Oh my how I miss food....
By Aingealicia
@Aingealicia (1905)
United States
March 9, 2008 4:47am CST
Now that I have your attention. Hehe....It is Easter Tide for me. Now for most that means celebration of a holiday, food, cakes, candies, and the like. For me it means 7 weeks of fasting. I fast 2 times a year for long periods because of my faith in my beliefs. It is a spiritual journey and every fast always teaches me something new.
This year is my 5th year...woohoo...My fast consist of bread and water. Yes perhaps you are saying that is not a fast. I am fasting not creating a famine for my body.
Thanks in advance for the responses....
Happy Ester Tide all....
Ainge
This year I got a treat pasta and rice are amongst my choices. Oh joy. I have also dedicated this fast to the Guantanamo Bay detainees and the soldiers that have to endure what we can not.
This is a spiritual journey and you do realize how much you take for granted. I am always so thankful when I get to eat again. I mean real food like beef, beef, and did I mention beef.
However I would never change what I do for the life of me. I can not imagine a year now with out 20 weeks of my year fasting to truly be granted the ability of how to appreciate life. I know that sounds odd and please don't think I am down grading anyone. This is not the case, what you do for your beliefs are fine.
I have 1 day to go and I am down to 6 weeks, hey I don't suggest anyone go through this. This is just part of where I am in my beliefs and my faith.
3 people like this
6 responses
@ShardAerliss (1488)
•
9 Mar 08
That's pretty... wow. 7 weeks is an awfully long time; I can barely manage 2 hours after getting up :(
What is your spiritual path, if you don't mind me asking?
How do you end your fast? By that I mean; is there a specific meal? The only fast I've done was for charity and my meal of choice to end it was a big pile of chippy chips :) mmmm, grease, lol
Also, do you begin and end it with a ritualistic action?
Just full of inquisitiveness, me...
2 people like this
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
12 Mar 08
I am Wiccan. Thus the tat on my arm. I end it now with what ever I want for food. depends upon what I decide to eat or am hungry for.
I meditate a lot during this fast. It does help me focus and I love the blessings I receive upon my fast.
Thanks for the response.
Ainge
1 person likes this
@Jabsfreelanceworld (191)
• United States
14 Mar 08
I haven't fasted in a long time. One time I tried a 21 day fast though of just juices. I know Daniel in the Bible had a fruit and veggie fast, so not everyone has to go without anything.
I have had much shorter fasts at times in my lives though of only a few days. I am ashamed to say though I have not been able to lately get past more than one day. Or even a half a day.
Perhaps I am backslidden a little. Or alot.
Anyway...I usually celebrate Ressurection Day verus Easter, but I am not against good food by any means. I like a nice healthy balanced meal.
1 person likes this
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
14 Mar 08
I am not sure I could just do the juices. I do understand what you are saying upon Daniel. Doing a fast is not easy but well worth it. This fast means a bit more to me because of who I am dedicating it to. It is my first dedication fast.
Where I am Wiccan we actually do celebrate the Resurrection rather than the ceremony of it all. Bunnies and Chicks are not exactly the best representation of Easter, how ever it is a good example of reproduction.
Thanks for the response.
Ainge
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
9 Mar 08
Wow, that's some pretty intense fasting!
I fast occasionally because of my religious beliefs, before major events or holidays, but it's never for quite that long. I did fast for several months once while asking for spiritual advice on a specific issue, but that's been about 15 years ago now. (Yes, my age is correct, I was a kid at the time!)
I can't imagine fasting for that long out of each year, but it wouldn't be healthy for me with my medical problems anyway.
1 person likes this
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
12 Mar 08
It is a blessing for me. I also have medical issues but this is important to me and because I do do it. I am always safe. I have been fairly blessed since I have begun this journey.
Thank you for your comments.
Ainge
1 person likes this
@shanny73 (96)
• Bahamas
10 Mar 08
I admire your courage and very much supports your fasting. I love how you take your mind off yourself and focus on others who need the prayer and fasting. Seven weeks are a long time to go but, once you do it from your heart. I have no doubt that your heart is in the right place. God is please by what you do. One time I fasted for seven days without food and wanted something from God. I can't even remember what it was but, after the fast I was strenghten by it. I only drunk water and a cup of orange juice a day. It really helps you to appreciate what are important in our life and it course you to change your focus in a very positive way. Even bad habits changes more like having self- control. I love food but, when I have to fast I do it with pleasure. That is how most of my prayers are answered. We really do need to get out of tradition, pigging out on those holidays and fast and pray even if it be half a day for those who are not as able like people like you and others. It really would make a difference in the lives of others who needs it the most when we focus on others. Keep up the good works and continue to be Bless in the Lord.
1 person likes this
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
12 Mar 08
I do do it from my heart. As I have stated above the blessings granted unto me are worth what happens during. It is an amazing gift to experience.
Thanks for your comments.
Ainge
1 person likes this
@vijigopi (991)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Wow... 7 weeks just bread and water is really hard to fast on. I had fasted when I was younger for a day(without any food or water) but had to just hold it for the last 5 to 6 hours literally. I know people who fast without even drinking a drop of water for a day every fortnight and I really stand in awe at how they can just have so much self-control. I have actually heard how much controlling the tongue can help control the mind. Although I fasted when I was young, I am not able to do it anymore because I have low BP now and faint right away when I get too hungry.
It's great that you can focus on your spiritual journey when you are on this fast... that is the right way to fast. Just fasting and thinking of food will take us nowhere. The point is to keep the mind focused on spiritual things. This is really good. You have given me something to think about. Maybe I too will start fasting like you... not being too hungry but not filling up my tummy every now and then either. Thanks for the inspiration!!
1 person likes this
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
14 Mar 08
Your very welcome. I think it is important for people to know some of the crazy things we do for our beliefs. I have never felt better since I have started this fasting in my life.
I know it is not for everyone, but I know it is my path and I accept it. It reminds me of how much I have and how truly little someone else in the world does not have.
Thanks for the response.
Ainge
1 person likes this
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
14 Mar 08
Wow I could never do this as I get really ill if I don't eat, not because of a particular health problem. It's just I feel so in tune with my body, it tells me when it needs and what it needs to eat and causes me so much grief if I don't.
I would like to try fasting but it's not for me and I have nothing but respect for the people who can do it.
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Thank you, the fast is finally over. I had to go back through my discussions to see you responded. I never thought I could do it either, however my faith has given me the strength to do so.
Ainge
