Fasting in the Holy Land
Yesterday was the first day of the Baha’i Fast. For 19 days we abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and make a conscious effort to pray and meditate more. The purpose is to rejuvenate our spirits in preparation for the new year ahead, which starts on March 21st for the Baha’is, and to practice self-restraint and detachment from material comforts.
Baha’is begin fasting at the age of 15, so this is my ninth year. Each year I learn to appreciate the spiritual benefits of fasting a little more, and this year I was actually looking forward to it. It’s really quite amazing how the simple act of not eating while it is light outside influences my daily routine and how I feel so significantly. Each moment that I would have spent cooking and eating (or feeling sluggish and lazy because of over-eating), I now spend praying, going on walks, reflecting, reading, and cleaning. For some reason fasting makes me want to clean. It’s almost as if I want my surroundings to look as pure and empty as my stomach. Also, when I am hungry and thirsty, it feels like my senses become sharper and I become more aware of my surroundings. Maybe it’s kind of like how people that become blind develop a stronger sense of smell and better hearing? But in this case, not utilizing my sense of taste, is allowing me to pay more attention to what I see and hear and to my thoughts and feelings.
All day yesterday I felt much more conscious of where I was and what I was doing, and because of that I was able to be more focused and productive at work, enjoy my interactions with people, and really appreciate the fact that I am in one of the most beautiful, spiritually significant places in the world. I am so grateful to be here - to wake up before the sun and eat breakfast and pray with wonderful friends, to spend my “lunch” break in the beautiful gardens, to pray in Shrine of the Bab before breaking the fast in the evening, and to share this experience with over six hundred other Baha’is from all over the world. I am glad I get to do this for 18 more days 
.
March 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm
It really is a rare opportunity to be at a workplace and community where everyone else is also fasting with you. There is a different spirit to it. Enjoy these great times!
March 3, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Every time I get one of those announcements about needs for people to serve at the World Center, I think, wow, what if I could do that. Maybe my time will come some day. Happy fasting, Debora.