For many Christians, today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Lent comes from a word meaning "springtime" and it’s a season of penance and preparation for Easter.  You might think of it as a sort of spiritual spring cleaning.  A time to air things out, clean behind furniture and under rugs, and get rid of things that are in the way.

Traditionally, Lent is marked by three practices:  prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Even if you aren’t religious, you may find variants on these practices to be a useful way of refocusing yourself.

Prayer:  Whether or not you pray is a personal decision.  But even if you don’t pray, there is much to be said for taking some quiet time each day.  We are absolutely bombarded by sound from morning to night. (Some people I know even sleep with the television on!)  Silence is almost nonexistent.  Give yourself the gift of silence, daily if possible.  Turn off all the devices and just exist in the silence.  Let your heart rate still and your breathing become slower and deeper.  Or take a walk and just listen to the sounds of nature.  Separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday.

Fasting:  Most people want to eat more heathfully.  Now is a great time to start.  Consider consciously cutting portion sizes or dropping those high-calorie between meal snacks.  Go vegetarian for one day a week or until Easter.  Give up fast food or eating out.  Your body will thank you for it.

Almsgiving:  Give of yourself — time, treasure, and talent.  Go through your closets and cabinets and clear out the clutter, donating the items in good condition to a local charity.  Try to go for a specified period of time (a week, 10 days) without buying anything.  Give at least part of the money you save to a worthy cause.  Find something you care about and donate your time. 

Lent, like spring, is about renewal.  Give it a try.