So long ago, 1982, I just joined a few women to fast. Dick Gregory flew to town, sat with us, fasted on air and told us that he made a primary commitment to fasters around the world. He explained that only the side of right, the side of light and truth could fast. Hey, lets be honest, I was thinking what is this grandstanding anti-gay black man doing here sitting with us?
Oh do I get it now. Fasting is simply irresistible. Once you have put the body at rest (not processing food) and listened to the interior whispers of your own spirit, you know. You know where you have been. You know where other fasters are. Maybe it is like that surfer who found that perfect wave and its memory is a polished jewel of a thought in a perfect storm of thoughts.
For the last nine days, there are fasters on campus at Columbia University. It is occurring because of many grievances against the administration and the blatant racism practiced on campus. I would not presume to know the nuance of the protest. I do feel confident in saying that Dick Gregory was right ~ in all the fasts I have known of ~ they are always shining light on the advancement of humanity. They are always asking the observer to liberate themselves from the darkness of oppression. They are the best humanity has to offer. That is why I want to thank these fasters. Because of them, I ask more of me.
If you want to read about the fast at Columbia, leave a comment of support and track their process, visit their blog.
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