the musing geologist

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  • The Synergies Between AA and the Baha’i Faith: A Geologist’s Journey to Healing and Spiritual Fulfillment

    For someone who grew up rooted in the rolling plains of the Midwest, within a loving but imperfect Catholic family, life was a patchwork of lessons—some learned at the dinner table, others in the larger classroom of life. There was no shortage of moral guidance: the values of humility, generosity, and the importance of faith were woven into the fabric of my upbringing. Yet, as I ventured out into the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes as a geologist, uncovering the story of the Earth one rock layer at a time, I found myself searching for something deeper—something my career, achievements, and religious background could not fully satisfy.

    This is the story of how I, a self-described “drunk,” found harmony between the structured spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the profound teachings of the Baha’i Faith, discovering a God I could understand and a path to genuine transformation.

    The Scientist’s Dilemma: Achievements Without Fulfillment

    As a geologist, my career has been nothing short of fulfilling in many ways. I’ve stood on mountaintops that took eons to form, unraveled the mysteries of ancient mineral deposits, and contributed to the very foundations of modern industry. I’ve achieved milestones that made me proud—not just professionally, but as a scientist who values evidence-based understanding and logical reasoning.

    Still, no accolades, no breakthrough discoveries, and no depth of knowledge could fill the deeper void that had taken hold of me. My battle with addiction revealed this truth in stark, often painful clarity. Alcohol became both a numbing agent and an illusion of control, as I struggled with the dissonance between external accomplishments and internal peace. Despite all my intellectual pursuits, my spirit was starved for something more.

    A God of My Understanding: Finding Space for Faith in AA

    One of the most transformative aspects of AA is its gentle but firm insistence on finding a “God of your own understanding.” For someone like me—a recovering alcoholic who once grappled with the contradictions between science and spirituality—this concept was a lifeline. It offered a space where the Divine could be personal, accessible, and uniquely mine, free of dogma or rigid interpretation. Through AA, I began to see God not as a remote judge but as a compassionate force, present in my moments of vulnerability and triumph alike.

    The 12 Steps of AA were not just tools for sobriety; they were a framework for reexamining my life, reconciling my past, and moving forward with intention. Step 3, in particular—”Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him”—allowed me to let go of the illusion of control that had plagued me for years. In surrendering, I found empowerment, clarity, and hope.

    The Revelation of Baha’u’llah: A New Lens for Life

    It was during this journey of self-recovery and exploration that I re-encountered the Baha’i Faith. I had been introduced years ago at university, but I wasn’t done drinking back then. At first, I approached it with the cautious curiosity of a scientist examining a new theory. But as I delved deeper into the writings of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Faith, I was struck by their clarity, universality, and profound relevance to both individual and collective transformation.

    Baha’u’llah’s teachings on the unity of humanity, the harmony of science and religion, and the importance of justice resonated deeply with me. Here was a faith that didn’t ask me to abandon my scientific mind or my hard-won understanding of the world—it invited me to integrate them. The Baha’i Faith provided a framework for understanding my place in the vast story of existence, not just as an individual but as part of a global community striving toward unity and progress.

    The joy and clarity I found in Baha’u’llah’s revelation were unlike anything I had experienced before. It was as though the fragmented pieces of my life—my Catholic upbringing, my struggles with addiction, my love for the natural world, and my yearning for purpose—were being woven into a cohesive whole. The Baha’i Faith didn’t just complement the spiritual foundation I was building through AA; it amplified it.

    The Synergy of AA and the Baha’i Faith: A Path Forward

    The intersection of AA and the Baha’i Faith has been a profound source of healing and growth for me. Both emphasize personal accountability, community, and the transformative power of surrendering to a higher power. Both challenge me to be honest with myself, to strive for progress rather than perfection, and to seek meaning beyond the confines of material success.

    Where AA provides the practical tools for day-to-day sobriety and reflection, the Baha’i Faith offers a broader vision—a roadmap for contributing to the betterment of humanity while deepening my connection to the Divine. Together, they form a synergy that has not only helped me maintain sobriety but also inspired me to live a life of purpose, service, and continual growth.

    Reflections on a Life Reclaimed

    Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the many influences that have shaped my path. My Catholic upbringing instilled in me a moral compass and an appreciation for faith, even if it took years for me to find a spiritual home that felt truly mine. My career as a geologist has taught me the value of inquiry, perseverance, and respect for the natural world. And my journey through addiction and recovery has shown me the depths of human resilience and the power of grace.

    Today, I stand at a crossroads where faith and reason, science and spirituality, sobriety and purpose all converge. It’s a journey I could never have imagined for myself, but one that feels undeniably right. To anyone walking a similar path—struggling to reconcile the complexities of identity, belief, and purpose—know that there is space for all of it. There is room to be a scientist and a seeker, a skeptic and a believer, a work in progress and a person of profound worth.

