Meet @HollyMVG, @JenzTweets @g_ack, and @UpSheepCreek. We also have Sunshine and Genevieve (they’ll be posting comments here on the blog since she has no twitter).
They have decided (partially because they are insane, and partially because they want to know what I’ve been whining about the past week) to fast one day in the Muslim tradition this coming Tuesday, August 16, 2011 during this month of Ramadan.
I am extremely flattered that they would even consider doing this. So I thought perhaps I’d open it up to anyone else who wanted to try fasting one day this month and we could all compare notes, give support and make a sort of ‘thing’ out of it.
If you’d like to join us, leave a comment here with your twitter handle so we can follow you. On the 16th, we can use the hashtag #TryFasting to see what everyone is saying, feeling, craving, etc.
To fast in the Muslim tradition, there are a few basic, universal rules:
- You fast between dawn and sunset. Here in Austin (CST) that will be between 5:49 am and 8:09 pm.
- Fasting means no: food, liquid (water or other drink), smoking, drugs, gum/candy/mints, or sex.
- You should break the fast as soon as possible after sunset, without delaying.
- On that day, plan some act of charity even if it is small. The purpose of the fast is not only for spiritual purification but to teach empathy for those who have no choice but to go hungry and thirsty. A small donation, some bottles of water handed out to some homeless folks…it doesn’t have to be big…
- Try to take some time during the day to reflect on what you’re doing and why. If you’re religious you might try a prayer. If you have no faith tradition, a simple meditation on sacrifice, empathy for the poor, or the need for proper food and water for every human being on earth.
- Prepare in advance–you WILL feel crappy, so arrange your early morning meal and your fast-breaking meal ahead of time so that it requires minimal preparation.
- If you are prone to caffeine withdrawal headaches, pop a couple Advil with your morning meal. Trust me on this.
- Stay busy. You may feel bad, but you’ll feel 10x worse if you just sit around all day and think about being hungry.
- Talk to other people about your fast and join in our Twitter discussion. It totally helps to have moral support.
Breakfast at 5am? Feel terrible for 12 hours? Then eat, drink, do drugs, eat candy and have sex? I’m in. Btw, mints is misspelled.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/g_ack
Greg, Binging at the end of the fast not necessarily encouraged:) The idea behind pretty much everything is Islam is , contrary to FOX news, moderation. I have seen my fellow Muslims eat like they haven’t before at the end of the fast. If horrible heartburn and skating past the very essence of Ramadan is their thing, nothing else to say:)
Good luck if you decide to join a billion fellow humans for a day, welcome to the fam.
L. Kadir, MD in Austin, TX
everything IN Islam, oops
Yes and you can trust her advice, Greg. Lamia is a doctor.
I’m in!!
Hooray!!!
I’m not sure I can go all day without water, but I’m considering it. Mark me down as a “maybe”
Twitter: @wellslawoffice
Wow!! my hats off to anyone participating in this effort of greater understanding. I tried eating fish on Fridays through lent earlier this year to show love and respect to my Catholic friends and boy that was tough. As I’ve said before if anyone participates in this great endevour of understanding and progress in and around Houston I would personally like to cook for your “break-fast” that evening
Going even just one day without food & water helps us to TASTE the hunger & thirst of those in East Africa (and around the world), as we “walk a mile in their shoes.” Oh, wait a minute… they HAVE no shoes! ;0(
Just for one day , I can do it. In solidarity. Let’s all be friends. Peace .
This is awesome. I love that people are so willing to break down barriers and build bridges in this way. Kudos to all participating- and good luck! I think i’ll spread the word here in Sydney too
Twitter: @MiranianDilemma
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I’m in. @orchid8