Dear God,
I have been thinking a lot about Thich Nhat Hanh’s idea of fasting from all forces of information. I have been intentional the last few days of being more mindful of what I am physically digesting through what I eat and drink. However, I need to be more mindful of what I am consuming in addition to physical food and beverage. This is just one of the nutriments I ingest each day. I try to be mindful of what I am ingesting sensorally as well. It has helped that we have deleted television from our lives, as so much of what is in the media these days is not what I consider to be nutritionally helpful or energizing for me in my journey. Other then what I have to read to teach, I intentionally work at surrounding myself with sounds, smells, feels, images, and tastes that are positive, calming, and uplifting. I have intentionally worked at removing sensory nutriments which are not contributing to my own spiritual evolution.
I have to remember, however, that even these positive nutriments are still noise in my life and that they too are things which I need to sometimes take a break from. Sometimes it seems as if my brain never stops. It is like a radio station that never seems to stop playing. Part of that comes from my constantly working on things which I have to complete. Part of it comes from my focusing on and discerning my purpose in life and what it is you would have me to do next in my life. Part of the noise comes from my own consciousness and the constant bombardment of thoughts from others.
I love his idea of turning off my radio and fasting from everything. I want to say this is easier said than done. I love the idea of not coming online, of not answering my phone, of not reading, of not doing anything, but honestly, I cannot imagine taking an entire day to do that. I can, however, imagine myself taking micro fasts.
I can see myself being intentional about taking 15 minute breaks in my day from all technology and all stimulation and just focusing on my breathing. I would love to work towards the day where I could fast from all noise for an entire day, however, I am also mindful that I will need to be intentional about transforming my life so I can do so. I have to remember that it is important for me to be intentional about doing this. I will have to remember to tell myself it is time for a micro fast break, just like they do it at the grocery store when they say it is time for a micro stretch break. Starting today, I am going to focus on taking at least one micro fast a day to just sit and be silent and in your presence.
Love you,
Sharon