Workshops for Sun 19th; Fast options; Pre-Fast suggestions

[muza...@gmail.com]

Dear all,

 

Here's three important updates.

 

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1) WORKSHOPS AT MAIN EVENT (Sun Oct 19th): Confirmed!

 

We are pleased to announce that we have now confirmed the following workshops for the main Fast for the Planet event! Each workshop aims to resonate in some way with the values of Fast for the Planet. You'll get to choose ONE workshop out of these three.

 

a) Permaculture,

with Nicole Freris (Naturewise)
 

b) Debt-free Home Finance,

with Tarek El Diwany (Author, 'The Problem with Interest')
 

c) Sharing Stories & Poetry: 'New Perspectives Emerging as Story',

with Peter Challen (Christian Council for Monetary Justice).

(If you attend this particular workshop, you are welcome to bring a short piece to read (optional), that resonates with the Fast for the Planet concept).

 

In the spirit of the concept, each workshop leader intends to welcome opportunities for participation and the sharing of ideas.

 

We will aim to send further updates about the 19th through this elist, and please also explore our official website:  www.fastfortheplanet.net

 

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2) FAST OPTIONS 

For Fast for the Planet, the suggestion is a fast from food and water. However, you may choose to adapt and fast from whatever you feel is appropriate* (especially, if for instance there are health issues, in which case we advise you consult an appropriate, qualified health practitioner in advance). Once you've affirmed an intention, we suggest you aim to stay with it for the time-frame intended - we are suggesting to begin fasting before dawn, and to end at sunset: timings are touched on here If you are unable to attend the main event, you are of course welcome to fast in solidarity of the concept, either as an individual, or as a group. The participate page of the website outlines the idea and principles to help support anyone who wishes to do this.

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3) PRE-FAST SUGGESTIONS

In addition, based on the wider values of the concept, we suggest to include one or more of the following:

a) When affirming your intention to participate in Fast For the Planet:

• To (begin to) pay off any interest-bearing debt;
• To let go of using a credit card;
• If lending money, to do so on a profit/risk-sharing basis;
• Begin to promote and participate in alternatives to the interest-based, fictitious economic system.... (and with recent happenings ... boy, do we need alternatives!!)

b) For the Fast For the Planet weekend, move towards buying only items that serve needs, rather than wants and desires.

c) To shift one action during/just prior to that weekend that lends to a just, sustainable and peaceful world. E.g. Walk or cycle a journey previously taken by car; Mend damaged clothing, or teach someone how to; Give something away to someone who needs it more than you.

LINE (London Islamic Network for the Environment) are holding their monthly forum this Sunday at 2.15pm in the Highgate area of London. The forum which includes Skills-Sharing is aligned to Fast for the Planet, offering an opportunity for some of the suggestions mentioned above to be followed up on. There will also be time for a short exploration of the concept, with opportunities to volunteer for the main event. Please see the following web page for more info: http://www.lineonweb.org.uk/Action/Monthly%20Forums/2008/mf_Oct2008.htm

*Other options include a partial fast from food; e.g. fasting from solids but not fluids; or fasting from certain foods, such as from coffee/tea, cigarettes, or anything else that feels appropriate to you. However, where possible and if it feels appropriate, we suggest fasting from both food and fluids. Simultaneously, in participating, each individual is to take responsibility for their own health, and agrees not to hold Fast for the Planet responsible in the unlikely event of any health problems arising out of fasting.

warm wishes to you all,

Muzammal Hussain,  on behalf of the Fast for the Planet team