Listening to our Bodies during Lent

Written by Lanie Flanagan

This Lent, I am committing to spending time away from electronic devices and more time in meditation. My body is telling me that some form of meditation, whether it be a seated meditation or a walking meditation, is what is needed to bring things in my body and mind into a more peaceful state.

How do I know this is what I need? Well, after years of practicing yoga and meditation I have become aware of when my body doesn't feel as settled or as calm as it can be. There's a little more energy pulsing inside of me when all I want to feel is peace. Things like too much time spent on devices, and not enough time spent in nature or at least gazing at nature from a window contribute to this ever so slightly agitated state. So this Lent , I am challenging myself in a gentle way to make my way back to a more peaceful state.

I invite you to listen a little more deeply to your body this Lent and see what it may be trying to tell you. As clergy partners, it is essential to take care of ourselves. Why not let this season of Lent be the one in which we listen a little more to our bodies and act with the knowledge we get from that listening.

May your Lent be filled with listening and peaceful moments.

Lanie Flanagan is a chapter convener in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, and she also hosts Third Sunday Yoga. For more information, contact her at yoga@thepartnerspath.org.

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