fasting, day 7
Traveled yesterday. I am in another world now--one much warmer and sunnier than Nashville! Thank goodness.
I just got off the phone with a dear friend who said something rather ordinary but that deeply resonated for me, I doubt he was aware of the effects of his words. It was simple. It was a reminder that the abstinence from food and drink is simply an outward symbol and practice to help remind us tangibly of the true purpose of the Fast, which is linked with our Obligatory Prayers. That purpose is to bear witness to the divine, ever drawing closer to it out of love and ever drawing further away from our self.
Having just finished reading the book "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff, I am now ruminating on the meaning of the word self and how we develop an understanding and recognition of what leads to our abasement or loftiness. I don't know that I have much to offer yet except my willingness to be a student and learn whatever I need to about this today.
Comments
aw, moj!!!! i miss you too. come see me in nashville!
and thanks for your comment, mouzhan. comfort is indeed relative, but i believe happiness is an inner state that can characterize our life even in times of discomfort. right on!
Posted by: delara | March 14, 2008 10:43 PM
Hi Delara! I, too, had a fast epiphany this year. Fasting is a reminder that we should not give in to our every desire. I think we're conditioned these days to be comfortable and happy all the time. And you know it's ok not be. Good reminder for a complainer like myself.
Posted by: Mouzhan | March 12, 2008 08:34 PM
I miss you. I wish I could come see you in Nashville right now.
Posted by: +mojan. | March 9, 2008 10:21 AM