So Lent starts next Wednesday.

I’m Jewish and so Lent is not really my “thing” - it’s supposed to be a time of penance, reflection, prayer, and self-denial in preparation for the commemoration of Jesus of Nazareth’s execution.

Although I know a lot about Jesus and really dig him as a great spiritual visionary, I don’t really believe in all the “lord and savior” business.

But I do, however, think that self-denial - done right - is a very important spiritual practice.  I believe that we, as living creatures on this planet, should pursue happiness, but I don’t really subscribe to the very entitled notion of “well, I want it, so I should have it.”  Life isn’t that easy, kids, and the spiritual practice of consciously denying yourself something you desire is, I think, a good foundation for creating a happier life.  

When you are loving to others who will not reciprocate… if you have to work hard for something that you are passionate about only to fail or fall short… if life flings constant obstacles in your path towards a goal…

If you have consciously practiced denying yourself rather than just happily and easily taking what you desire, then you already have good experience for when disappointment, failure, or challenges present themselves in your life.  You know you can hack it because you’ve practiced at it.

Ask anyone who’s ever been poor - truly poor - and who has had to deny themselves everything but what they absolutely need to survive.  It’s extreme, but as someone who has been there myself, I can tell you that it has made me so much more appreciative of this world, of small kindnesses, and it has helped me be able to roll with the punches when things get difficult.  (And they do get difficult.)

So, while I’m not going to take a vow of poverty or anything during Lent, I am going to give up something that I do adore:

Cheese.

Although it isn’t exactly spiritual, I have been thinking a lot about cheese.  I adore cheese, but it isn’t something I really should be having, on a multitude of levels.

And so, but for gjetost and paneer, I am going to give up cheese.  Maybe for good.

It’s not earth-shattering or deeply spiritual… but it’s good self-discipline and good practice for self-denial.