Day 4 of the Fast
The whole process of fasting opens up avenues for me to evaluate the manner in which I have been living over the past year, and reimagine the way I wish to live in the upcoming year. It is an intensely reflective time when I give myself over to the opportunities that present themselves. In reviewing the past year, I see how I have invited complexity into my life which has infiltrated my thoughts and thus influenced my actions. There have been times over the past year when I have been overloaded with work, feelings, stress and sadness. I have ignored the messages and signs my body gave me to rest and to attend to my spiritual wellbeing. The result was that I experienced a crash of my system, depression visited me and its visit was extended as it was fueled by the quantity and poor quality of food that I craved. How do I invite a cycle of sustainability into my life? This is the question that has been on mind as I entered this fasting period and the virtues that come up each day, I believe, are guides to help me to figure out a workable framework with in which I may strive to lead a life characterised by balance and moderation. Simplicity speaks to me today by emphasising that I have the innate ability to be content with what I have and who I am. This for me is the premise of it all. Cultivating the appreciation for myself, thinking and holding in my thoughts the things that are important whilst still living in and among a world that sets other priorities and highlights what it considers important for me. The courage to rise above the negative messages that bring me pain and cause me to question who I am, what I am doing and how I am doing it. The independence to discard these limiting beliefs and desire to live in a state of incessant wanting. This is why I love the fast so much! There is a mystical atmosphere that exists this time of year that allows me to free my mind from the stress of overdoing. It does not feel like effort at the moment as I am held in this safe and supportive container and encouraged to loosen my hold on the excess and clutter. This is what I wish to replicate on the other side of these nineteen days and through out the year. The practices of simplicity serve to help build my emerging framework for action.
Comments