March 30, 2019

Dear Aspen Chapel Families,

     We are now in the season of Lent, which begins 40 days before Easter. Traditionally this is a period in which people are asked to abstain from luxuries, activities, substances and foods in order to replicate Jesus Christ's self discipline, sacrifice, and withdrawal into the desert in order to prepare for his ministry. The number 40 is significant in Jewish-Christian scripture. In Genesis, the flood that destroyed the world lasted 40 days and 40 nights; the Hebrews spent 40 days in the wilderness before reaching the land God promised them; and Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the 10 Commandments. The word LENT comes from the old English word meaning "lengthen", which represents the longer days in Spring. 
      It's now 23 days before Easter, and as a mother of elementary-aged children who are on Spring Break and as an educator who is recovering from two weeks of physically exhausting travel, I haven't abstained from anything except proper sleep! It can be difficult to adhere to these traditional religious practices in today's world. But if we look deeper into the spiritual meanings of rituals like this, we can integrate concepts that bring us closer to our divine nature not just in Spring, but year-round. 
     Last fall I enjoyed two months of unemployment and children in school. There was a lot of time to attend yoga classes, hike alone, and meditate both cross-legged and in cleaning my house, undisturbed. And it was in those two months that I enjoyed clarity of thought, inner peace, and deep self-reflection. It's unfortunate that Easter wasn't in October, because I was ready for the Resurrection! I haven't found ten minutes of alone time in the past three weeks to do anything but drink coffee in order to keep up with demands. And if I place too much weight on the "40 days", I'll feel guilty and ashamed and forget the whole thing. 
    So what does this season of Lent mean for us and our children? Is it about abstaining from alcohol, sugar, television and social media? Or is it really about becoming more conscious of the thoughts and actions that prevent us from living our best life? Jesus said, "When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face..." Metaphysically, oil stands for a consciousness of love, and washing one's face represents clarity. Maybe this is a time for us to notice what serves us and and what doesn't. For some that means abstaining from certain foods; for others perhaps it's carving out more time for nature or silence. And in order to really know HOW to live our best life, we abstain from thoughts and activities that dampen our awareness. 
    Tomorrow in Sunday School, we'll briefly discuss the history of Lent. Then we'll do an activity that encourages deep observation in order to increase awareness around how we feel, how we affect others, and what we need to feel good (God). We'll create a project that reflects behaviors that support us in living our highest good and listen to a story that's congruent with this season of Lent. I am so excited to be back with your children at the Aspen Chapel and to explore these ideas with them. I hope to see everyone tomorrow! 

If you ever have any questions
regarding our services or your
children's needs, please email me
at michelle@aspenchapel.org

In Peace and Blessings,
Michelle Skagen
Aspen Chapel Youth Coordinator