I’m hesitant to share this column because the most common reaction might be, “Is this guy crazy, or what?”
I’m considering being part of a group aiming to fast for seven days in mid-July, only drinking spring water during that time.
There. That was the point where I predicted you would stop reading.
Yet we all know fasting is a part of most major faith traditions. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for a much longer time. I’m not Jesus, so you should rest assured that my fasting is done under the supervision of a physician. Fasting is not advisable for some people because of their own special make-up or chronic conditions.
Over the last few years, I’ve done several days-long fasts. Many assume people fast to lose weight. While that can be a side benefit, it is not the primary reason. We mainly fast for detoxification, which is needed now more than ever with the processed food many people consume. The doctor who supervises my fasting group says a 78-hour minimum is needed for detoxification and to allow some important regenerative processes.
We also fast for mindfulness reasons. It becomes a time to retreat, slow down, and turn the focus within. I realize how I often don’t eat mindfully. Instead, I may eat to deal with stress, or boredom. When I’m anxious, it is as if chocolate chip cookies start calling my name. Loudly.
Often times we eat because of social expectations. We gather with friends and family to talk while we eat. That’s not a bad thing, but it makes eating itself an after-thought. Not consuming a meal during a social gathering is one of the most difficult things about keeping a fast.
When fasting, we avoid any exercise or work which causes sweat. We do some movements and meditations to generate energy during the fast. The most surprising thing is after several days without food we typically feel like we have more energy, not less.
Each fast is broken with a light bowl of healthy soup. Eating too much too quickly is not a temptation because the desire to overeat is just not there after a fast. Suddenly, there is a new-found appreciation for food as nourishment. Food as a blessing. Food as something I should not take for granted.
How can you east mindfully without fasting? We all eat alone at times. Turn off the TV. Put down that device. Put away the reading material, and just eat…slowly. Stay in the present moment by focusing on the food itself.
You might feel more grateful for the pleasure of eating, and that is the best food of all.