Sam, you’re not fully present; not paying attention; not living simply.

The old tradition of Lent began last Wednesday. I didn't grow up observing it, but I've gained a deep appreciation for what it represents and for the excuse it provides to give up something for six weeks. I'm telling you this because I decided to give up TV this time around.

So what? Well, it means two things:

  1. I won't get as much advertising material as I've found during the past season of watching a serious amount of TV (I'm still incredibly below the national average of +/-5 hours a day, but that number seems absurdly non-human so I'll compare myself to the humans on the healthier end of that spectrum. And speaking of humans and non-humans, this TV viewing summary from 2009 brings aliens into question.)
  2. I'll have a chance to renew my viewing sensitivity. Six weeks away from TV has a way of sharpening my senses to what's good and what's bad about it, and it's been several years since taking my last hiatus. It's time for a lens cleaner.
To learn more about Lent, read my recent reflection on it at HighCallingBlogs.com: Fracturedness and Our Need for Lent.

5 comments:

Anonymous,  February 24, 2010 at 2:16 AM  

no tv?
that's un-american!

Laura February 24, 2010 at 1:30 PM  

Sam,

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful time in Pitt. I'm still holding out for next year...

Lent is fairly new to me too. I think that is why I am able to appreciate it so much. In a world where fast-food, immediate gratification, and all things right now rules...I welcome the slowing.

Enjoy your extra time, Sam.

New Breed of Advertisers February 24, 2010 at 3:55 PM  

nAncY, I'll have an apple pie instead. :)

Laura, we missed you at Jubilee, but thanks for the welcome back. It was a marvelous weekend for many reasons. As for slowing? I'm welcoming that, too.

L.L. Barkat February 24, 2010 at 4:05 PM  

I would have to start watching TV for Lent. Lent is about suffering right? ;-)

Hey, so nice to see you at Jubilee. (I forgot to ask you if you wanted some of my octopus. And thanks for the bacon chocolate!)

New Breed of Advertisers February 24, 2010 at 4:13 PM  

Wait, when did you eat octopus? I must have missed that meal. Probably too slimy anyway.

Those sampler chocolates I had? One was 99% cacao. I ate it. Let's just say "acquired taste" (something I don't quite have yet).

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