My Journey with Fasting: A Path to Health and Self-Discovery. I was a teenager when I first heard about fasting. It was a concept entirely new to me, one I’d never encountered growing up. This introduction came through learning about Mahatma Gandhi, who devoted his life to his country and spiritual devotion. I discovered that Gandhi would fast every Monday, abstaining not only from food but also from speech, a practice known as Mouna. I was surprised to learn it was possible to go a day without solid food. Throughout the years that followed, I would often reflect on Gandhi’s weekly commitment, finding inspiration in his dedication.
Embracing My Own Practice: Over 25 years later, Gandhi’s inspiration of fasting once a week has become a part of my life. After a full moon ceremony, I set my intention to fast one day a week. I didn’t expect it would turn into a lifetime commitment. Each week, I experience numerous health benefits from fasting. My body thanks me for taking time to rest the digestive system, among many other advantages. For now, I only fast on water or tea, and when I’m ready, I plan to also fast from speech.
Inspiration from Yogis: I’ve since made friends with some yogis who live in India and do not eat solid food of any kind. They inspire me to know that all is possible. One of my friends, whom I’ve nicknamed “Superman,” not only refrains from food but also, at the young age of 74, climbs a 15 km mountain path, sometimes up to three times daily, to visit a Shiva Temple. Each journey is an exhausting incline, a good workout even if done only once per day.
Some of the Benefits from Weekly Fasting:
- Healthier Digestion: I feel like my digestive system completely resets itself weekly. After fasting, I have regular solid bowel movements, feel lighter, and I have no digestion problems.
- Increased Willpower: Each week presents different situations that could easily distract me from keeping my fast, yet the benefits outweigh the distractions. I recognize these as attractions made up by my mind, aligning with the yogic practice of pratyahara, or sense withdrawal.
- Energy Conservation: I always need less sleep and have more energy when I’m fasting. I feel lighter and brighter. I make sure I drink lots of good water and get connected to the sun, the primary source of prana.
- Time Savings: I always know that I have more time on my regular fasting day, I don’t need to spend time in the kitchen making food, cleaning up, or doing dishes.
- No More Emotional Eating: Through self-reflection, I’ve begun to examine my relationship with food. I no longer experience emotional eating, as I now recognize when my feelings are low and watch them instead of losing myself in them.
- Financial Benefits: The money I save on 3 meals a day equals 12 meals a month and 144 meals per year. It may not seem like a lot, but it does add up.
- Sugar Cravings Gone: I used to have a serious addition with Sugar, since I have been fasting 1x per week for over 8 years now, my addiction is no longer. I feel I finally won that battle, which took over a big part of my life.
- More Love for Myself: One of my main reasons for staying committed to my weekly fast is to show love and respect to myself and the body I’ve been given.
Encouraging Others
If you feel called to fast, I recommend that you try it and go slow as you listen to your body. Some people need to eat due to low blood sugar, while others, like my yogi friends, can go without food for extended periods. Yet this is something they didn’t just do overnight. Becoming mindfully aware of our relationship with food and our bodies is a gift to ourselves. This journey begins with your intention to make a conscious change, whatever form that might take for you.
Written By Sequoia Henning
