Ani Rose, an artist whose website is at www.livingstonesunlimited.com, adds to our recent discussion of fasting by saying, in part:

“I used to be a Franciscan sister, and I loved the experience of fasting for what it does to personal focus and awareness.  I practice fasting in various ways still. Besides anything spiritual, it's a healthy way to cleanse the system.  I think it may point to an even deeper reality that somwhere within our actual literal bodies we know how to live well...  When the body is more healthy, the mind works more effectively.  When body and mind are in better shape, the integration of the two—heart—peace—comes naturally and is possible...”

Matt responds:

Ani, thank you for your observations in response to fasting.  I believe there is much to meditate on in your comments. I am constantly paying attention to my diet, and after the fasting comment I thought, “Well, maybe I’ll do a partial fasting," even though now we only have one meal a day, a big meal, and then what could be considered snacks for the other two meals.

I found in my case that it probably wasn’t a good idea, because three days into it, some friends arrived, or we’ll go out for a cup of tea or some lunch...  And then, Rose always has the greatest chocolate cake one can imagine...  So everyone has their tea and cake and we talk awhile...  It’s a great interlude, but it’s not conducive to fasting.

I found on my fasting days I would also partake in the great piece of chocolate cake, so it kind of ruined the idea of it.  Probably this is something I put under the category of, “The spirit is strong, but the flesh is weak.”  Maybe as I get older and become a diabetic, I’ll be forced into that way of life, but for the time being, I’m going to segregate it into “a great idea for everyone else, but I’m not too sure about me.”  Like the old saying goes, “Make no mistake:  I do believe it’s great for thee, but I’m not too sure me.”

Matt