Fasting: will it work for you? Is fasting dangerous?

There is lots in the news about fasting these days. Juice fasting is popular, as well as the 5:2 diet where you eat normally for 5 days and fast for 2. According to Wikipedia: “Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days.”

Why do people fast?

There are many reasons that people may fast: for medical reasons, to lose weight or even as a spiritual practice. I once fasted for 5 whole days, consuming nothing but water, herbal teas and the occasional spoonful of natural honey for extra energy. It was really hard, and I don’t know if I would recommend it to anyone – the psychological effects were great and it was really uncomfortable.

Having said that – it can make you feel mentally stronger to give up your reliance on certain things. I have done more successful fasts where I stuck to only vegetables, or gave up processed foods and all meat. Fasts like that can be more gentle on the system and less mentally taxing.

Regeneration through fasting – a really cool old book

If you are thinking of fasting I recommend reading this book from the 1920s: THE SHORT CUT: Regeneration Through Fasting by Julia Seton. It’s a very old and weird book and from what I gather, quite obscure but readily available online. Buy the book here on Amazon.

Here is an excerpt:

“We fast primarily because we have found out that through fasting we can outstrip the laws of evolution and find the human pathway of transmutation.”

…and:

“Yes, there is a shortcut to REGENERATION OF OUR WHOLE BEING. It is a short, steep climb out onto the mountaintops where life’s finer forces do the super-work and the method is simple: just fast and breathe, control eating, exercise, think, feel and act in unison with the Higher Law and Regeneration will be yours.”

As you can see, it’s quite full on stuff!

The book goes on to outline a couple of different fasting programs and they are certainly not for the faint-hearted. I would suggest that if you are considering doing a fast that it wouldn’t hurt to order a copy of this book online. I have nothing to do with the author (Julia Seton would have long since passed away, I am assuming) and I cannot vouch for the content of the book and how suitable it would be for you – but check it out anyway (particularly if you like the sound of those 2 quotes).

Fasting in moderation can clear your mind

Fasting is something I think everyone should try just once. It can be great for disciplining the mind – something I personally, really need!

According to an American farmer and religious leader, Ezra Taft Benson, “Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit.” For me, I have definitely experienced this. Fast with care and caution – and always do your research first and speak with your loved ones for support.

Please tell me: have you ever fasted? What was your experience like? Please comment below!