Going Without

Going without anything seems to be really unpopular these days.  We live in the instant generation.  Mostly we want “things”. I want it, and I want it now.  We can want the things for many reasons and there was a time when it was called “keeping up with the Jones’.” I don’t condone it, but I remember a boss of mine throwing away a bill.  I was aghast.   His comment to me?  “If they love me they will write to me again.”  Sure enough, if something is due there is no end of contact.
It seems the things we should sometimes go without are neglected.  For example we know the Muslims fast, that is, they go without food from sun up to sun down in the month of Ramadan.  They seems really strong.  The Christians would fast and as their teacher told his followers, there would come a time when they needed to.
It is mostly seen as the forgoing of one thing in pursuit of another.  It does not need to be food.  Some people fast from tv.  In this day and age, it could be going off Facebook, or using the phone as a phone only and ignoring the internet.  “Horses for courses” they say.
Fasting though, is back in vogue, as people have seen the health benefits of going without food for a while. For one, it purges the system of toxins and impurities.  For a while the breath smells terrible, and then it is really sweet.
I personally hate fasting.  I have done some in my time.  I once broke a fast with toothpaste.    Tuesdays used to be the day I would fast.  As much as I hated it, I knew it did me good.
At the very least it seems to be a great reset.  Our lifestyle means we imbibe all sorts of things.  Most are fine in themselves, but the accumulated effect is not necessarily good for us.  I think it is why five vegetables a day are recommended.  My dad was always chewing on the remains of a carrot or tomato or cheese.  He lived long and prospered.   Doctors surgeries are full of people who have neglected something important for years, and down the track it comes back to bite.  Fasting seems to be one way of seeing something early, and potentially nipping it in the bud.
Going without has never been, and will never be popular.  I knew one person who wanted a car and they could not drive.  They wanted it, and wanted it now.  Next thing, a car that was of no use to anyone, appeared on the driveway.  We are not renowned for our patience.  Sometimes that is all that is needed.  It may be that it will be seen that it was never a good idea, or it may be that we get what we want in good conscience.
I don’t fast at the moment, but I have learned to never say never.  None of us knows what the future holds, and it may be that one day I will do it again.  Sigh….I know it does me good, but that does not stop me disliking it.