tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134782302655515338.post3334567045261919877..comments2023-12-25T05:12:46.199+01:00Comments on ORA ET LABORA: Ascetic RevitalizationFelix Culpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18062279686869827534noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134782302655515338.post-38596083578583374012008-03-16T01:54:00.000+01:002008-03-16T01:54:00.000+01:00Thank you! And thank you for the description abou...Thank you! And thank you for the description about eating in a way keeping with the spirit of fasting.<BR/><BR/>It's very interesting that you mentioned the affect of fasting on sleep. My husband and I were just discussing how well I have slept this week. I usually have trouble sleeping (even sometimes resulting in taking a sleep-aid medication). I haven't done that at all this past week. <BR/><BR/>Glory to God for all things!<BR/><BR/>JulianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134782302655515338.post-35004479984130454012008-03-15T21:00:00.000+01:002008-03-15T21:00:00.000+01:00Another benefit of fasting -- and one not often ci...Another benefit of fasting -- and one not often cited by the ascetic Fathers, for some odd reason -- is that it leads to beautiful sleep. I dare say I never sleep better than during the first week of Lent, when there's little to nothing in the tummy. <BR/><BR/>I once heard a good description of how to know when one has eaten in a way keeping with the spirit of fasting: if one can get up from the table and immediately turn to prayer, then you're fasting indeed; if you're so full that you feel weighed down then, no matter how fasting the food was that you just consumed, you've broken the spirit of fasting.<BR/><BR/>May God help you in your struggles!Felix Culpahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18062279686869827534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134782302655515338.post-39216116531961727182008-03-15T19:20:00.000+01:002008-03-15T19:20:00.000+01:00I have been Orthodox for 4 years and have yet to k...I have been Orthodox for 4 years and have yet to keep the fast throughout all of Lent. In the past, I have not really looked forward to Lent. I actually looked forward to it this year and the excitement seemed to carry me through the first couple of days, despite the hunger and the longer prayers. The last couple of days have seemed more arduous (both with fasting and with prayer). Still, after 6 days of very little food and lots of prayer, I feel lighter (I don't know how else to put it) and more aware of God being everywhere present and filling all things. By God’s grace, I will keep praying and fasting.<BR/><BR/>JulianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com