Share in a Spiritual Fasting
February 2nd, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Fasting means to “hold firm” or “have firm control of oneself”, it is associated with abstaining from food for religious observance or for medical reasons.
I woke up this morning thinking about fasting.
A few years ago, I did a weekly day long fast but with motherhood (and nursing) I abstained from fasting to keep my energy up. (Interesting that fasting- as in getting faster- is actually a way to slow down?)
But fasting is not just about limiting food; it can be about limiting some foods, or limiting “plugged in” time, or certain thoughts and words.
“Holding firm” or having “self-control” is what motherhood is all about. Motherhood (in some ways) is about fasting from self-centeredness and selfishness; it’s about making sure that our children learn self-control and discipline.
There are many ways to fast some are a physical fast (as in limiting food) some are more a mental fast (as in limiting thoughts or words).
Cleansing the body is partially about cleansing the mind- because it takes the ability to “hold firm” and be disciplined; and cleansing the mind is partially about cleansing the body.
I am interested in exploring the Master Cleanse for a physical fast and I am considering re-committing to a weekly day-long fast from food. This summer I would like to try a longer fast (10 days perhaps) when I have lots of fresh veggies in my garden and can prepare my body with abundant homegrown raw foods.
Ash Wednesday is next week and in some religious traditions lent (which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter) is a time of fasting. Some fast from sugar, or chocolate, but this lent I want to go deep within myself to fast from negative thinking, from being critical to myself, and from setting my expectations so high that they lead to disappointment.
Not as a Christian tradition, but as a human spiritual tradition, what might you cleanse from this lent? What can you let go of that’s keeping you from your highest purpose?
This is part of the Steady Mom 30 minute blog challenge. Thanks to Jaime for this great opportunity to link-up and share with other mama bloggers. Have a great day everyone and be gentle to yourself and eachother! Please read about and support Love 146.
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6 Responses to “Share in a Spiritual Fasting”
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Yes, I have fasted as a spiritual thing, but I have often thought how I should do it in other areas as well.
Kim´s last blog ..Another Project……long overdue
This is a great idea – not that I’m saying I’ll do it! I should probably go on a computer fast sometime. Maybe when the summer rolls around and there are many things to be doing outside…
Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Gardening Step by Step
Food for thought!!! Great post!!!
se7en´s last blog ..Sunday Snippet: Se7en Valentine Bible Games…
wow, lent is really sneaking up on me! thanks for the reminder. i, too, am nursing, but would like to do something. perhaps instead of abstaining from something i’ll take on a new spiritual practice…
i LOVE rhode island–especially block island. sigh.
suzannah @ so much shouting/laughter´s last blog ..love in a time of cholera
@suzannah just being conscious is the best way to do any of it!
I need a computer fast too, but when it’s what brings in the bacon… not sure what else to do! Food might be easier to give up. Hum, that’s interesting!