    The synergy of AA and the Baha’i Faith has not only saved my life—it has helped me truly live it. And for that, I am forever grateful.

  • The Benefits of Dry Fasting: A Baha’i Perspective on the Physical, Metabolic, and Spiritual Renewal of the 19-Day Fast

    In many faith traditions across the globe, fasting has been observed as a sacred practice—a time of physical discipline, spiritual renewal, and communal focus. As a Baha’i, the 19-Day Fast holds profound personal meaning, aligning me with timeless practices observed in other world religions while providing a unique opportunity for reflection, renewal, and reconnection. This period of dry fasting—abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—offers multifaceted benefits that extend beyond the realm of faith. It invites both a metabolic reset and a deeper spiritual cleanse that enriches both body and soul.

    Fasting in Historic and Cross-Faith Context

    Fasting during the early spring is a common practice in many world religions, coinciding with a period of change and renewal in the natural world. In Christianity, Lent calls on followers to sacrifice and reflect in preparation for Easter, a time of spiritual rebirth. In Judaism, the fasting observed on Yom Kippur or Purim highlights repentance and purification. Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, though based on the lunar calendar, also involves dry fasting during daylight hours, fostering empathy, humility, and discipline. Even in Hinduism and Buddhism, fasting serves as a tool for spiritual ascension and detachment from material desires.

    In the Baha’i Faith, the 19-Day Fast is observed annually from March 1 to March 19, preceding the Baha’i New Year (Naw-Ruz) on the spring equinox. This practice, prescribed by Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Faith, is a symbolic act of purification and devotion, intended to recalibrate the soul and reinforce a deeper connection with the Divine.

    The Metabolic and Health Benefits of Dry Fasting

    From a scientific and health-focused standpoint, dry fasting has been associated with a range of positive physiological effects. This practice requires the body to operate in a state of low caloric intake, triggering processes such as autophagy, where cells clear out damaged components to regenerate healthier ones. Studies suggest that fasting helps reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support metabolic health. Additionally, dry fasting may promote fat oxidation, as the body turns to stored fat for energy in the absence of food intake.

    The abstention from water also leads to temporary dehydration, which activates survival mechanisms that increase antioxidant production. The body becomes more efficient at utilizing water stored within cells, potentially improving cellular function and hydration efficiency when normal patterns of eating and drinking resume.

    While these physical benefits are fascinating, it’s essential to approach dry fasting with mindfulness and awareness of one’s health conditions. Moderation and proper hydration after sunset are crucial to ensure safety and sustainability during fasting periods.

    The Spiritual Cleansing of the Soul

    For practitioners of the Baha’i Fast, the spiritual dimension of fasting is paramount. Abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset serves as a symbolic gesture—detaching from the material world and focusing entirely on the spiritual realm. It is a time to reflect on one’s actions, purify thoughts, and intensify prayers and meditations.

    The 19 days of fasting are also an exercise in discipline and self-restraint, reminding practitioners that the physical body is subservient to the spirit. This detachment fosters an awareness of humanity’s greater purpose and reinforces one’s reliance on God, strengthening spiritual resolve.

    Beyond the individual experience, the fast also fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie within the global Baha’i community. Knowing that Baha’is around the world are observing the same practice creates a collective spiritual energy, a reminder that humanity is bound together in the quest for growth and betterment.

    Harmony Between Physical and Spiritual Renewal

    What I find most profound about the practice of fasting is the synergy it creates between the physical and spiritual aspects of life. The metabolic benefits act as a mirror to the spiritual cleanse—removing impurities, renewing energy, and fostering growth. This interconnected renewal feels particularly potent during the springtime, a season synonymous with rebirth and transformation.

    As the Baha’i Fast aligns with this universal rhythm of nature, it becomes a powerful reminder of the cyclical harmony between body, soul, and the Divine. The fast is not merely about abstaining but about creating space—for reflection, connection, and transformation.

    In embracing the 19-Day Fast, I feel a deep connection to the spiritual traditions of humanity’s past and an even greater sense of purpose for the future. It’s a gift that transcends the boundaries of faith, offering lessons of detachment, resilience, and renewal that anyone can appreciate and adapt to their personal spiritual journey.

    Closing Thoughts

    Fasting, in all its forms and traditions, serves as a timeless tool for human growth. It is a ritual that encourages us to step beyond the physical, reflect on the divine, and return to the world renewed and revitalized. As a Baha’i practitioner, the 19-Day Fast stands as a profound testament to the power of discipline, humility, and connection—to oneself, to the community, and to God.

    May the coming days of fasting, for those observing, bring clarity, strength, and joy. Let this season of renewal be a time of transformation—not just for the individual but for the collective soul of humanity.