourself to support you in fulfilling this commitment as we can never accomplish hard things on our own. 

5. Lean on your community. If you have a faith community, spiritual director, or accountability companion, share your commitment with them for community support and accountability. 

And when it gets hard, remind yourself that if you’re faithful to your commitment, you’ll be rewarded with a new level of freedom in a very short time. 

Wishing you abundant peace this week,

John

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