[128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner

We’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. Christine outlines the various forms of fasting, including from multitasking and inattention, and the practice of fasting from scarcity, speed, and certainty. 

Christine founded the Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She is a Benedictine Oblate, poet, writer, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, teacher, and pilgrimage guide. She has authored over 20 books, including her most recent: A Different Kind of Fast.

In this episode:

(00:00) Liturgical seasons offer opportunities for renewal.

(04:29) Online community brings together contemplative practice, creativity.

(08:24) Embrace full presence by fasting from multitasking.

(13:31) Letting go of planning and surrendering control.

(17:39) Finding sacred moments in contemplative walks.

(20:44) Seeking nourishment for a famished heart.

(25:44) Seeking deeper connection to the divine mystery.

(28:37) Intensifying focus, choosing life-giving practices, practicing resurrection.

(31:10) Reflect, share, and explore spiritual practices.

Find episode notes at www.umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.