I love all of this, and especially this wisdom: “God is so mystically, magically big and God’s love so encompassing, and I don’t need to deprive myself of nutrition in order to be at peace with God.” Lent blessings to you!
Hi Amanda, Defamiliarization is a wonderful word and your views a lovely commentary. It reminds me of being gone from the fixer-upper we bought years ago in which the warts were starting to outweigh the charm. Coming home, I remember the feeling of "fresh eyes" and once again appreciating all the reasons we bought it in the first place.
I completely agree that fasting is NAY good from a health perspective, unless unregulated blood sugar, flirting with muscle loss, serious metabolism screwery, and mental health dangers due to starving the brain are the goal, just to name a few. The idea of "giving up" something for Lent, such as a treat or a luxury, is a healthy symbolic gesture, too; however, I like your concept of "adding to" even better!
Some years ago I had a terrible stomach bug, but I had to keep going to work anyway because I couldn't afford not to. I didn't eat for about four days. On the fourth day, everything was indescribably sharp and crisp, and there were swirling colors around living things, people, trees, even rocks. I felt euphoric and light. I probably should have been in the hospital, though.
Yikes! Sounds dangerous and it's tragic how our workplace can be like serfdom. No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood. Not to mention why we should be exposing each other to illnesses. Ugh, *capitalism failure*. I'm so glad you recovered!
I love all of this, and especially this wisdom: “God is so mystically, magically big and God’s love so encompassing, and I don’t need to deprive myself of nutrition in order to be at peace with God.” Lent blessings to you!
Thank you so much! Same to you!
Hi Amanda, Defamiliarization is a wonderful word and your views a lovely commentary. It reminds me of being gone from the fixer-upper we bought years ago in which the warts were starting to outweigh the charm. Coming home, I remember the feeling of "fresh eyes" and once again appreciating all the reasons we bought it in the first place.
I completely agree that fasting is NAY good from a health perspective, unless unregulated blood sugar, flirting with muscle loss, serious metabolism screwery, and mental health dangers due to starving the brain are the goal, just to name a few. The idea of "giving up" something for Lent, such as a treat or a luxury, is a healthy symbolic gesture, too; however, I like your concept of "adding to" even better!
Thanks for a thoughtful essay!
I have so benefitted from adding to my practices! Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
Some years ago I had a terrible stomach bug, but I had to keep going to work anyway because I couldn't afford not to. I didn't eat for about four days. On the fourth day, everything was indescribably sharp and crisp, and there were swirling colors around living things, people, trees, even rocks. I felt euphoric and light. I probably should have been in the hospital, though.
Yikes! Sounds dangerous and it's tragic how our workplace can be like serfdom. No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood. Not to mention why we should be exposing each other to illnesses. Ugh, *capitalism failure*. I'm so glad you recovered!
Wow. I’m so sorry you had that experience!