Lent is right around the corner. And I used to hate it.

This week I’m looking forward to it. Why? I’m using brain science to plan for Lent. This promises to make Lent a full adventure that will, in all likelihood, leave me more happy and loving.

Here’s how: Lent is all about praying, fasting, and giving to the poor. Each of these activities, when done skillfully, changes our neurochemistry and makes us naturally more self-aware, joyful and compassionate. The key, though, is to choose Lenten personal experiments and rituals that work. Otherwise Lent will just make us more irritable and self-righteous. (Been there, done that!)   

So for the next four weeks I will summarize what brain science teaches us about how to make Lent a season of transformation.

Here are some key questions that will help us to create a crazy simple and explosively transformative season:

Fasting:

• What stuff is currently taking up time or energy that does not make me healthy, grounded, or aware of God’s presence?
• How do I want to get healthier this season?

Praying:

• When have I felt most grounded in my best self and more aware of God’s presence? What was I doing?
• Where do I pray best? Could I plan some extended time there to pray this Lent?

Caring for the Poor:

• Whose suffering has been on my heart lately? Could this desire to help be an invite from God to do something? Now is the perfect time. 

I can’t wait for Lent to begin. Using breakthroughs in brain science I’m using my Lenten adventure this year to wake up my heart and surrender to some serious transformation.

Want to join the adventure? On Wednesday morning, I’ll share what I’m learning about how skillful fasting can take your physical health and spiritual energy to the next level.