Lent: A Personal Post-Season Evaluation

We are called to be Easter people. We live in the light of the Risen Lord. The purple and gray that once draped a Lenten church is no more. Today, it shines brightly in white and gold. Lillies line the altar. Overnight, a transformation has taken place. Eastertide is upon us, a celebration of 50 days and yet, I can't help but look back. Maybe I shouldn't. In the words of Bruce Springsteen, I find myself "caught in a crossfire that I don't understand." —Badlands.

Lent is more than 40 days. To me, it is long. It's hard; it's heavy. With Easter Sunday, I know  we find a new freedom —we have been released from the burden of sin— but to make that switch overnight is tough. Am I the only one who feels this way? I guess I would have walked to the empty tomb. Like Mary, Peter and John, I would go— but I might pace and space myself to get there.

I don't want to stay in Lent any longer than necessary. Truly, I want to live as an Easter person. I just need some help. I decided a Lenten debrief, also known as a post-season evaluation might assist me in my efforts. Time to turn the page!

As a teacher and a coach, as someone who has worked in an athletic department and now works in an office of Adult Spirituality, evaluations are not new to me. In fact, I had a professor who found them to be as essential as the event/experience/course itself. She helped me understand why they are important—even if but a few people complete them. She taught me how to craft effective ones, how to read the information and what to do with all of it. Thank you, Adrian!

The discipline of creating and completing an evaluation allows the organizer to consider their hopes and expectations. They invite personal input and commentary. They help you identify strengths and weaknesses—aka areas of growth. My athletes completed one at the end of every season. I figured with this mentality, Why not create one for Lent? 

Much like an athletic season or team, each Lent is different. Some Lents are harder than others. I participate and commit myself to practices of my faith. Each one is intentional and formative. Some require sacrifice, others mindfulness. Some of Lenten practices have changed me forever. In order for me to be an Easter season, I need to get a sense of what has changed... How has Abba Father shaped me in a new way, Am I more Christ-like—am I move loving? forgiving? How do I resist temptation? 

Let these questions serve as the introduction of your own post-Lenten season evaluation. Consider the others I have listed here.

• Describe the change you were hoping for this Lent. How has that change transpired? How has it changed course into something new?
  
  
• Did you share your Lenten journey with anyone? Make plans to have a conversation with a good friend to discuss how it went.
  
  
• You may have started Lent with an idea of the path you were hoping to take to Easter. It's likely that path changed. Did it? What were the graces? What were the missed opportunities?
  
  
• What practices during Lent might you like to keep through the Easter season?
  
  
• In what ways did you incorporate mindful silence into your day? 
  
  
• Who did you write to this Lent? Remember these people in your prayers. Who do you want to reach out to?
  
  
• One of the pillars of Lent is giving alms. In what ways do you plan to continue giving to the poor this Easter season?

Like any effective evaluation, complete this personal inventory / reflection guide within a week of Easter Sunday. 

You won't receive a certificate, a block or a trophy for having completed Lent. I do believe however, the growth and gifts emerge quietly, gracefully and joyfully in the Easter season...and beyond. I hope this post-season evaluation offers insight into all of that, plus more.

Happy Easter. Truly, He is Risen. Alleluia!

Photo Credits
Cookie
Cross
Eval

20 for 2020: Number 18—The KonMari Method and Option

I haven't read an official number, but I do wonder what percentage of Americans took to the KonMari method during the COVID quarantine. Though released in October 2014, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up"—Marie Kondo's manifesto—found new followers as shelter-in-place forced us to confront the clutter in our homes and in our hearts. And, I must admit I am now one of them.Thus Number 18 on my 20 for 2020 is responding to my teacher—as disciples are called to do—with a comment and a question.

Chapter 4: Storing Your Things to Make Your Life Shine concludes with a call for the reader to "Appreciate your possessions and gain strong allies." In it, Marie* writes "One of the homework assignments I give my clients is to appreciate their belongings. For example, I urge them to try saying, "Thank you for keeping me warm all day," when they hang up their clothes after returning home'."

I have to admit, this is a stretch for me. While I do think there is something to be said for being intentional about many things—appreciation, gratitude, caring and mindfulness—I do not have it in me to pause and say those words out loud. Do you?  Walt Whitman said, "Be Curious. Not Judgmental." I am curious about this practice. I'm not judgmental of this suggestion. And still—I know myself. However, Marie appealed to my senses, and to Sports and Spirituality a few sentences later when she wrote,

Of course, I know some people find it hard to believe that inanimate objects respond to human emotion, and it could indeed just have been coincidence. Still, we often hear about athletes who take loving care of their sports gear, treating it almost as if it were sacred. I think the athletes instinctively sense the power of these objects. If we treated all things we use in our daily life, whether it is our computer, our handbag, or our pens and pencils, with the same care that athletes give to their equipment, we could greatly increase the number of dependable "supporters" in our lives. The act of possessing is a very natural part of our daily life, not something reserved for some special match or contest." 

