Fasting from Talking too Much

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday where some people start the commitment of fasting in this period of time before the Good Friday. It is a good practice to teach us to not over rely on our body and phyisical satisfaction from food. But I am not into it. And I think there is something that I really need, that is to fast from too much talking.

I like to talk because I get energy from talking since I think aloud. There are many times where I get new ideas while I am talking. That is the reason I like to teach as it may be more beneficial to me than the one listening as that’s one of the best way I learn.

But recently I learn that there is also a great need to fast from talking for several reasons. First, it is not the food that comes into our mouth that is unholy, but it is the very word come out from our mouth. Those who talk more will be judged more. Toungue is like a steering wheel, it is small but like a small fire, it can burn the whole forests. A lot of time, the way I say things are communicated emotionally and end up cause more problems than good.

Second, I need to save energy. Talking requires energy and at the moment there are so many things I need to do. So it makes more sense now to foucs on do and do and do instead of just talking. So reduce talking and start doing more.

Third, it is to reduce my impulsiveness. I often make drastic decisions which I regret later on. So instead of saying it verbally, it is better to document it down, sleep it over night, and then write it out the next morning.

Fourth, my emotional needs are high. So I can be very cranky. Only God can takes my crankiness when I am tired. So instead of talking to people, it is better to write a letter to God to communicate our anger, tiredness, worries, and everything that people do not have the capacity to understand as they are not God.

So how do I implement this? Remember that if it is not specific enough it is bound to fail. Several things that I can try are: only talking when asked and when really needed - which means no commenting. Just like my insurance agent today, in communication, it is not give and take but rather take and give - taking their perspective first before giving our persective.

Second, do not say it out an idea, just write it down.

Third, observe people, unless I am the only one in a group of 2-people, let others talk and just listen. Anyway it is also something that it’s not easy for me to focus at all and not the handphone.