The Spirituality of Suffering

Fourteen days ago I started my annual Advent diet aimed at balancing out the caloric intake of November & December.  I prefer to diet before the New Year because I don't have to whine about having to "work it off" in January as I'm stuffing my face.  Plus I get to tie it to Advent and make it spiritually meaningful.

Dieting is spiritually meaningful during the Christmas season because it involves self control and suffering.  Saying no to goodies at work and at parties makes you feel very alone in the world.  You have to do your job and act as if nothing is wrong all the while your stomach is crying out in pain.  Nobody knows the troubles you go through, except God.  You pray to Him for perseverance and strength and help to stay true to the diet and not give up.  Your prays are no longer rituals, they are legit communing with God experiences.

Keep in mind my particular diet is not for mere mortals.  It involves no sugars, salts, starches, or fats for two weeks along with 45 minutes/8 miles of cardio, 20 minutes of abs and 20-40 minutes of weights.  I lost 10 pounds in the first 12 days of the diet, so it works if you can make it.

Starving gives you a different appreciation for the world and the stories in the Bible.  The average American doesn't feel physical pain anymore, most of our complaining is all mental.  To feel physical pain is to be in touch with your humanity, it lets you know you are still alive.

Reading the Bible while starving is invigorating because you relate a little bit better to the apostles and saints enduring hardships for their faith.  You realize how strong these people were to mentally overcome their physical pain and devote their life to spreading the word.  Dieting is nowhere close to the suffering in the Bible but the link of physical pain is bonding and uplifting.

I'm in no way suggesting to physically hurt yourself to be spiritual, that's plain dumb.  However pushing your body to its limits can be cleansing for the mind, body and soul.