by Jane Betters
Most people know about Mardi Gras - the parties, the floats, the pancakes! But, do you know what it really means?
Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday. A time for folks to get rid of all the excess food in their homes to begin a time of fasting, penitence and reflection the next day without wasting food. For catholics, the next day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. It's commemorated in many ways from giving up chocolate, to refraining from gossip to spending more time in prayer - in general, scaling back on the more material, busy side of life to reflect: "Remember man that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return." It's sobering. And it's cleansing. This period lasts for forty days until the feasting of Easter.
You don't have to be catholic, or even Christian, to use this time for your benefit. We all get caught up in the busyness of life, going from one activity to the next without much thought other than to keep moving. When we stop, it's often to gaze into the big screens of TV, computers or video games - our escape.
But what might be gained, personally and professionally, if you spent forty days with limited activities, made time for silence, thought without hurrying, reflected on your life. Are you going in the direction you planned? Are you happy? Are you making a difference in the lives of others?
It's easy to hide many thoughts and feelings in 'busy'. You might just be surprised as you find a new and deeper You in the quiet.