St Martin's Lent and Advent (Part 2 of 2)

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So how does fasting and abstinence aid in spiritual development? Isn’t it all about making yourself feel guilty about eating too much, or eating the wrong thing, or sex? Aren’t these all natural human needs? I’ve already written about how abstinence isn’t about self-deprecation but is about self-discipline and why that’s important here, but allow me to add some additional thoughts on the matter, and specifically the benefits of curbing the most basic human passions…

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St Martin's Lent and Advent (Part 1 of 2)

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If you’re uneasy about the rampant excess of the pre-Christmas season, consider re-introducing the ancient Tradition of St Martin’s Lent: 43 days of fasting, abstinence, and prayer prior to Christmas, similar to the 46 days of Lent prior to Easter. Standing in contrast to the excesses of the pre-Christmas season, St Martin’s Lent refocuses the season on spiritual development… and has the added bonus of shedding the Christmas binge-eating weight before it even happens…

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