Mystic Musings: Lent 2/19

“You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”

Mary Oliver from “Wild Geese”

The 40 days of Lent are patterned off the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness by the Israelites and Jesus being tested in the wilderness for 40 days. Lent has often been thought of as taming the desires of the flesh as Christians focus on removing the barriers to a relationship with God. Prayer and fasting is common. Some traditions in medieval times even included self-flagellation to participate in the suffering of Jesus.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez

It is true that we live in society that is highly indulgent. But to “let the soft animal of your body love what is loves” does not automatically mean that one gives into gluttony, lust and greed. Our bodies are wiser than that.

Take ten minutes and breath deeply. Ask the “soft animal of your body” what it really needs right now.

• Does it need rest? space?

• Does it need connection and touch?

• Does it need forgiveness?

• Does it need a break from overconsumption?

• Does it need to be released of deprivation?

• Does it more engagement or less engagement?

“Let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”

Fast if it needs to fast. Indulge if it needs to indulge.