Abstinence & Engagement

Hey everyone! I’ve been on a journey lately, really trying to understand how to cultivate a more intentional life, especially spiritually. One concept that’s truly resonated with me is 'abstinence and engagement.' Before, I always thought of abstinence just as 'giving something up,' but I've realized it's so much more profound and practical, especially when paired with active engagement. So, what exactly is abstinence in this context? It's not just about deprivation. For me, it's about intentionally stepping away from behaviors or influences that might be hindering my growth or distracting me from what truly matters. We all struggle with something, right? Whether it's mindless scrolling, negative self-talk, or even habits like gossip or compulsive overthinking, these things can really pull us away from our best selves. Practices of abstinence help us create space. For instance, I've found that abstaining from excessive social media use for certain periods allows me to reclaim my focus and peace. It’s a conscious choice to stop doing things that don’t serve me, making room for better things. Now, let's talk about types of abstinence, because it's not a one-size-fits-all. The idea of embracing 'silence' or 'simplicity' as forms of abstinence, as I've recently learned, is incredibly powerful. It’s about more than just giving up a bad habit; it's about fostering a deeper spiritual discipline. For me, trying a 'digital detox' on weekends has been a form of silence from the constant noise of the internet. Another 'type' can be abstaining from certain types of entertainment that promote negativity, or even 'fasting' from complaining for a day. It's about recognizing what might be subtly eroding your peace or connection. But abstinence alone isn't the full picture. That’s where engagement comes in. It’s the active 'start doing' part. If you create a void by abstaining, you need to fill it with something life-giving. For me, this means actively engaging in practices like spending time reading my Bible, dedicating time to prayer, or even serving others in my community. The OCR I saw mentioned not throwing yourself at it too heavily to avoid getting burnt out, and I totally agree! Starting in small increments is key. Maybe it's just 5 minutes of prayer a day, or intentionally seeking out opportunities to practice community once a week. The beautiful synergy between abstinence and engagement is how they help us cultivate virtues. For instance, if you're working to overcome your pride, engaging in practices of community or solitude can truly help cultivate a spirit of humility. As it says in Matthew 23:12, "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." It’s a constant dance of letting go and leaning in. It’s a journey, not a destination, and I'm finding so much richness in it. What are your thoughts on this?