Tallulah D’Silva
Do you practice fasting? Have you ever tried it?
No, never! Definitely not the 40-day one.
During my childhood, I recall our family fasting only on Good Friday. On that day, Kanji and toracho were the customary dishes. We all enjoyed them, but there were moments of hunger as well. This once-a-year ‘sacrifice,’ though small in effort, instilled in us the values of self-control, humility, and the importance of restraining our cravings for meat and fish. This practice was reinforced by prayers and witnessing the reenactment of Jesus carrying the cross and his crucifixion.
My friends also observed fasting. Some of my college friends, especially girls, fasted twice or thrice a week. Their mothers undertook longer fasts, while some friends extended their fasting periods during Ramzan.
As I matured, I abandoned even this simple one-day fast, believing that it made no difference since I considered myself mentally strong.
Recently, I’ve noticed a growing number of people, including students, young adults, and older individuals, embracing fasting. Some of my interns have been particularly inspiring. One of them has been a vegetarian by choice since childhood, and a couple of interns observe regular fasts. Curious about their reasons for fasting, I inquired. One mentioned that his parents followed specific fasting days, making it a natural practice for him. He views fasting as a form of regulation that promotes mindfulness about food resources, reduces waste, and lessens dependence on meat. The other intern shared that fasting teaches him the power of saying no. It instills in him the lesson that he can manage with less and accept rejection. Additionally, I have a student who fasts for the entire 30 days of Ramzan. This fasting period involves not only abstaining from food but also includes prayer, reflection, and community involvement. Isn’t it amazing to partake in this communal experience together?
My personal experiences with fasting were almost nonexistent due to a significant mental barrier. I was susceptible to migraine headaches if I missed a meal or spent time in the sun.
I made a decision to fast during Lent. Why? Despite receiving numerous blessings and graces over the years, it didn’t exempt me from facing challenges and hardships. The more patient I became, the more I felt subtly pushed into difficult situations. Similarly, practicing kindness could sometimes be taken for granted. The pressures and demands from family, community, and my profession were often draining. There were moments where I faltered, feeling irritable and impatient, despite prolonged periods of patience. I felt the need to strengthen my mind and spirit. It may sound peculiar, but that was my predicament.
How does one fast? Where does one begin? Can I skip a meal? Will I be able to manage?
I initiated the fasting process by giving up dinner. The first day coincided with a football night with my children, who had planned a feast with their friends after the match. I felt the temptation of gluttony. I prepared myself for the challenge. The self-imposed restrictions heightened the temptations. However, upon reflecting on my commitment, all feelings of greed and gluttony vanished. I felt radiant. My son, who initially felt sorry for me, inquired about the newfound glow on my face. I smiled and replied, ‘I triumphed.’ He understood.
Since that initial day, I have delved deep into my soul, recognizing true hunger, managing any cravings, reflecting on my emotions, understanding interpersonal dynamics, cultivating patience, detaching from material possessions, and reacting less impulsively.
The experience has been incredibly liberating. I feel lighter, happier, more generous, and childlike.
This transformation often reminds me of my childhood spent amidst nature. Nature is generous, soothing, and peaceful. Do animals or trees fast? How do they adapt to conditions with limited resources like water, air, sunlight, or minerals in the soil? Trees and animals adapt. Nature adapts. Humans, too, have adapted over time and in various circumstances. Today, we witness extremes in human behavior. Some individuals have achieved complete detachment from material possessions, exuding peace and serenity. Conversely, there are others who propagate hate, discrimination, exploitation, and criminal activities. We see this dichotomy in the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as in religious intolerance, caste divisions, and communal discord within our own country. If our minds are weak and our resolve is feeble, external influences can easily manipulate and break us. Imagine if each of us embraced fasting as a tool. Envision a world where fasting, not just feasting, becomes the norm. Picture our leaders adopting fasting as a non-violent means to promote peace, reduce conflict, oppression, and injustice. Envision if fasting becomes a way of life. When I embarked on this fasting journey, my partner joined me, and a few friends coincidentally shared their fasting experiences around the same time.
This movement is spreading a delightful sense of happiness and positivity that transcends material wealth or pleasures. I am not inclined to halt or conclude this surreal moment. I am prepared to fast indefinitely. Are you?
(Tallulah D’Silva is an Architect and recipient of the Golden Door Award 2020 for truth and integrity)