" ....as the sun and moon constitute the brightest and most prominent luminaries in the heavens , similarly in the heaven of the religion of God two shining orbs have been ordained-fasting and prayer... fasting is it's sun, prayer, it's moon." ~ Baha'u'llah I am a Baha'i. Once a year from sunset March 2nd to sunset March 20th Baha'is fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset . There are exemptions , such as if you are traveling, ill, doing hard labor, pregnant or nursing , over 70, under 15 and a few others. I grew up Catholic and it reminds me of Lent. It ends on March 20th which this year is also the spring equinox. At the end of it is Naw-Ruz which means " New Year." A spiritual journey to the New Year. I've always thought of Spring as the true beginning of each year. " It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. It's significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires." ~ Duane L. Herrmann I am living in the now these days, having let go of previous fast and how well I did on them. This year I learned that to succeed in endeavors that I've failed at in the past I need to do them in a new different way. That is why I am writing this blog through Naw-Ruz. I spent last night, the beginning of fast, preparing my home and life for this years fast. I now have on hand and know what my meals from sunset to sunrise will be. This year I weigh less on Naw -Ruz than I do today. I have the books I will be reading near the spaces I read and on my nook desktop. I have a Baha'i & Spiritual Music playlist on my mp3 player and computer. I have daily quotes and prayers like above that switch out as the wallpaper on my computer. I've also prepared the "sacred space" below. The picture is the resting place of The Bab ( The Gate) -Twin Manifestation with Baha'u'llah. If you want to learn about Them and the Baha'i Faith you can go to my garden website page on the Baha'i Faith (www.gingersflowergarden.com/MyBahaiFaith./) I have 2 of my prayer books: " Healing The Soul." and " Prayers of Ecstasy," a crystal that represents many faiths one God to me and a marriage gift plate with a candle added to the one I began with each day. This window it's in faces east. I see this when I open my eyes each day. I have often found joy watching the sunrise here as the birds sing. My intention is to, after I've eaten, pray and meditate here each morning as the sun rises. Today, we had cloud cover, but I was blessed with a Red Cardinal coming to perch and look in at me. He often does visit, but it was like he was was saying to me "Right On, Ginger! This is the way to begin your day." My way of giving during this fast is to add this blog to the above website and to add to the Baha'i page there. I am adding Prayers and Quotes like the one above. ( These will probably show up here as well. These are my own artistic creations using my personal photos.) You are welcome to copy and use them as you please. I am also creating the page: " My Favorite Baha'i Books."
I've put on my 9 point star necklace as a touchstone reminder as well. It is now almost an hour before sunset and time for my evening prayers and meditations. Yes, I am retired- such a blessing to have all day to invigorate my spiritual forces. I'd love to hear about your fasting, also answer any questions you might have. Just leave me a comment.
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