Do we know what we prioritize and
value in our life? Are we able to recognize when we need something? Or do we simply go along with whatever sweeps
us up in life? The daily demands
placed on us by so many things—family, work, studies, friends – makes it extremely
easy to overlook our need in the larger scheme of things.
This weekend was the second
occasion when a Reiki client failed to show up for an attunement session. After my initial flash of irritation when she
cancelled at the last minute, I began to wonder what causes a person to do this. She is clearly interested in learning Reiki, but
what is it then that becomes the priority, which pushes aside what she wants
for herself? Perhaps she is unable to
value herself and her needs? Perhaps she isn’t in the right space to set aside
the time to learn this now. Perhaps
she’s overwhelmed by all that life is demanding of her.
This struggle to balance needs and
responsibilities is familiar to us, and can be so overwhelming that we often
are barely aware of our needs, let along being able to prioritize them. But there’s something that can help. Another
way of viewing cultural or religious periods of abstinence and fasting is that
they help us recalibrate our life. How?
Fasting periods like Lent (literally
lent to us) apply the brake on our hectic schedules; they serve as a break from
the routine. Routine activities, often dictated
by others’ demands, dominate our day. When
these demands become so habitual, we do them on auto pilot. This is why we can do the laundry, wash the
dishes, cook a meal, and drive home without being aware of how it is getting
done. Being this absent from such a
large part of our own life is not wise.
Another benefit that participating
in a fasting period provides is that it make us become more conscious of our
actions. For instance, if we’ve chosen to abstain from alcohol,
candy or cigarettes during this period, we have to be extra conscious to not
let our conditioning and habitual patterns take over. Consequently we become
more alert and attentive to all we do, say and put into our mouths. We become present. And this is valuable. Even though consciousness requires effort, it
is an investment in self. The first step towards a peaceful and
meaningful life on purpose is self care.
Our ability to recognize what we
value and need is integral in our ability to effectively help or serve others. Sometimes all we need is a tiny break in
routine for something to become clear. Self
care doesn’t have to be an expedition to a mountain or a retreat it can be just
a few moments of quiet listening and honoring an inner calling.
