Fasting

I began the process of recording ‘Fire and Gold’ three years ago this month.  The first piece I recorded was ‘The Hallowed Beauty’.  The month of March is a special time of year for me as I fast for 19 days.  The Baha’i fasting period (which is from March 2-20) is a time for reflection and learning about detachment from this physical world.  It is a symbol and a reminder to take time out in order to look within oneself and clean away the dust and dirt (unhappiness, resentments, negative emotions, etc) that may have accumulated on one’s soul throughout the year.  A few of my friends wonder why I do it and wonder if it is even healthy.  My reply is that even though it may be outwardly challenging at times, I feel so happy and refreshed knowing that I’m going through a spiritual cleansing.  And more and more doctors are also realizing that periodic fasting is in fact one of the best things for cleansing our bodies and maintaining our physical health.

While fasting, I normally do not record vocals as for me singing is an exhausting experience which sometimes takes between 2-4 hours of recording time in the studio.  Drinking is important to keep the vocals lubricated and smooth.  But that day (three years ago), I felt such an urge and energy to go ahead and sing.  I find that I need to be in the mood to sing otherwise the vocals are dull and there is dryness to the sound and lack of emotion in the song.  What was amazing when recording ‘The Hallowed Beauty’ was that I managed to complete the vocals in one session without any water.  It was an inspirational morning.  I have tried recording other pieces while fasting since then, but I have not been able to do so.  There seemed to be a certain magic in the air that day, perhaps in part due to it being the commencement of ‘Fire and Gold’.  

Interestingly, now during the fast I am again focusing on a new project that I mentioned in my last blog– a CD on marriage.  Soon, I will tell you more about the final piece that I just finished composing. J

Thought of the Day: 

“Even though outwardly the Fast is difficult and toilsome, yet inwardly it is bounty and tranquility.”  -Baha’u’llah