Fasting: The Hidden Key to Success
“Fasting enabled me to perform at levels I never thought were possible”.
In the past, I often struggled with being distracted by the allure of social media, content streaming sites, and other distractions born out of the Information Age. Simultaneously I had began a journey to develop myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Yet, many of my efforts to improve those aspects of my being were futile. I could not concentrate. My thoughts were positive, but my actions were inconsistent. I was lacking the self-control necessary to achieve my developmental goals. Then I was introduced to fasting and I quickly learned that nothing builds self-control like fasting.
Fasting is the most natural and effective way to cleanse the body and mind, but most importantly (in this context) it is the most effective way for us to regain control of ourselves. By fasting, I do not mean that I made sad attempts to distance myself from my social media platforms. Fasting is making a conscious choice to abstain from all or certain types of foods and/or liquids. It is nature’s oldest, most effective method of rebuilding the body’s own healing powers and strengthening the mind’s ability to be disciplined. So as many of the sages of old did, I fasted.
Like muscles, self-control increases when exercised. Before I implented fasting into my life regularly, I realized that I could not concentrate because I did not truly work on controlling myself. So my self-control muscle had deteriorated and emotions led my decision-making. Unfortunately, emotions are good servants, but poor masters.
So of all the methods that improve self-control what makes fasting so impactful?
Human beings must eat and nourish the body in order to survive, but there is an emotional attachment affiliated with eating that often leads to over indulgence. Unfortunately, in the U.S., gluttony has become socially acceptable and a major part of our “consumption culture”. As a result, we unconsciously tend to over indulge in food and content. Of this, I was guilty. Aside from the endless amount of creative advertisements that feed our desires, we are always plugged into a digital world of infinite information. We consciously and unconsciously consume hordes of data from the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep. Considering that our brains have a limited capacity, this influx of stimuli creates noise that prevents us from being able to concentrate. No concentration, no discipline. While my intentions were good and I wanted to transform myself for the better, my lack of discipline would not allow me to put in the consistent amount of work needed to sustain personal growth. Food is no longer valued for its nutritional offering but more often than not it is valued for the level of satisfaction it brings the taste buds, and ultimately the drug-like effect it has on our brain. Food is now an addiction. This type of culture is a breeding ground for distraction and a lack of self-control. Needless to say, people are distracted and addicted now more than ever. So what better way for me to attack my lack of self -control than starting at the foundation of my addictions, food?
While there is a major spiritual benefit to quieting the body and challenging the mind through fasting, I realized something else. Without the ability to control myself, I cannot be disciplined. If I am not disciplined, then I cannot achieve sustainable success in any of my personal or business endeavors. Two of my favorite thought leaders are Isaac Watts and OSHO. One thing they both drive home is the necessity of discipline for success. It is in fact the ingredient that separates the great from average; the consistent from the inconsistent. So if I truly wanted to see the results I desired, I had to fix my lack of self-control.
Fasting is by far the most sophisticated self-control workout available. I noticed that as I got good at fasting, I learned to control every other aspect of my life. Fasting empowers you to overcome any addiction, no matter how deeply imbedded. Medically, fasting has been found to rapidly dissipate the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other drugs. I had been programmed, by family, friends, society, etc. to eat at least 3 meals a day. This created an emotional pattern that became fundamental to my habitual life. So, I started with a 4 day apple fast. After the third day of not succumbing to my desires, I began to detach from my emotional dependence on food. Thus, it gave me the powerful experience of exerting control over my actions in the midst of strong emotional desires. This spread throughout my psyche as I was able to think clearly and decisively, therefore emotions were no longer in the driver seat. Reason triumphed over emotion. After a while I moved on to fasting with liquids only, and even dry fasting to constantly build my self-control muscle and reap the amazing health benefits as well.
