Less Bunny, More Benediction: Easter with Meaning

What I’ve always loved about Easter is that it gives us time to pause and reflect.

It’s a time to settle down.

It’s a chance to withdraw from the buzz of social obligations.

A time for quiet. For reflection. For soul-searching.

Easter is also a time of rebirth.

In pagan traditions, it’s linked to spring- flowers blooming, sunrises, green shoots. But here in the Southern Hemisphere, Easter falls during autumn. So instead of things blooming, we’re letting go. And I actually love that symbolism. It’s just as powerful.

I think this time of year reminds us to shed the things that are no longer working in our lives. To let go of burdens, bad habits, and baggage. And in their place? Growth. Purpose. Peace.

Many people also use the Easter period for baptisms. Apparently, there’s a massive increase in baptisms this time of year because Easter is so deeply tied to spiritual cleansing and renewal. And honestly, I think the whole world could benefit from a spiritual awakening. A reset. A deep, cleansing exhale.

Because have you seen what’s going on out there?

I scroll through the internet, skim social media, flip through TV channels, and browse magazines- and I’m honestly horrified.

It feels like we’ve lost our moral compass.

Especially among the youth. (I know, I sound old, but I’m owning it.)

In my day, people kept their clothes on. These days, people- especially young people- are being exploited online. Financially. Physically. Sexually. And not even on dodgy sites, mind you- this is happening right on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Let’s be clear: they’re not always exploiting themselves. There’s nothing empowering about being objectified. It’s not confidence- it’s commodification.

That’s why I keep coming back to this idea of spiritual rebirth. Not just for South Africa- for the world. We need to realign ourselves. To reset our moral compass. To care again.

Now I’m going to pivot slightly- but stay with me.

I was recently watching coverage of that infamous “Kill the Boer” song. One of the courts ruled it’s not hate speech- it’s part of the struggle history. I get that. I really do. But someone online (forgive me, I forget their name) said something so powerful: Words matter.

When you chant “Kill the Boer,” you are using violent, dangerous language.

You can’t spin it as harmless or “symbolic.” It’s inciting murder.

No matter the intent, it promotes harm.

Even the Bible- whether you’re religious or not- gives us the most basic instruction: Thou shalt not kill.

It might not be the first commandment, but it’s certainly not optional.

So this Easter, while people are unwrapping chocolate eggs and enjoying the long weekend, I’ll be asking myself:

What do I need to let go of?

What parts of my life need resurrection?

What’s weighing me down- and what’s waiting to lift me up?

It’s been a long time coming, this reflection.

Before COVID, I had just signed on three restaurants for marketing, social media, and PR work. I was so excited.
And then COVID hit.
Everything got cancelled.

And sadly, some of those restaurants didn’t survive the lockdown.

After the pandemic, I started getting my groove back- planning events, getting excited about restaurant promotions- and then I began the long journey toward my cancer diagnosis.

So maybe the lesson here is: before we go announcing our big plans to the world, we need to take a moment.

A pause.
A breath.
A reflection.

That’s what I encourage all JoziStylers to do.

By all means- enjoy the long weekend. Travel, if you’re travelling.

Eat like royalty. Relish every last bite of your Easter treats.

But also carve out a little space for mindfulness.

This isn’t just any weekend.

Yesterday was Maundy Thursday- the Last Supper.

Last week was Palm Sunday- when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling a prophecy that a new kind of king was coming. Not a warrior. A peacemaker.

Some celebrated it. Others were disappointed, because the truth didn’t match their expectations.

Today is Good Friday- ironically named, given it commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion.

And Sunday? Easter Sunday. The resurrection.

The ultimate story of hope, light, and transformation.

And sure- some will reduce Easter to overpriced hollow chocolate bunnies.

And if you know me, you know what I’m about to say, I’d rather have a slab of good-quality chocolate than those commercialised, tasteless, plastic-wrapped imposters. No nutritional value. No emotional value. Just landfill.

If you must have a real Easter egg on Sunday, make it count.

Poach one.
Smother it in velvety hollandaise.
Serve it on a toasted English muffin.
Add bacon or ham if you like, or treat yourself with smoked salmon.
Basically- turn your Easter egg into an Eggs Benedict.

Wishing you a gentle Easter.
One filled with rest, reflection, and a little resurrection of your own.
May you let go of what no longer serves you, make space for what truly matters,
and savour every bite, whether it’s spiritual insight or a really good Eggs Benedict.

Here’s to quieter moments, kinder choices, and chocolate that’s actually worth the calories.

Happy Easter, from my table to yours.