The Snowflake Chronicles

March 10 Spiritual Newletter (deadline:3/8/21)

Research

https://www.endalznow.org/news/research-shows-intermittent-fasting-may-prevent-a...
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-intermittent-fasting#...
https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-fasting
https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/health-and-wellness/5-spiritual-benefit...
https://www.bistromd.com/health-tips/the-14-physical-mental-and-spiritual-benefi...
https://www.beliefnet.com/ilovejesus/features/15-spiritual-and-health-benefits-o...
https://bahaiteachings.org/why-do-bahais-fast-every-year/

Editor's Picks

1. Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
2. An Irksome Pause of Sated Joy
3. Ramandan 2011
4. Ramadan
5. Thirst For Jesus
6. Amen
7.
8.
9.

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Fasting

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Fasting is a common practice in all religions.

Hook

What is the spiritual goal of fasting?

About This Newsletter

"...For this material fast is an outer token of the spiritual fast; it is a symbol of self-restraint, the withholding of oneself from all appetites of the self, taking on the characteristics of the spirit, being carried away by the breathings of heaven and catching fire from the love of God."

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, #35

center}"Fasting and prayer are common injunctions in my religion."
Mahatma Gandhi

" Fasting is, first and foremost, an exercise for identifying and managing adversity in all its forms. With faith, in full conscience, fasting calls women and men to an extra degree of self-awareness."

Tariq Ramadan

"Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful."
Joseph B. Wirthlin

"Meditation is a spiritual human activity like mourning, fasting, or praying, and is not limited to one religious group while remaining unavailable to others."

David Brazzeal

Letter From the Editor

Fasting is a common practice in all religions. The followers of some religions practice it on an individual basis and at different times of the year. In other religions, the founders of those religions gave specific instructions on when and how it is practiced. In the Baha'i Faith, the Fast occurs for nineteen days in March. During this time, Baha'is--who are over the age of maturity, under the age of 70, and in good health--abstain from food and drink between sunup and sundown.

During the nineteen-day Fast, like all spiritual fasts, Baha'is pray and meditate instead of consuming food and liquid. Prayer and meditation cleanses the soul, while abstaining from foods has a cleansing effect on the body. However, it is the spiritual benefits of fasting that the individuals, who practice this spiritual discipline are most concerned with. The physical benefits, which have been proven scientifically, are usually not considered by the individual believer.

There are several benefits of intermittent fasting. Some of these are (1) weight lose, (2) changes in the way certain hormones, cells, and genes function, (3) lowering the risk of certain diseases, and (4) assist in some of the cellular repair processes. These are only a few of the physical benefits of fasting, To find more about the physical benefits, do an internet search for "benefits of intermittent fasting."

Some of the spiritual benefits are (1) detachment, (2) a closer relationship with God, and (3) spiritual renewal. It doesn't matter what your religion, because these benefits are innate to the fasting process. In order to receive these spiritual benefits you need only to pray and meditate while you are fasting. Baha'i's have several prayers specifically revealed for the nineteen-day fast. I know from experience, that these prayers assist the individual during the fasting process.

Editors Picks

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due  (E) All things are possible through prayer and fasting. #1936122 by Leo M. Victor

Excerpt: Recently I was fortunate enough to quit smoking cigarettes. I started when I was eighteen. Always a pack a day of Marlboro reds. This past December, 2012, I turned thirty-seven on the eleventh. Ten days later on the twenty-first, that date the Mayan calendar ended, I smoked my last cigarette. Nineteen years is a long time to throw away good money on a vice that has no discernible benefit.

STATIC

An Irksome Pause of Sated Joy  (13+) A day of fasting. #2012856 by Teargen

Excerpt: The fast with a wow of hunger pang
         removed the ease from Belly, Inc.,
         and sudden waves of dizziness
         appeared to interfere with think.

Ramadan 2011  (13+) Aproximately one-fifth of the world's population will be choosing to go without... #559081 by Dreams - Anon, who are you?

Excerpt: Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (this is the lunar calendar). All Muslims are commanded to fast during this month.

Ramadan  (E) Here's my thoughts on why I fast and what it feels like. #1468959 by SasaShehu

Excerpt: That rumble in my stomach
         That pain of thirst
         My body saying: “Just one bite.”
         “Surely it won’t hurt”.

Thirst For Jesus  (E) Fasting and being hungry for God #2148669 by M.E. Kang

Excerpt: You’re not hungry, you’re thirsty

STATIC

Amen  (E) Feel like you have lost your way? You're never alone. #764829 by intuey of House Lannister

excerpt:The winds are blowing gently,
         soft and silky through the trees,
         as I kneel to pray upon my knees.

Activities, Groups, and Contests

FORUM

Share Your Faith  (13+) Are you spiritual? Religious? Or not at all? Can you incorporate this into your writing? #2204562 by Kit of House Lannister

FORUM

The Lighthouse Short Story Contest  (E) This is a faith-based contest where you can share your experiences with others. #2229244 by LegendaryMask❤️

GROUP

Cards of Love  (E) Do you want to send someone a physical greeting, get well or sympathy card? #2237476 by LegendaryMask❤️

Feedback "Spiritual Newsletter (February 10, 2021)" 

G. B. Williams writes: Thank you for sharing this newsletter today, the books, and the authors. Good work.