So yesterday the Baha’i Fast began.

I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it due to some major health issues I have just overcome with my psoriasis, but I so want to do it.

This is because the fast is one of the greatest spiritual obligations of a Baha’i.

There are exemptions to the fast,  under 15 and over 70 don’t do it.

Also nursing mothers, those engaged in heavy labour, woman who are pregnant or menstruating ‘instead they perform an ablution and recite the verse Glorified be God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty 95 times a day), ‘ and those who are unwell (so hoping I am not in this category.)

There are further exemptions for travel, 2 hours by foot and 9 hours by other forms of transport.

No one checks if you do the fast, it is between you and God.

My first day was pretty tough – lots of headaches – and I will have to watch my psoriasis and maybe give my specialist a call and check I’ll be okay doing it – as well as listen to my body’s wellness barometer.  Usually I don’t feel like this until a few days into the Fast.

But hopefully I will be able to have the bounty of the Fast.  It is such a special time for the individuals and the Baha’i community who during this time between sunrise and sunset focus more on the spiritual and less on the needs of their physical selves.

All the best to everyone undertaking the Fast, or supporting someone doing it.

As an additional element of the fast I have decided this year to fast from my facebook, twitter and blogging, during the day as well.  Because I feel I am spending far too much time there.  Hopefully the fast will help me create a new habit of minimising my social media to a healthier level.

I probably  still  need to check my email once a day for urgent messages and answer the phone, but if I could I’d forego those two things as well I would.

I’ll check in with a post here now and again on how I am feeling during this special time heading for Baha’i New Year and learning more about spiritual wellness.

Here are some more links

About – documenting the fast (2012 Project)

How to eat well during the fast  – 5 Ideas for a Healthy Baha’i Fast