SimplyNumbers

Quote ~ Abraham Lincoln

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Quote ~ Gail Devers

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. ~ Gail Devers

The season of Lent

For the Catholic church, Lent begins today (March 9th in 2011). This is a period of 40 days (not including Sundays) that provides time for preparation for Easter. Catholics may spend time involved with reflection, moderation or a spiritual discipline. Over time, the tradition of Lent has evolved and matured. In earlier eras, most Christians would prepare for Easter by fasting and praying for a period of three days. But, over time, the Lenten celebration became longer and the season became less ritualized.

The first Wednesday in Lent is known as Ash Wednesday. Lent begins this week and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter. Catholics brought up within the past century were often taught as children that they should "give up something" for Lent. Children might abstain from soda or sweets during this time. However, now instead of giving something up, many Catholics tend to add a daily practice at this time.

The Catholic Church offers guidance for paritioners during Lent that asks all Catholics to fast on certain days. In the past, paritioners were asked to abstain from meat on certain days, but this is generally not longer widely practiced now. Also, at one time, paritioners would give up all dairy products for the entire 40 days of Lent.

Today, the focus for many Catholics has evolved to having a daily practice,  perhaps with a focus on personsal reflection. A contemplation of gratitude for their lives, or daily prayer might be used to help develop a deeper connection with their faith.

Lent ends on Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is on April 24, 2011.

Introduction to Sofia Diaz

Sofia Diaz, teacher, yoga practitioner, and lineage holder of the South Indian temple arts, lives and teaches about devotion as a way of life and as a spiritual practice. Although much of her focus is on the feminine, she does ask and helps others to wonder what is the role of devotion within their lives, regardless of gender. Her focus helps others to feel into their bodies, through practices that apply to the western world.

“Devotion is to breathe..” ~ Sofia Diaz

She has over 25 years of intensive study, teaching and daily practice. She is a founding member and part of the faculty of iEvolve, which is is a global network committed to fostering the practice of a World Spirituality. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in dance from Mills College in Oakland, California, and a Master in religious studies from the University of Colorado. She has most recently taught courses at Kripalu, Naropa University and the University of Colorado, and teaches throughout North America.

She has also written extensively about yoga, love, breath and movement and her articles have appeared in dozens of academic and popular journals.

You can listen to her talk with Marc Gafni about love, waiting and devotion in this interview.