Post: #1

I was listening to Aurini's podcast, and he mentioned he will give up videogames for the duration of the lent.

I thought this is a good idea, as I have a lot of great books to read through. (including the Bible...)

What other ideas you have? And maybe we can use this topic to keep each other motivated during the lent.

Post: #2

Probably YouTube. It will be hard, but lately, my biggest vice lately has been watching pointless videos and spending way too much time on it.

Post: #3

The problem I see with lent is that it gives people a reason to try and break bad habits, but once lent is over with, they immediately go back to those said habits. You could compare this phenomena to all the New Year's gym newbies. Who decide to go to the gym only because of the New Year gym fad. But in time, these people will quit and return to their old habitual routine.

Things like lent gives an environmental reason for people to try and change, however, these cultural excuses like lent are an existential source, not intrinsic. Real change happens on the inside and will occur regardless of outside circumstances once the individual's value system collapses, it is then he will understand he needs to rebuild the framework of his life and change his habits.

Post: #4

If there's something worth giving up for Lent, it's worth giving up year round. Since my lifestyle is carefully constructed to achieve a healthy result, there's nothing to give up.

If the argument is that giving up something for a short period of time will allow progress in a specific area (spiritually, career-wise, etc), after Lent, you can only expect a regression back to the previous norm.

Life changes need to be life changes.

Post: #5

(02-06-2018 02:15 AM)Glaucon Wrote:  I thought this is a good idea, as I have a lot of great books to read through. (including the Bible...)

I would be looking at dropping them for life. Mine will be a bit belated, I am organising on giving up The West.

Post: #6

I look at it as exercising you willpower.

I do not play a lot of video games anyway, but I will make an extra effort for 40 days to not do it. Maybe I like it, and for the next 40 days choose something else.
I do not think we need go all or nothing in everything in life. Your mileage may vary.

Post: #7

Video games is a good one; I have barely played them over the past 5 years, but lately have gotten back into one. I've only been playing every other day though, and only briefly at that; no hours-long sessions. In a sense I've already moderated it.

Perhaps I'll drop pork for Lent, I've mostly cut it out, though.

Post: #8

I decided to go hardcore; I'm giving up drinking.

This'll help me stay focussed and save money - but I'm not looking forward to the detox that will be kicking in on Saturday. Ah, well - I'll suffer through it.

Post: #9

The point of Great Lent isn't "to give something up" or even to do something "healthy." The point is asceticism. The point is a purification in hopes of spiritual growth. You can't connect with the Divine if you are full and comfortable. Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Post: #10

(02-06-2018 03:17 PM)Aurini Wrote:  I decided to go hardcore; I'm giving up drinking.

This'll help me stay focussed and save money - but I'm not looking forward to the detox that will be kicking in on Saturday. Ah, well - I'll suffer through it.

It's a good move; no more drinking (except when needed to socially), smoking or drugs for me anymore, and it's great to have that clarity and health. I'm not puritanical about it, people can do it if they want and I won't say anything unless it's someone close to me who's slipping up.

Post: #11

(02-06-2018 02:44 AM)Suits Wrote:  If there's something worth giving up for Lent, it's worth giving up year round. Since my lifestyle is carefully constructed to achieve a healthy result, there's nothing to give up.

If the argument is that giving up something for a short period of time will allow progress in a specific area (spiritually, career-wise, etc), after Lent, you can only expect a regression back to the previous norm.

Life changes need to be life changes.

I've got a good one for you suits. No more Asian 5s.

Post: #12

The point of lent is to fast; fasting isn't to change a lifestyle habit per se, but a time when you cut back on eating in order to come closer to God. People have stretched the definition of fasting to include all bodily pleasures, and it's hard to argue against this stretching.

Lent mimic's Jesus's 40 days in the desert.

The real problem with Lent? Jesus only did his desert trip once in his life. You've got people doing it every year?

Post: #13

For anyone else who's looking to cut back or quit drinking, might I suggest Soda Water? It's got a nice, bitter fizz to it, so you don't drink it too quickly like you would a glass of water, with no calories or deleterious effects.

Post: #14

I like to get really wasted on ash Wednesday, and have a big barbeque on good Friday.

Aloha!

Post: #15

Thinking about videogames. It's sad how it's even a serious consideration...

Post: #16

Well, I already screwed up...I didn't get ashes on Ash Wednesday and ate ribs on Friday!

In honor of the Trinity I'm going for a threefer:

No alcohol
No pop
No masturbating

I have been under a lot of stress at work for the past few months and I have been drinking too much when I get home at night.

During the day I would often stop at 7-11 and refill my Big Gulp.

Since I have been working so much overtime by the time Friday night rolls around I don't feel like going out. I sit at home and drink too much, get drunk, look at porn and jerk off. Then I feel like shit.

Today is Sunday 2/18/2018. Lent began five days ago. It is 12.5% completed and I have not had a drink, a Coke or

Yeah, me!

Post: #17

(02-18-2018 05:16 AM)ItalianStallion9 Wrote:  Thinking about videogames. It's sad how it's even a serious consideration...

I have nothing else really. I do not drink, do not smoke, celibate...

I should read more really. Videogames just a useless timesink

Post: #18

whisky.

Post: #19

I am trying to abstain from meat and fish

Post: #20

nothing