This October 2nd please consider fasting in solidarity

If we are sensitive and care about justice and a fairer world where no one goes hungry and where there is no threat of war and where there is no oppression by a dominant group of people, it is difficult not to feel overwhelmed by all the problems in the world. There is the obvious environmental destruction which can no longer be ignored, wars of aggression and the threat of more wars breaking out, people suffering from malnutrition, hunger and disease, the poverty that dehumanizes people and causes all kinds of other problems, the religious fanaticism which is sometimes used as a cover by those in power to stay in power, and so on.

A little thought and analysis without self-serving arguments would show that imperialism is an ugly phenomenon that no decent and thoughtful human being would accept or condone. Imperialism simply goes against the ‘Golden Rule’ and is therefore untenable in a just world. But unfortunately it is still very much at work and is affecting many people’s lives. Large corporations seeking control over pretty much all of our lives all over the world, the unfair trade agreements that undermine democracy, and the unsustainable rates of extraction and exploitation of “resources,” often against the interests and well-being of local people, the out-of-control spending on military and weapons with no serious and honest effort to bring about peace by those in power… all of these are part of the imperialist system. And many of us end up supporting this system to varying degrees even if we do not intend to, or because we are not aware of the connections.

And then there is the needless cruelty on farmed animals that are enslaved and killed so that people can consume their milk, flesh and eggs. And the marine animals killed as a result of commercial fishing operations in all of the oceans for consumption by affluent people in faraway lands.

There is increasing evidence that many of our health problems are directly traceable to the food we eat. Everyone deserves to have healthy food and clean water. If the land and water are polluted today, it is also our duty to put a stop to such pollution (and poisoning in many cases), and push for a food production system that is more sustainable and humane.

The more sensitive among us cannot miss the call of Mother Earth telling us, or whispering to us, to act now to stop any further destruction of Nature due to human greed and apathy. It is a huge blunder to act as if we are separate from “the environment” and to talk of “protecting the environment.” We are not separate from the world. We are it.

Are we powerless, and are we so different from one another?

These problems appear to be beyond the ability of any individual to do much about. Yes, there are many groups and individuals fighting the good fight to solve various problems at different levels, at their root or at a more immediate level to reduce the suffering of people and animals.

But it appears that there are a lot more of us who want to do something, but feel mostly powerless and discouraged by what we see and hear on the news and social media. And sometimes we find it difficult to find common ground with others who also want to see a more just world. But are we really powerless? Are we really so different? We live in a “connected” world, and yet we seem to feel powerless to do much. How can it be so?

The power of the individual to bring about change

Historically major changes have come about due to the initiatives and actions of a few people. Their energy and commitment to fairness and justice and their compassion inspired and motivated others to join in their efforts to bring about change. Today, more than ever, we need millions of “leaders” because the problems are huge and the time to bring about change is very short.

When we are inspired by something deep within us, when we truly feel the urge to do what is good for all people, what is good for the whole of Nature, we are bound to see that our thoughts are not very different from those of many others who also care. When our thinking is not clouded by our selfishness and personal addictions and biases, it becomes much easier to find common ground with all the others who also wish to see a fairer and more just world.

Many of us care for a better world and our focus may be on different issues. And that is fine. There are so many problems needing attention. But can our thoughts and actions converge in the larger interest of a fairer and ecologically sustainable world? A world in which the threat of war, hunger and deprivation are things of the past? Where people can live in freedom and dignity without being controlled, dominated and subjugated by distant entities? And where there is no needless cruelty so as to meet the luxury consumption demands of humans?

Can we fast together on October 2nd? #fastinsolidarity

It is my humble suggestion (and obviously not a very unique or original suggestion!) to set aside one day this year, preferably on Monday, October the 2nd for a day of fasting and contemplation — if it can be done without affecting your responsibilities at work. We can do our regular work, but with a sense of mindfulness. It may be helpful to tune out of unnecessary distractions and noisy “entertainment” a few days before and a few days after October 2nd.

There are many religious communities who also fast during the month of October.

This really is a time for solidarity

Please do this as a social and personal experiment: what would it feel like to not eat for a whole day, and to avoid all non-essential activities and distractions that grab our attention and drain our energy?

Can we be mindful for one day? Can we actually feel and show solidarity with all those who care for a better world? Would that have an effect?

Are we merely powerless individuals to be controlled and manipulated by an elite and the media and the advertising industry and those who sow division and discord? Or are we something more? Let us find out.

A whole day of fasting by many people all over the world, and / or mindfulness (and silence where possible, including avoiding non-essential communication on social media) would help us realize that we are not alone, and that we are not powerless individuals. It would bring greater clarity in how we spend our time and energy — the most critical “resources” that we are going to need.

Where we go from there, we can figure out later, perhaps by spending regular moments in silence in the days, weeks and months ahead. 3/4th of 2017 would have been gone by October 2nd, so this is a good time to take stock and re-orient ourselves. When serious people confront problems with honesty, courage and a sense of urgency, they are very likely to find the right course of action at any given time. And find it much easier to work together with others.

Our personal moral compass

It is important for each of us to cultivate our own sense of right and wrong even while seeking ways to work together with other people and movements. This may require getting informed, but more importantly, it would also require understanding our own mind, our biases and our addictions.

It has always been important for individuals to be guided by their personal moral compass so as not to be led astray by demagogues and not to be unduly influenced by ideologies with problematic ethics. An awakened conscience and an alert, sensitive mind is even more critical today in our “connected” world where the “arts” of propaganda and mind control have been fine-tuned by vested interests into a sophisticated “science”. Even the label “science” has been co-opted to push harmful products and technologies on to the society and into the environment for profit and control.

Therefore regularly finding deep silence in our minds has become extremely crucial for all those who want to take action for building a better world, but want to ensure that this action is going to be the correct one. There is a momentary “de-conditioning” that takes place, ever so slightly, when our mind is silent, and this feels very important to cultivate a fresh, healthy, sane mind in the middle of competing claims and propaganda and so much noise all around, and to not give in to despair. “Leaders” have to be especially strong and clear-minded and be driven by a sense of compassion for all.

And when lots of people come together at the same time with the same purpose — in this case, it could be broadly defined as building a better, more compassionate world, one that is ecologically sustainable and fair to all people and all life — there is a possibility that more effective actions would follow, with a greater convergence of our thoughts.

We, as caring people, owe it to the world and to future generations to do what is in our power to move this world towards safety, peace and sustainability. By coming together in solidarity and fasting together, and / or spending the day in mindfulness, we can make a commitment to ourselves that we are serious about change for the better, that we as individuals are responsible for this change, and send a signal to our fellow citizens of the world that they are not alone and that we are not powerless and that we are not all that different in what we wish to see.

And finally…
Please, please, please note: this call for fasting in solidarity is a suggestion only to those people who usually have enough food to eat and are not struggling with medical issues. In other words, this is only for people who are relatively comfortable and who have no serious health issues. And for those who can do their jobs while fasting.

Please, I cannot stress this enough! We can show solidarity in many ways, including by going about our day being mindful or supporting others taking action in whatever way we can. So please keep that in mind if it appears that it may be difficult for you to fast on that day for whatever reason! Also, please be prepared to break your fast at any time if you find it difficult to continue for whatever reason. Solidarity in spirit is what matters most, so if we keep our thoughts and attention (and intention) on building a better world for all, hopefully that should have an effect.

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