Fasting and New Beginnings

One thing I really like about the New Year is the opportunity it gives for a new start. I am a teacher and January is always a new semester.  So, no matter how hard things were in the Fall semester, I get to start again. Also, our church goes on a church-wide fast in January. This provides a time to focus on a behavior that I want to change. Last year, I embarked on a 40 day raw-food fast. When it was over, I had learned a lot about myself and also had identified areas in my spiritual walk that I have worked on all year. I also learned how my body feels when I eat only raw fruits and vegetables. I liked how I felt, However, I LOVE cooked foods and so a 100% raw food diet was not sustainable
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For January 2012, I have begun a 30 day, regimen that I'm calling "Green till 3." I am eating only raw fruits and veggies (mainly in the form of green smoothies, big salads, nuts seeds and fruit) until 3:00 p.m. followed by healthy snacks and dinner.  It has only been one day, but I believe that this fast will have a lot to teach me as well. At breakfast and lunch during the fast, I plan to turn my thoughts toward my relationship with God. No eating while working at the computer or standing by the sink! My goal is to eat mindfully and gratefully, while focusing on some inspirational material.

The reason for this is because there are OTHER areas I would like to change. I noticed last year, that the discipline used in eating raw food, was transferable. I was better at staying on my budget. I exercised more. But I'm still a long way away from demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit in every area of my life and with every person in every situation. Yes, it's a big goal but being a CHRIST-IaN is a big thing. If Christ is in me, then I should be acting like it all of the time.

So, I have challenged myself to make three distinct changes in my life by January 1, 2013. The focus for the next 30 days is to identify what areas need attention....my temper, being impatient, clutter in my closets...it can be anything.  As I write this I'm thinking one of the three will be to feel less rushed during the day. I often sense that I should be rushing to finish what I am doing so that I can get on to the next thing. I want to be at peace instead of being rushed...but I also need to get things done. This is one area.  As I quiet myself and pray this month, the other two areas will identify themselves, I'm sure.

I'll keep you posted of the progress.