Adding Light

“Why is this ‘strategy of addition’ effective? The research suggests that addition-focused goals are associated with greater follow-through and satisfaction compared to avoidance-oriented ones. Reframing your healthy habits as things you get to add or gain (rather than things you need to restrict) can reduce feelings of deprivation and make motivation easier. When we add a new habit, the focus is on what’s possible and building on strengths—a more enjoyable and sustainable way to approach health changes.”

 - Gaples Institute

“I’m trying not to worry so much.”

“I’m working on complaining less.”

“I’m avoiding the news.”

“I’m giving up meat, dairy, phone scrolling…for Lent.” 

I’ve made all of the above statements, many, many times throughout the years. They are worthy endeavors, but my success rate has historically been pretty mid, to be honest. I really and truly desire to make strides in these areas, and I can will myself to demonstrate restraint for certain periods of time. Still, when a crisis hits, or I’ve slept terribly, or my best laid plans are interrupted, my willpower disintegrates. I relapse into unhealthy coping mechanisms of grumbling, dialoging with anxious thoughts, impulsiveness, and caving to distractions. 

What I long for is hope, faith, and stability that is not so easily uprooted- to be like “a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)”  I want to be fruitful in all circumstances and to grow more Christlike every day. I believe it is time for a mindset shift centered on abundance rather than scarcity, on what I’m for rather than what I’m against, on what I want to add to my life rather than on what I'm restricting or subtracting. 

Addition-oriented goals can feel like a feast of uplifting possibilities. Letting in more light naturally diminishes the darkness without the exhaustion of fighting that darkness, and inevitably becoming swallowed up by it. Reframing spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, liturgical services, almsgiving, gratitude, and repentance) as generous and powerful gifts from God to save us from darkness and despondency, rather than as a dry checklist of works to earn His favor, fosters a warm, vibrant relationship with Christ. “

“Do not fight to expel the darkness from the chamber of your soul. Instead open a tiny aperture for light to enter and the darkness will disappear” 

– St Porphyrios

“I want to sin less” lacks the reverential, overflowing, above-and-beyondness of love. There’s no heart to it. 

“I want more and more of Christ,” energizes our efforts to “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” It turns our attention away from sin (both ours and others’) and onto the attributes of Christ we want to emulate (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). 

It may seem like a subtle tweak on paper, but the transformational possibilities are significant. “Subtracting sin” is willpower-driven, of which I have little.  “Adding light” taps into the boundless reservoir of God’s goodness, ever increasing our hunger for more of that light and to share that light with others. 

This Lent, I’ve changed things up a bit by setting my intentions using addition-focused goals:

I’m adding more prayer for increased peace and patience 

I’m adding more stillness to make room for the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort me

I’m adding more gratitude to remain hopeful and mindful of God’s goodness and mercy

I’m adding fasting and almsgiving to detach from my pride, greed, and destructive impulses

I’m adding more liturgical services to help me seek first the Kingdom of Heaven 

I’m adding selfless acts of kindness to embody Christ for my neighbor, and to be healed of my own ego-driven passions.

I’ve already noticed a real difference in my mindset. If you find yourself drained and discouraged by what you can’t stop doing, or have failed to give up with any consistency, give this reframing exercise a try! Actively doing good (as opposed to just “not sinning”) is a much more effective and contagiously hope-and-love-filled way to make progress on your spiritual journey.