It starts. This weekend, fasting month for muslims. Like I’ve been doing bi-annually over the years, I once again seize this opportunity to detoxify myself. I’ve already endured Lent earlier in the year (no meat, no chocolates, no alcohol, no sex). For the puasa though, I’m gonna repeat my attempt of “fasting” once again (plus no alcohol). It’s purely for health reasons.
I don’t “sahuh”, though I subsist on water (as little as I possibly can) throughout the day. It was through my malay ex-girlfriend that I began to embrace this practice. It helped establish my sense of determination. 2006 so far, has been all about harnessing that willpower.
The song by Zainal Abidin (Puteri) symbolized my state of mind in late 2004/early 2005, trying to bounce back from a break-up. This was my weeping song. It encapsulated how I felt back then. It’s a wonderful feeling when your heart finally learns to let go, and regrow strong enough to break the chains around it. I’ve been there and I’ve pulled through. It made me a better person. It made me treasure my loved ones even more. On that note, if you love someone, go tell ‘em how much they mean to you, right now. Do it.
To all muslim friends, Selamat Berpuasa.
A Year Ago
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September 22nd, 2006 at 11:02am
wow..everyone has a bounce-back song…! I’m glad that even men have their own bounce-back songs!
September 22nd, 2006 at 11:17am
detox by water only is not enough. try taking fruits n vege juice (yuck.. i know) early in the morning =)
September 22nd, 2006 at 11:46am
*sniff* I’m proud of you, Dan… really proud!
All the best mate.
September 22nd, 2006 at 2:02pm
tihtahpah Yup, men do have them, but won’t admit. This wasn’t my bouncing back song though, that one goes to SOMEDAY I’LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT (BON JOVI) - my life’s theme song.
This song helped me channel my pain. And I’m unembarrassed to admit that I cried my heart out to this one.
niki Agreed. I’ve done that during Lent, all 40 days of it.
But for this, I’ll only be consuming as little water as I possibly can from 7am to 7pm.
Keropok Thanks. It wasn’t easy when doubt crept in. But I hanged on.
September 22nd, 2006 at 2:15pm
40 days?!?! wow.. how much u weight /height currently? only water for 12 hrs i will die haha btw, sex is healthy no?
September 22nd, 2006 at 2:46pm
(My bf) Lex will be fasting this year also.. Hopefully he can go through the entire month wihout any distractions. Good luck Dan!
September 22nd, 2006 at 4:48pm
Good luck to you, Dan… and to me too!!
September 22nd, 2006 at 5:20pm
niki Sex is healthy yes, that’s why it’s harder to refrain from it for 40 straight days, which makes abstaining such a daunting challenge.
Sha It certainly won’t be easy for the first couple of days. But, since when life is easy? Just ask any England supporter. LOL!
Larawannabe Good luck.
September 22nd, 2006 at 7:59pm
Im impressed Daniel
Well done and selamat berpuasa to you too.
We were learning the biochemical processes of fasting in class when someone said that muslims fast for 12 hours at least and looked at me. To which I of course agree and said that sometimes more depending on which season we are in (i.e winter, summer, ra ra ra)
Most of my coursemates, the aussies, couldn’t handle it they thought. 2 hours without food and they already sprout monkeys from their ears, let alone 12 hours.
But if you have the will and determination, 12 hours doesnt seem too long
September 22nd, 2006 at 9:17pm
wow… the idea of fasting is really good for both body and soul… thinking about it already making me feel good
September 22nd, 2006 at 10:03pm
Ness Well, thanks Ness.
I’m not there yet, as I still consume water. The feeling of breaking fast is out of this world. A sense of accomplishment. 12 hours is arduous at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not a problem. It’s all in the mind. 
Lex Unquestionably. It helps ramp up perseverance. I’m living proof. Just ask Keropok how I persevered when France when down to 10-men during the WC final.
September 23rd, 2006 at 12:03am
fasting takes a lot of determination.
fasting clears our mind and at the same time detoxify our body…trashing all garbage away.
temptations is all over whenever u r fasting!
All the best Dan.
September 23rd, 2006 at 1:00am
meekiee Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
September 23rd, 2006 at 11:38am
i did the fasting for a month, on 2 weeks solid raw fruits and 2 weeks juice.
then the second time…i failed, not focused.
September 23rd, 2006 at 11:44pm
Great! I can now have you for a partner to “fast” with me next LENT.
September 24th, 2006 at 9:35am
Happy fasting Dan!
September 24th, 2006 at 8:50pm
meekiee Wow. That sounds daunting. I don’t think I could do that.
Jemima You’re on!
Sha Thanks Sha, and you too. Kinda not bad for first day, sought solace by watching approx 7 episodes of HOUSE SEASON 2. LOL
September 24th, 2006 at 8:57pm
hi bro, then u must really skip all those banana leaf rice which will be most sad !
September 25th, 2006 at 7:57am
toniXe Well, that’s usually during Lent. Having said that, I still consume banana leaf meals, but purely vegetarian.