Reading a Poorly Written Book

I've finally finished readying the a book titled, "The Transformed Mind Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness" after more than 3 months. I kept telling myself to move on to another book because its note worth reading this book but for some reasons I cannot understand, I did not want to give up reading halfway. I must say that the time would have been better spent reading other books or doing something else.

2 Weeks Fasting Experience

Abstaining from food and drinks for about 12 hours from sunrise till sunset has not been a very challenging task. However, the social forces and temptations make it really challenging.

I was on a 4 days 3 nights trip to Chiang Mai and fasting while travelling was no easy feat. Fortunately, the hotel breakfast started at 530 and I had a sumptuous meal before fasting. What I found particularly challenging was temptations of the food and drinks in the city. As I was the only one fasting, I would be left alone while the others enjoyed their lunches. Breaking fast time was also irregular. It was quite an experience and I survived it.

Back home from the holiday, we faced haze and water shortage. My house was affected by the water rationing. The water supply was cut for two days and resumed for the next two days. This is scheduled to last until the end of the month. I'm particularly troubled by the haze even during the non-fasting days. For some reasons, fasting just became more and more challenging. My productivity drops, temper became shorter and I became rather impatient. Nevertheless, the fasting went on.

Today was the only day I could not keep the fast. I did not have the courage to tell my parents that I am fasting as a Baha'i. I simply decided to skip fasting today and replace it on another day.

Dr. Ray Zimmerman shared with us on the Baha'i teachings website Why Baha'i Fast. Other than the importance of detachment form this world, fasting serves as a symbol of our commitment to keep ourselves free from potentially destructive desires, addictions, and appetites of self and ego.

Throughout this fasting period, I've also frequently reflected and reminded myself why I fast and why I chose to become a Baha'i. I do not have to go through all these but I cannot deny that deep inside my heart, this is the right way of life. In Dr Ray's words, "Fasting confirms one's individual loving surrender to God and commitment to spiritual growth". Much have changed in my life and I believe things are getting better and better.

Third Day Fasting

The longest I have ever fasted for was 3 days. So, after today, I would have broken my personal record of fasting.

Actually, I don't find fasting a difficult thing to do. The challenging ones are keeping a mindful attitude during this fasting period. As they say, a hungry man is an angry man. I notice that my temper and patience have become much shorter later. I suppose this is the time we really learn to be patient and appreciate all the good things we have.

Nineteen Day Fast Begins

2 Mar marks the beginning of the annual 19 days fast. This is also the first time I am fasting as a Baha'i. As long as I observe proper eating before sunrise, fasting throughout the day should not be much of a problem.

I just had butter this morning and was not tempted by the food and drinks in front of me the whole day. Dinner was 3 pieces of chicken from KFC. Intended to boil soup but the shopping took longer than expected.

As they say, this is a spiritual fast. I hope to be a better and spiritually richer man by the time we celebrate Naw-Ruz.