Abstinence

'Penance, fasts, and abstinence, / To punish bodies.' No 'souls offense' here... but a week's a long time

Merely preparation for a more distinct elation, a celebration made of pure joy

Time to set aside what we want for what we need, temporarily, from now on

Greeting dawn eyes clear bright askew for the first rays to energise the air

Solstice at Avebury Stone Circle drumming till midnight sets the scene

Journey through chalk hills and white horses to the Red Lion

Preparation. Fast. Pack. Light. Love.

Leave lots of things behind

Forget expectations

Wake up

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abstinence (uncountable)

1. The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire.

   The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. — John Locke

   Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation. — S^t Augustine

2. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages (also called total abstinence, teetotalism).
3. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage.
4. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self (partly or totally) of certain kinds of food or drink, especially meat.

   Penance, fasts, and abstinence, / To punish bodies for the soul's offense. - John Dryden