Giving Up Social Media for Lent: A Journey of Solitude, Reflection, and Connection
As someone who has not actively practiced Catholicism for decades, my relationship with the traditions I grew up with has evolved. These days, my spiritual practice revolves around the yoga traditions —finding stillness, mindfulness, and connection to a deeper sense of Self. Yet, there are moments when the echoes of my Catholic upbringing stir within me, reminding me of values and practices I once held dear, and perhaps still do, even if in a different form.
This year, for Lent, I’ve decided to give up social media—a decision rooted not in the desire for ritualistic observance, but rather in the longing for quiet and reflection. A strange thing to do for someone who has long since abandoned the pews for the yoga mat, perhaps. But in my search for stillness, I find an unexpected kinship between the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of yoga. Both traditions emphasize the importance of retreating from the noise of the world in order to deepen our connection to God, to ourselves, and to the present moment.
Jesus and the Power of Solitude
In the Gospels, we often see Jesus retreating from the crowds. One of the most poignant examples is his time in the desert for 40 days, where he fasts and reflects in the solitude of nature. During that time, he was not just avoiding distractions; he was intentionally withdrawing in order to commune with his God, to prepare for the mission that lay ahead.
Jesus' retreat into quiet spaces—whether alone in the desert or on the mountaintop in prayer—wasn't a withdrawal from the world in a dismissive way, but an active seeking of clarity and divine connection. It was a practice of stripping away distractions to hear God’s voice more clearly. This practice of solitude is echoed throughout the Gospels, as Jesus often sought moments of retreat for prayer.
This resonates deeply with my current spiritual journey, where yoga invites me into moments of pause, stillness, and reflection. I’ve come to learn that silence, far from being an absence, is a presence—a space where clarity can emerge and where connection to the divine (however we may define that) can deepen.
The Yoga of Solitude
As I look at my yoga practice, I can see how these quiet moments of stillness echo Jesus’ own moments of solitude. The practice of yoga invites us to step away from the noise of the external world and into the quiet of our own inner space. In poses like Savasana, or seated in meditation, we are called to pause—to stop moving, to stop thinking, and simply to be. This stillness is not about escaping the world, but rather about grounding ourselves in the present moment, making space for reflection and connection.
Yoga offers an avenue for connecting with something greater, whether that be the energy of the universe, the divine within, or our own sense of inner peace. While yoga doesn’t explicitly refer to God in the same way Catholicism does, there is still a deep thread of spirituality woven through it—one that calls for silence, contemplation, and reverence.
Giving Up Social Media: A Modern Act of Solitude
So, this Lent, as I decide to give up social media, I am choosing to embrace a practice of solitude that mirrors the traditions I was raised with, yet feels relevant to my current spiritual path. Social media has become a modern-day distraction, a constant stream of noise, drama, and comparison that pulls our attention away from what matters most: connection to the present moment, clarity, and the stillness of the soul.
In giving up social media, I’m not just cutting out something from my life; I’m making room for quiet moments of reflection. I’m inviting myself to retreat, as Jesus did, into spaces where I can listen more deeply. I’m seeking to practice the quiet reflection that both Christ and the yogic traditions value—times where we can step back, breathe, and find clarity away from the distractions and the opinions of the world.
Embracing the Sacred in Stillness
Whether through yoga, Catholic tradition, or other spiritual practices, there is a sacredness to stillness. It is in these quiet moments that we can hear the whispers of our own hearts, the call of the divine, and the deeper truths we sometimes drown out with noise.
This Lent, I will take up the practice of solitude, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to deepen my connection to something greater than myself. I will give up social media not as an act of sacrifice, but as an invitation to reconnect with my inner peace, my sense of purpose, and the divine energy that flows through all things.
In this space of stillness, I hope to hear the quiet voice of the divine, just as Jesus did in the desert. And in this space of silence, I hope to connect more deeply with the divine presence that is always with me, whether on the yoga mat or in the everyday moments of life.
If you, too, are seeking clarity, reflection, and a deeper connection with yourself or the divine, perhaps you might consider taking a pause from the digital noise. Whether through yoga, prayer, or simple stillness, the practice of solitude can be a transformative journey that brings you closer to the sacred quiet that is within us all.