Tonight and tomorrow I observe the Jewish holy day of
Yom Kippur.
Traditionally, people fast (abstain from drinking, eating,
and some very observant people don’t even brush their teeth).
I’ve learned that taking care of ME is most important when it comes down to it all.
Here’s the Hebrew version of the iloveME ring–
stamped with “Ani Ohevet Otach” (“iloveme” in hebrew)
which I’ll be wearing tonight and tomorrow when I attend Synagogue with my family.
Then:
Most years I used to abstain from food and water from sundown to sundown the next day.
Then, I would OD on bagels and tuna fish at what we call “break the fast” dinner after the holy day
ends at sundown.
Depriving myself of food + water for an entire day made me miserable –
head achy, dry, extremely sleepy and very moody. And, “break the fast”-
filling your body with white flour, gluten, dairy, etc made me feel even worse!
I remember sleepless nights because my stomach would ache. I mean, ACHE!
Now:
As an adult with my own spiritual beliefs, I have the freedom
to choose what I want to observe and what I don’t want to observe.
I’d rather take care of my body and observe the tradition in my
own subtle ways – dinner with family, attend temple with family, pray, meditate, fast from food
and flush my body with water through out the day. It keeps me from sleeping the
entire day, terrible stomach aches and constipation. Plus, I’m able to actually enjoy time with my family more.
My advice to all of my Jewish friends, family and fans:
Have an easy (and healthy) fast and
remember be gentle on yourself
and take care of YOU.
Reminder to say to yourself:
Ani ohevet otach (“I love me” in hebrew)
xo
be gentle. be grateful. be you.
be well,
arielle
