Giving up what does not serve and receiving wholeness

   Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Widely observed by Christians, many fast and/or give up luxuries that may be part of their daily life for 40 days, acknowledging the 40-day period Jesus spent in the desert in which he was tested with temptations. While I am not a Christian, I appreciate this practice as a way of purging yourself and testing your faith. I find value in releasing things that do not serve your highest good, while strengthening bonds that do, such as your spiritual beliefs and connection to God. I believe purging these things from your body and mind will only benefit you in raising your vibration and becoming an overall healthier, happier, more disciplined you. And coincidentally, this time aligns perfectly with the new moon tomorrow morning as well as the start of Chinese New Year on friday (Feb 16). This clearly feels like entering a new phase of my life filled with clarity and just pulsing with potential.
   This Lent I will be giving up processed foods, sugar (besides fruit), red meat, beer, and hard liquor. I will also be giving up procrastination and wasting days accomplishing nothing. I will commit to healthy eating habits, making time every day for meditation and mantra practice, frequent exercise, and a daily commitment to getting at least one thing done for either my blog or one of my businesses. I will also commit to showing kindness and compassion as often as I can, and gratitude every day for all the blessings I have now as well as all the good things still to come. I will commit to letting my heart take over the wheel of my life and trusting the path before me.
   I wish everyone dedicated to Lent the best of luck for the next 40 days or so. I hope that as I go through this cleansing  period, I will find it more comfortable and second nature to retain this practice of betterment for the rest of my life. Godspeed.