"I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating" Subtitle: Episode Overview

In this episode, Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina discuss the spiritual practices of Lent, with a particular focus on the often overlooked practice of confession. They explore their personal histories with liturgical traditions, why Lent remains meaningful to them today, and how confession serves as an important spiritual practice for both personal growth and collective liberation.

Key Points

Personal histories with Lent: Anthony and Tonetta share their journeys from non-liturgical upbringings to embracing Lenten practices
The importance of alternative liturgies: How the liturgical calendar offers a counter-cultural way of measuring time apart from the dominant calendar of empire
Lent as wilderness: Understanding the desert experiences of faith as normal and necessary spiritual cycles
The value of darkness: How Lent reclaims darkness as a space where God moves and works
Confession as practice: The tension between unhealthy guilt and the necessary practice of taking responsibility
Collective confession: The importance of public confession paired with assurance for communal healing
The dangers of avoiding confession: How avoiding self-reflection can lead to calcified hearts and unjust systems

Notable Quotes

"We are formed by calendars in time, whether we like it or not." - Anthony
"The question is not if we are being spiritually formed, it's what is forming us." - Anthony
"Wilderness is a really healthy part of the life of faith." - Tonetta
"If you do not create... alternative routines and practices, you will be formed by the values of the empire." - Tonetta
"Confession as willingness to take responsibility to name what is wrong... is really important for the health of the soul." - Tonetta
"If you cannot be vulnerable in confession... it endangers your heart." - Tonetta
"Confession should drive us towards renewal and recreation and collective liberation." - Anthony

What They're Watching

Tonetta: "Loot" with Maya Rudolph on Apple TV+
Anthony: "Severance" on Apple TV+

Resources Mentioned

Barbara Brown Taylor's book "Learning to Walk in the Dark"
The liturgical year wheel
The Ignatian Examen practice
Willie James Jennings' "The Christian Imagination"

Connect With Us

Instagram: @loam.fm
Tonetta Landis on Instagram: @TonettaLandis
Anthony Parrott online: @PastorParrott
Submit feedback and questions: podcast@loam.fm

007: Exploring Confession and the Spiritual Practice of Lent