LENT

Summary

The website content is an introspective reflection on the season of Lent, presented through an acrostic poem and personal narrative, inviting readers to embark on their own spiritual journey.

Abstract

The web content presents a contemplative exploration of the Lenten season through an acrostic poem titled "LENT." The author shares their personal experience with meditation and the influence of other writers, such as Ioana Andrei and Bob Holmes, on their understanding of Lent. The poem itself is a meditation on the process of sitting quietly, the challenges of spiritual practice, and the insights gained from the journey. The author also extends an invitation to readers to join in a collective spiritual exploration for the remainder of Lent, encouraging the sharing of personal discoveries through creative expressions such as poetry, haikus, or short stories. The author acknowledges starting late but remains committed to posting daily reflections and is hopeful about the insights to be revealed through this practice.

Opinions

The author finds value in the acrostic poem structure as a guide for story writing and meditation.
Practice and action are emphasized as essential components of spiritual growth and relationship building.
Meditation is presented as a period of quiet sitting, marked by the sounding of chimes, leading to a gradual return to the world.
The author expresses gratitude to Ioana Andrei for her inspirational poem "Calm" and to the Contemplative Monk for deepening their understanding of Lent.
There is an open invitation for readers to engage in their own spiritual journey during Lent, regardless of religious affiliation.
The author believes in the promise of spiritual seeking, citing biblical passages that encourage seeking, knocking, and

An acrostic poem for the season

Lost in my thoughts… Evening comes; Night follows. To make things feel right, I sit quietly. Even though I make the effort Nothing happens; I sleep.

Practice makes perfect, they say. Regardless of what you may think, Action is needed. Cementing a relationship takes time. (I’m new at this.) Taking my lead from those who seem to know the way I sit comfortably and try not to think; just be! Chimes sound, twenty minutes pass, more chimes. Each person stirs as the allotted time ends. Sitting quietly we gradually return to the world.

I love the acrostic structure. Tim Maudlin teaches the technique as an aid to story writing. The acrostic word or phrase forms a guiding light. It challenges me to come up with appropriate words and verses. I never know what they will be or where they will lead. In a way, it's like meditating.

This poem was inspired by Ioana Andrei and her acrostic poem “Calm.” Thank you, Ioana!

It was also inspired by a recent visit to the Contemplative Monk

and the work of poet and blogger Bob Holmes.

If this poem spoke to you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. You don’t have to be religious to join me or take your own Lenten journey. Be an explorer and spend the rest of the season of Lent (now through the Saturday before Easter — April 3rd) making your own spiritual journey. You may be surprised at what you discover along the way.

After all, the Creator of all things says: Seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.

And, as He says in Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” So, I ask myself, why not make the call and see what is revealed? Stay tuned…

Though I am late to start (Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent was February 17th), for my Lenten practice I’ll post a poem or haiku or short story related to my Lenten journey each day. I invite you to tag along.

I’m also inviting the following poet-friends to join me on this journey and post their own discoveries. Who knows what we’ll find along the way.

If you do post something, be sure to tag me. I would love to share in your discoveries and read the resulting creative work.

Happy Reading, Writing, Connecting and Exploring!

LENT

An acrostic poem for the season

Calm

An acrostic poem

Lent: Deconstructing into Wholeness

I never understood Lent. I never got it. I always thought Lent was some superstitious season where you give up…