I told my email list this morning that I’m embarking on a self-imposed 90 day self-mastery challenge which essentially involves becoming an ascetic. It’s not quite on the level of, say, a Carthusian monk, but the challenge is rigorous, and pretty much involves changing fundamentally everything about yourself, because why not. Disciplines include:
- Daily prayer and meditation
- Regular, intense exercise
- Bi-weekly fasts
- Abstention from: Alcohol, sweets, and snacks
- Elimination of non-essential electronic device time (movies, video games, social media, etc)
- Intentional time with others (especially family)
- Cold showers
- Daily acts of discomfort
- Nightly examinations and gratitude journaling
- All my Catholic stuff (mass, reconciliation, adoration, readings, etc)
Today is day 1. I began by praying the Rosary and spent about twenty minutes in contemplative prayer after that. Then, I wrote. Next is mass, then the gym, and then a cold shower. Then more writing and school work (part of my masters program). This blog will serve as my accountability system.
– Pat
PS – I’m not a huge video-gamer, though I’ve gotten into a few games on my phone recently, and (because of my screen-time monitor) have discovered these distractions to be highly addictive and stupid and a waste (go figure), so this will be a good way to purge.
PPS – Amazon still has my upcoming book on sale for just $14. If you buy it I’ll be your friend. How’s that for a pre-order incentive?