Fasting (2)

After 2 day of fasting one forgets about hunger. I noticed that I did feel less energetic but having more time not to go shopping or to cook etc. makes up for it. Also, I can sleep so much better. When did I last sleep over 10 hours? My body can relax totally as there is no food or digestion to concentrate on or spend energy on. After all the digestion is the main energy consumer in the human body.

I am curious how it would go to fast for a whole week? As much as I am tempted to do so, I am not sure whether we live in an environment for it? Just imagine you fast at work and have to go to the loo every 30 minutes? And taking holidays to fast - maybe…. - then again in other religions it works to not eat for longer. Maybe fasting is something we should integrate in our western lifestyle but we are all to set to forget about the natural resources, the natural processes and ideas that were passed down from generations.

Today is my last day of fast. Vegetable juice (I hate it) but you can feel how your body is getting cleaner and emptier. It is a feeling that sets energy free too. And another very positive effect is to use the time of inner cleaning and clean your environment too. I already have a bag for charity and still have the cupboards to clean today.

I am however looking forward to a simple chicken soup tonight or tomorrow morning ,-)

cb consulting - enhancing performance from within

FASTING

What is fasting? Wikipedia and an alternative medicine site explains it in very good detail, also with all the religious background.

More interesting is the question I was asked at work “why do you fast”?

Sure, first of all it is time to lose some weight. But the likelihood of putting on more afterwards is there and therefore my main motivation is not to shed some pounds. Would be nice though.

I do not go months without food or drink but go for a 3 day fast. First day only water, 2nd day only fruit juices and water, 3rd day only vegetable juices and water. A friend recommended that to me.

“In natural medicine, fasting is seen as a way of cleansing the body of toxins, dead or diseased tissues, and giving the gastro-intestinal system a rest. Such fasts are either water-only, or consist of fruit and vegetable juices.”, Wikipedia

Hopefully that sums it up better than I could. It gives you rest, it takes up energy, it cleans your body and get rid of all the “crap” in your body.

You can achieve a detox also by changing your diet which I did already and will continue to do. However, fasting is also for the mind. It is about finding peace, de-clutter your life, rest and think about what you like to do and what you like to change. Reflection is a big part of fasting. And, if you did not have enough willpower then you couldn’t do it in the first place.

I am very proud of my partner who is fasting for the first time. She was very tempted to give up but together we manage. It is only 3 days and then we slowly get back to normal, a break-fast meal and possibly one glass of nice wine. And back to our healthy diet because otherwise it would not make sense to do it in the first place if you decided to eat “Schnitzel” and “Sausage” once you finished the fasting.

Have a peaceful and reflective bank holiday weekend!

fasting buddha

cb consulting - enhancing performance from within