Giving Up and Taking Up: Encountering New Perspectives on Lent

Though I do not identify with any particular religion, I am intrigued by the way religious traditions and cycles frame one’s intentions and expectations throughout the year. The themes, philosophy, and narratives that weave with the movement of the year help people maintain connection with their self, community, purpose, and sense of divinity. Recently, a Christian friend and I were discussing the ways that they interpret the season of Lent and Easter in their lives.