Category — Fasting

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?

As I cut through the Arc’s paths on my way to work, I often find myself wanting to take the time to admire the different types of plants and flowers, structures, textures and other elements that surround the Gardens.  I appreciate what little time I have before reaching the Office.  I was amazed how clear everything was this afternoon after witnessing the cloudiness of the past few days due to khamsin.  With the Fast and all I’ve been more apt to work through most of lunch break.  Keeping up with the demands of the office has become my focus the past week or so and therefore it’s been as busy as ever and, consequently, there’s been less time to register that I may be tired or hungry (although I’m reminded when me and an office mate of mine start sending each other pictures of food).  All of this whirlwind may be catching up to me though, and so it’s time to call it a night.

Day one of the Fast.

It’s before six in the morning and yet I’ve already gotten over nine hours of sleep.  Last night wasn’t one of my shining moments.  Inwardly irritated, nauseaus and headachey, I finally excused myself from class trudged slowly down the street to the flat.  No way did I want to feel like that, not during Fast or when personnel resources at work are needed.

Birds are singing although there are no definitive signs of daybreak.  I can, however, detect the faint tinge of blue creeping across the horizon.  It’s coming.

Since I’m working at the World Centre, I was even more mindful of the approaching Fast.  Anticipating the sacrifice of foregoing daily coffee breaks (the apparent life-blood among Office workers), the occasional snack at the desk and satisfying entrees during lunch, the friends talked jokingly about what they’ll miss the most during the coming 19 days.  From sunup to sundown Bahais are exhorted to give up food and drink in exchange for the opportunity to develop their spiritual capacities as they strive to adjust their inner life.

Someone mentioned that they wanted to make goals for the Fast in order to keep focused.  What are my goals?  I haven’t fleshed them out just yet, but hope to soon.  The sun has now risen, much to do before work begins.

Even though outwardly the Fast is difficult and toilsome, yet inwardly it is bounty and tranquillity.  Purification and training are conditioned and dependent only on such rigorous exercises as are in accord with the Book of God and sanctioned by Divine law, not those which the deluded have inflicted upon the people.  Whatsoever God hath revealed is beloved of the soul.  We beseech Him that He may graciously assist us to do that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him. Baha’u'llah