fasting, day one
Things I love about the Fast:
watching the sun rise
listening to the birds singing
praying in the morning
eating really, really well
mindfulness
The first few items are self-explanatory, I am sure. Praying in the morning is very special for me. Don't really know why. It just is. It opens up something for me. More on opening up in just a bit...
The "eating really, really well" is an interesting phenomenon. I don't typically lose weight during the Fast as some people do. In fact, I typically gain weight since I'm not as physically active on account of the fact that I'd fall over! But I eat so much better when I know I can only eat at certain times of the day. And I make sure every calorie counts. I'm much less likely to eat sugary junk because I know my body needs other stuff to feel good and function well, and since I have limited real estate in my stomach (it's only so big, folks!) I am very careful about what I put into it. Veeeery interesting...
Here's a bit on mindfulness and opening up. At Feast last night, a new Baha'i (declared last week) introduced herself (with much encouragement and perhaps some nudging) and shared one of the most moving things I've ever experienced. The night before, she said the Long Obligatory Prayer for the first time. What she shared was how it totally "opened something up" for her and moved her to the point of tears, such that even there, at Feast, she was in tears as she shared this very precious experience with her spiritual family.
Wow. I think for that sharing alone, that was one of the best Feasts I have ever attended. I am mindful today of the power of prayer, the humility with which we approach our Creator in our meekest moments, and the blessing of having been given this precious gift of prayer which draws us closer to the divine. Amazing.
Comments
When the Fast approaches every year, I think, "Oh man, I'm not going to make it this year." But every year I'm wrong. Every year it centers me, makes me feel more balanced. I love this.
Posted by: +mojan. | March 4, 2007 10:39 AM
thanks, dan. it was very moving to see such purehearted honesty and openness shared at feast. very cool.
andrew... always good to see you stop by! :)
and jessica, i say one of the three obligatory prayers that we have. you get to pick. there's a short one too, and not because it's short (i swear! although it's a nice perk) but it's my favorite of the three. it's very potent to me. but the long one is very moving too. and it doesn't take as long to say it as it might seem. when you're in that state, time doesn't really seem to matter, you know? it's cool. :)
Posted by: delara | March 3, 2007 08:02 AM
I really enjoy hearing more about your faith, and didn't know much about the fasting before. It makes total sense, and I get why it must be so fulfilling. Wow, I just looked up the long obligatory prayer. Do you really say it every day? Neat!
Posted by: Jessica | March 2, 2007 08:21 PM
Beautiful, D. A lovely time of year, indeed.
Posted by: Andrew | March 2, 2007 02:01 PM
woooooooooow ;_;
that is sooo special
and yes the Long Obligatory Prayer is so beautiful. thanks for sharing this
Posted by: dan jones | March 2, 2007 01:46 PM