Fasting increases my ability to be disciplined and focus, but it’s health benefits made it even more of a beneficial practice to make a permanent part of my life. Case studies conducted by natural hygiene practitioners prove that the more you fast, the more centered you become, the better you heal, the higher your intellectual activity, and the younger you appear. When you are cleaned and tuned up through fasting, you experience a continuous flow of vibrant health, electric energy, and mental strength. I have personally experienced that my concentration improved, depression lifted, anxieties faded, and I could appreciate the natural joys of life. Fasting enables me to perform at levels I never thought possible. I feel amazingly calm and my consciousness glows as ideas flow through me exactly when I need them.
Without getting deep into scientific jargon, I’ll illustrate what happens to the body during fasting. The digestive system requires a significant amount of energy to process food, especially 3 meals a day. When you abstain from eating, that energy is reallocated in other parts of the body. Cells begin to rebuild, the immune system strengthens, your senses are sharpened, and your cognitive abilities increase. Beyond that you experience a level of clarity and spiritual rejuvenation that is unparalleled.
On the third day of fasting, when the body has shifted over to ketosis as a primary source of fuel, the brain begins to have enough fuel but it is a different fuel. Ketosis describes a condition where fat stores are broken down to produce energy, which also produces ketones, a type of acid. When in full ketosis, the mind simply works somewhat differently. Thinking can be just as acute, but it tends to be faster, more reflective, more studied and deeper, and — aside from thoughts of food or ending the fast — more inclined to dwell on future plans.
Some researchers’ findings indicate that ketone bodies may actually be the body’s preferred fuel. Studies have shown that they stimulate the heart, adrenal cortex, skeletal musculature, and the brain to better functioning than glucose. The brain’s periodic utilization of this alternative fuel during periods of food shortages (or fasting) also seems to have long-term beneficial effects on the brain and central nervous system function. Electroencephalograph (EEG) data and endocrine testing generally show significant improvements after both juice fasting and water fasting.
While I highly recommend fasting to those seeking mental clarity, self-control, or spiritual rejuvenation, one must be very careful when fasting, especially now. We have become so overloaded with toxins due to the things we eat and breathe, that a long fast could be dangerous because it stirs up and releases these toxins into the body rapidly, causing our condition to be worsened initially. There are health conditions that do not respond well to fasting, for instance a fast is not recommended for a diabetic that has been taking insulin for 2 years or more. Those taking medication or recreational drugs also should not fast until they have completely detoxified their bodies and stopped the intake of all chemicals. Otherwise fasting may cause too much poison to flow out the lymph fluid into the blood too quickly. So, if you don’t have any health conditions that would prevent you from fasting, start light with a 4 day apple fast, then at most you could potentially encounter detox headaches. I typically do not experience these headaches, but I ensure that I am hydrated, nor do I partake in any medications or drugs. Nonetheless, I would advise proceeding with caution.
At the beginning of each and every fast, I enter an intense war against my desires. Smells of cuisine from surrounding areas and vivid images of people enjoying their meals invoke in me a seemingly insatiable desire to indulge in almost any vegan dish that I can get my hands on (yes, I am a vegan and have been for 3 years now). Then emotions go into a frenzy because I am fighting against an almighty craving that has been built over the course of my entire life. Anger, jealousy, depression amongst others try to express themselves. Instead of running to television, social media or any other distraction, I respond by going into focusing on self-reflection and remembering why I am fasting. Solitude is a must or results will be stifled. Reading books, writing, or other cognitive stimulating activities keep me mentally balanced as I go through the emotional turbulence. When I fast for spiritual purposes, I resort to prayer and meditation to recenter myself emotionally. As I continue in the fast, I grow stronger in resisting emotions and addictions. Then hunger fades, negative emotions subside and I experience mental clarity and peace. In this place is where creativity is heightened, love is intensified, and focus becomes natural. Fasting is an essential part of my life, and those whom I have consulted over the years. I have experienced and witnessed extraordinary transformations in behavioral patterns thanks to this ancient practice. It truly empowers me to regain control of myself when I’m drifting in the wrong direction mentally, and rids my mind and body of all that is toxic. Consequently, making me physically and mentally prepared to silence distractions and lock into more progressive habits that lead to success.
