Having had a Catholic upbringing, I am very aware that we are in the middle of Lent.
For Christians, it is a time to reflect and practice a bit of self-discipline, by giving up certain indulgences or taking up a task.
As a child, I always found giving up sweets and chocolates pretty hard going (and I still have a very sweet tooth). However, it did feel like an achievement if I could make it to Easter without caving in.
As I have got older, it has been interesting to learn that Christians are not the only ones who do this.
Many of our neighbours will be celebrating Ramadan this month. Like Christians, individual Muslims will have different ways of observing this Holy month, but it commonly involves fasting during the day and refraining from indulgences, as well as a focus on prayer, reflection, and community.
Later in the year, our Jewish neighbours will enjoy the month of Elul, which is a time for reflection in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Meanwhile the festival of Maha Shivaratri has been celebrated by Hindus all over the world, which very much focuses on fasting, meditation, self-study and social harmony.
Whilst these traditions have developed to help us grow spiritually, fasting and meditation is also used by people to improve their physical bodies.
Buddhists have a tradition of intermittent fasting in the belief that it helps keep our bodies healthy, while many swear by the weight loss benefits of the 5:2 diet.
With the upcoming summer Olympics in mind, sports professionals have also long ago realised the performance benefits of meditation. The key is finding something that works for you.
So, whatever reasons you may have in denying yourself that treat, doing exercise or spending more time contemplating the world around us, just remember that you are not alone.
Instead, take comfort that you are part of a much wider and diverse community who are trying to do something which looks like you.
Well, that’s what I am going to be thinking as I pretend not to see that chocolate bar lurking on the counter the next time I pop to the shops!
Explore Hatfield
When I eventually give into my sweet tooth cravings, my family and I will try out Scooperb, the new dessert place on Bishops Rise.
It is part of a lovely little parade of shops at the Roe Green Centre. The question is, can I hold out until April!
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