Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Slow "Fast"

Maybe tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday is the start of Ramadan here, the period where Muslims fulfill one of their obligations to do fasting for a whole month. That is no food nor drinks from the break of dawn till sunset. During this month, most of the stores open later at night till the early morning before dawn.

I have been thinking that I might as well try fasting myself. Since I came here, it is either I was gone on vacation during this period or we non-Muslims have to hide when we feel like eating or drinking. I have read some articles on the benefits of fasting but I do not want to discuss it here as I might lead you to wrong information since I am not an expert on this. May I just invite the likes of Dr. Emer or Ting-Aling if they can share something on this. They said that the intentions and benefits could be both physical and spiritual.

I have experienced being hungry for a long period but not intentionally as undergoing fasting. Out of curiousity I intend to experiment on myself how far can I go. I will be doing the same thing as I did when I tried to quit smoking.

9 Comments:

Blogger ting-aling said...

Oh, don't be deceived. Some are pious but some indulge after fasting. On Ramadan, my husband has to work overtime because some of his workmates are going to observe the rites. What he finds funny is once they come back, they have loads of food they've missed to eat during the season. I'm not saying that everyone does it..but most of his officemates do.

On fasting, my boss is suggesting that every six months, you should cleanse your body, that is nothing white (i.e. bread, milk, rice)and only greens and water for 3 days. What you are trying to do is to get rid of toxic elements inside your body. I would like to try it but I have to see the effect in him first although he is skinny as can be already. He's trying it this week. It is his first time too.

11:33 PM  
Blogger santi said...

Bayi,
I have planned and am doing it now slowly. I have a friend here who had just converted which also gave me the idea to try it.

Ting Aling,
I know what you are saying. But as I have observed here they really and strictly are observing fasting for the whole month. What I have noticed though is that they do their feast in the evening. Base on statistics it has been found that consumption rises during this period of the year.
I am also planning a no meat diet as I break my fast.

10:32 PM  
Blogger Cerridwen said...

I think it is like any diet, you ease up to it. I find that if I eat small meals at night I don't get hungry for b'fast that I can last until lunch and eat heavy then light dinner again, sometimes none. The only time I didn't eat any meals but water, coffee or tea was when I was going through some ordeal, the mind kept me busy to even think ofmy tummy. I hope you don't do it drastically, it might shock your body. I do, however wish you luck. :)

8:27 PM  
Blogger Dr. Emer said...

Fasting means depriving yourself of something you really, really like or love.

It may not be as profound as starvation. Just try giving up things you usually are fond of doing or getting for yourself.

If you plan a food fast and you are working, be sure you are able, and is not sick.

You can try an oatmeal diet or soft diet with plenty of fruits and veggies on the side. It will cleanse you.

11:18 PM  
Blogger Rachelle Grace said...

hmmm... this ought to be interesting.

although my first instinct is to tell you to pay attention to dr. emer's words (he is the expert after all!), i sense that you're doing this for a reason deeper than curiosity. who knows? it might lead to an important realization.

do what you wish santi. and do tell us about it. i'm interested in what this will lead to.

1:15 PM  
Blogger santi said...

Doc Emer,
Hmm "depriving yourself on something you really love or like". You gave me another idea, I will try to test myself if I can last not watching TV for a day or two. Just thinking of it seems to be very very hard.
Food fasting here especially in this month leave you no choice if you did not bring any food or water because all shops are closed and you are not allowed (or out of respect) to be seen eating, drinking or smoking.

Rache,
Honestly, I can't think yet of something deeper than curiousity except that I also thought this also has some health benefits.

5:53 AM  
Blogger Rachelle Grace said...

oh sorry, i presumed too much.

maybe i was looking for my own belief about fasting in your act of fasting.

for me kasi, of course it is a health issue, but more than that it's an issue of sacrifice. this is just what i think ha: after seeing how you could sacrifice (let some part of yourself die by letting go of something you like or love), one can realize that he/she has the capacity for giving. this in turn will lead to an act of giving that goes beyond fasting. maybe charity. maybe doing something nice for a loved-one. etcetera.

that's just my 2 cents.

9:45 AM  
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9:45 AM  
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12:16 AM  

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