“In general, I think that we have a slightly distorted view of what spiritual disciplines are even about,” she said. “Lent is a good example of a sustained spiritual discipline. I love what the early Christians, especially the whole Desert Fathers movement says about it. They say that the aesthetical practices were not about ripping something bad out of us or punishing; it’s meant to bring us face to face with a part of ourselves that we’re not normally aware of. So, it’s a kind of experiment you’re running, not a race. Lent is not an extreme sport. I think that’s where a lot of people get derailed.”

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