Keep the Faith

Sabudana (tapioca) a food for fasting

The theme of 'faith' has come up a fair few times in the exercises and discussions I've been having as a category for focus. I'm a big believer that this is quite subjective for all of us; however, I had quite a serendipitous few days in this regard and wanted to share the story.

I wouldn't consider myself religious, but I do feel connected to some teachings I learned by choice and affinity growing up. As we enter a season of religious festivals and an opportunity to pause in the name of faith, I don't think it's possible to not be reflective.

Last week, for Hindus, the festival of Janmashtami took place. I had mentioned to my mother that it was coming earlier that week, and in a random conversation, the subject of fasting came up. I had intended to do a 24-36 hour fast that week, and so when Mum and I had that conversation, I decided the clock would start for me at that point.

There are fasts where you can eat certain types of food, particularly if you have medical conditions; however, I opted for the full fast, only consuming certain liquids during the day. Amazingly, my mum did the same, and what was most beautiful was that we broke the fast (roughly at 24 hours) at the same time with the same type of 'right' food.

Although I've been fasting a lot over the last year or so, one area I know for improvement that I know was needed was how I break my fast, and this experience may be the first step in getting better at it. My dad also ate the same food that evening, and the young man working in the house at the moment also partook. A sense of bringing people together via food and faith.I've been time tracking this month, and so the decision to stay up until midnight to mark the occasion also generated a question:'How would I spend that extra 90-120 mins where I may otherwise have been asleep?'

There was a debate around whether I would use that time to play catch-up. Would I spend it with family? Should I connect with the meaning of the festival? I opted to try and do number three, but the plan didn't work in that way...I ended up watching part of a film that was on telly, and there was a message in it for me!

One of my accountability buddies also asked me to reflect on whether there was something faith-wise that I had reconnected to as a result of this festival and its teachings...and the answer is yes.

'You're responsible for your actions, you're not responsible for outcomes.'

This aligns with how I'm living right now, and perhaps tuning [back] into faith for what it means to you may help ground or enhance where you already are.

In the words of Bon Jovi - 'Keep the Faith!'