In many parts of the world, today is known as Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of a six-week period called Lent. It’s a time to “slow down and take stock” of our lives – a time of introspection, of ‘metanoia’ (turning around) – an opportunity to realize that we won’t live forever and that each day is a precious gift.

While many follow the practice of “giving something up” for Lent (meat, candy, chocolate, liquor etc), I don’t. Instead, I choose to “put on” instead.

“Put on” love in new ways.

Many words have been used as metaphors for love over the centuries. This year, my metaphor for love is … baby stroller. A surprising word for many I’m sure, but this photo (by an unknown photographer) of train station in Poland shows baby strollers left by Polish moms for Ukrainian moms escaping the war in Ukraine with babies in their arms.

The Polish moms “gave up” (the convenience of the stroller for their own child) their strollers and “put on” love for people they didn’t even know.

Today’s Ash Wednesday is not signalling an end to the war in Ukraine … a lessening of Trade Wars … or a recognition that very bad decisions are being made that are impacting the lives of countless lives. There is a lot of negative energy happening.

So I’m taking the Season of Lent a time of metanoia (turning-around) and “putting on love” this year. For the Forty Days and Nights of Lent, I am asking myself “what way can I tangibly express love and counter the negativity in conversations, social media, media – even just a bit.

I won’t be ignoring the reality of the political chaos … but when I speak-up-and-out about injustice, cruelty, etc., I’ll find a way to “even the playing field” of energy so to speak. For every post I put here on FB or Bluesky that may express negative energy, I’ll post something positive – hopeful – joyful – happy – like a flashmob.

So, I’m now off to find a video of a flashmob – dancing, laughing, singing, musicians, surprised faces often in unusual settings.

They brighten life … and we all sure could use some of that these days.

Maybe this could be a new way of experiencing the Season of Lent’s “turning around – metanoia” theme. Just a thought on this Ash Wednesday 2025.

© June Maffin
Photographer: unknown (If you know who it is, please let me know so appropriate accreditation can happen. Thank you).