a short thought on fasting

i wanted to share our priest's concept of fasting:

to regain control over ourselves

i like that definition. in my day-to-day affairs (of work, of the heart, of the loins), i pretty much am in auto-pilot. i let my 'self' indulge in food, in clothes, in being nasty or bitchy, in being impatient. it just happens. the jeepney driver cuts the car on the road, i curse. i see that great polo shirt, with just the right bright orange, i buy. i see lechon, i devour. stimulus-response for much of the time.

lent reminds me through fasting that it doesnt have to be this way all the time. that in between stimulus and response is the will to choose to respond in one manner over another. fasting is practicing willpower. choosing to not buy that shirt because someone out there may need the cash more than i do the shirt. choosing not to devour the lechon (maybe just a pinch?). you get the picture.

and that's the value of fasting during fridays. i am in control again. and because i am in control again, i can choose to be nicer, healthier, more generous. i can choose to be a better me.

now if i can only get the willpower to start... :)