Without a doubt, some of my most prized possessions as a young athlete were related to sports. The annual trip to Wink's Swim Shop to purchase Scottsdale Swim Club's team suit was a sacred pilgrimage. I remember saving enough money from babysitting to pay for my new Dunlop tennis racket. It was white, with turquoise strings. I carried that on court weapon with pride. Even today, care for my golf clubs and golf gear get priority over ....a lot of things. Thus Marie's challenge isn't lost on me. Her message makes sense. If I can care for my possessions carefully here, why can't I do it there. 

NB: I do not talk to my golf clubs, nor do I name them.

Reading, implementing and practicing the KonMari method has been a fun point of conversation among my friends and family. One of my golf girlfriends presented to me what she refers to as the KonMari option. Similar to the nuclear option, it is intense. And, it got me thinking. 

My friend shared that in this past year, she has applied Marie's advice to her friends. If a friendship doesn't spark joy, now is the time to let it go. This exercise has enabled her to see the emotional clutter that comes with some relationships. I think she's on to something. Do you? Too strong? Necessary? 

Marie Kondo believes that she has "summed up how to put your space in order in a way that will change your life forever." I find her goal to be both ambitious and necessary. I do believe the magic of tidying-up is an art form. Is it life-changing? magical? Not sure....but I do want to do better in respecting what I have and and what I own. I also want to continue thinking about the effect of physical clutter on my life as well as the emotional clutter from people who spark negativity or pessimism. Get ready 2021! 

*Marie is the the nomenclature used on her website

Photo Credits
Spark Joy
Drawer
Marie

20 for 2020: Number 16—Body Scan Meditation

In the court of meditation and/or yoga, I will be found not guilty. I will never be charged for spending too much time in the classroom of silence or the school of mindfulness. I wish I were different. I praise their value and preach their virtues and still, I am negligent of participation and practice. I won't even offer an alibi.

Shelter in place and the virtual classroom however has brought me as close as I may ever get. A good friend and colleague offered biweekly "Meditation with Mary." I showed up because I would prefer to be "guilty." I would like to latch on to this spiritual practice and discipline. During the darkest days, I can say I found one that resonates with me personally and with athletes. Thus, it is Sweet 16 on my 20 for 2020. It is a Body Scan Meditation and thanks to Mary, I am posting it here. 

I believe this meditation is a great exercise for student athletes. It can be used once a week or more. Perhaps you will use it with your team the day before a contest or a big game, at home or on the road. A coach, captain, manager or player can read it. Enjoy! Namaste.

Body Scan Meditation by Mary Reilly

This meditation helps us get in touch with our bodies, and focus on each part. It is important to just recognize, and not judge, how we are feeling. The mind has power to heal, make us feel strong, and is so connected with our souls. Remember, the Spirit of God is within us (1 Corinthians 3:16), so listening and acknowledging your body is key!! 

I hope this 5-10 minute Body Scan allows you to feel grounded and ready for your sport!

Warm-up

• Ground yourself in God’s presence: become aware of God all around you and acknowledge that this moment is a gift. Plant your feet on the ground, close your eyes, and begin to notice your breath.
  
  
•  Inhale and exhale...make your breath long and deep...inhale (4 seconds) and exhale (7 seconds)...continue this for about three long breaths.
  
  
• Imagine you are breathing in something good and exhaling something you don’t need (for example: inhale love and exhale negativity).
  
  
• Let thoughts come and go...your mind will try to take you away from the moment. It is OK and just gently bring your mind back to the breath/present moment.

Start body Scan: 

Begin with your feet and bring your mind to focus on the feet for a moment. 

• How do they feel today? Our feet carry so much for us and we often don’t get to thank them. 
• Take a breath and acknowledge your feet. Let the weight go from them.

Moving up, your legs do the same thing. 

• Notice how your calves feel today. Is there tension there? Let it go. Relax. 

Knees and thighs: Repeat. Just take a breath and notice how your knee caps feel and then to your thighs. 

• What do your legs need today?

Hips: Send your attention to your hips. Repeat what you did before. Just breathe. 

• How are your hips feeling today? Let any tension in your hips go you might be feeling. 

Stomach and chest: Feel your breath within your stomach and chest. Feel it rise and fall. 

• How are these areas feeling today? Let any tension in your stomach or chest go and just breathe. Create space.

Right Arm and Hand: Now move down your right side with your mind. 

• How does your right arm feel? How does your right hand feel?

Left Arm and Hand: Repeat and notice any differences between the left and right.

Shoulders: Breath into your shoulders and let go of any tension you feel there. We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, but for now just let it go.

Neck: Repeat, notice any tension in the neck, and let it go.

Face: Focus on your jaw, nose, mouth, and forehead. Let go of any tension and just  be.

Be grateful for your whole body.

Conclude with a final prayer and think of three things you are grateful for today. 

Photo Credits

Sun Body Scan

Lying Down
Guided Meditation