We are Creatures of Habit

When I was younger, I recall reading about Henry David Thoreau, the man who lived in the wilderness outside of Boston to prove that one could live a simple life without patterns of city living, only to prove he had created his own complex system of living. I visited the Walden area where there is a park there today dedicated to his memory, and famous book. I remember thinking at the time how interesting it was the humans were creatures of habit.

It has been almost twenty years since I visited Walden, and I have discovered my own habits in life, some practical to avoid forgetting important tasks, while others are a bit more destructive. If you have been a follower of Be Transfigured Ministries very long, then you have heard me speak about my destructive patterns when it comes to eating. I am addicted to food, and times like the Great Fast are a special blessing to me, as I receive a little extra inspiration to control my food intake. Nonetheless, this blog isn’t about overeating per se It is about habits that lead to our destruction.

Because we are creatures of habit, the Church uses spiritual disciplines to establish good habits in our lives. Morning and evening prayers, services schedules at the Church, advanced menu planning during fasting periods, are just a few examples of good habits the Church encourages. Not all habits are destructive, but all good habits require planning to be properly established. Did you know it takes about 40 days to establish a new habit?

There are 40 days remaining until Holy and Great Pascha. That is just enough time to build a new and holy habit that will last beyond the Great Fast. Sit for a moment today and consider how the Great Fast is affecting your life. Does your body feel like it has more energy now that you have removed meat and dairy from your diet? Mine does. Does your brain find it easier to focus on your day now that you are starting your day with extra prayers? Mine does. It is one of the reasons I enjoy blogging each morning. The point is, not all habits are bad, but all habits require time to establish.

Allow your journey through the Great Fast to develop new habits for your soul, must like Thoreau’s time at Walden created habits in his life. His habits revolved around simple living. Our habits should revolve around our spiritual journey toward God. Here are few examples of good Orthodox Habits for your life.

• Fast on days the Church says to fast. The schedule becomes a habit.
• Pray when the Church says to pray. Build your day around your prayers, rather than your prayers around your day.
• Go to Church services when the Church says go to Church services. Commit to six basic words, “If it’s Sunday, I’m in Church”
• Help those in need when the Church says to help others. We cannot be Christian without helping others. Find a soup kitchen or organization that needs hands-on help. Sometimes getting your hands dirty is all you need to see the needs of others.
• Read the readings of the day from the Holy Scriptures. Read also the lives of the Saints who lived these holy habits.