It is not “fast and furious” but fast and harmonious because it should be at your own rhythm, as you feel it, as your body feels it and requires it.
According to the Genesis, God created the universe in 6 days and He rested on the 7th one.
The international law requires at least 1 day off whatever the country for each human being: this is a part of the human rights. What about your stomach? Why you do not give at least one day off per week? 24 hours without absorbing any substance except water.
Most of the cultures and religions traditionally require a period of fasting each year: the Jews have the Yom Kippur (the day of purification): 24 hours without eating, the Christians during the Lent 40 days without meat but initially it was without fat, the Muslims respect the Ramadan 28 days (corresponding to a lunar cycle) of intermittent fasting (during the daylight). The Hindu has Maha Shivaratri a luni-solar month during which they fast… So if most of the traditions, cultures take a place for fasting it is obviously for a good reason.
Actually, there are essentially 3 main objectives:
1-the hygiene,
2-the emphasize the pleasure of food and,
3-the access of altered level of conscience.
First of all, when we observe nature we can see that the animals when they are sick they stop to eat why? Because the organism has a function of cleansing when it is not solicited. In the 6th century St. Athanasius spoke of experience. “Fasting,” he said, “heals the sick, it dries out everything, repels demons and expels unhealthy thoughts, makes the mind clearer and purifies the heart, sanctifies the body, and transports the man to the throne of God Fasting is a great strength. ” So the main objective of fasting is that: healing your body like a draining. For instance, fasting 72 hours (with only water) allows your stomach to relax: all your digestive system can rest. The fact to digest requires a lot of energy, thus this energy can be used differently. In addition the third day, it boosts (by recycling) your immune system, regenerating thereby your white cells. How? Fasting lowered white blood cell counts, which in turn triggered the immune system to start producing new white blood cells. White blood cells (or lymphocytes) are a key component of your body’s immune system. This is more and more used in the cancer treatments. By the way, you feel it, you feel lighter, your mind is sharper, you are more sensitive, creative and your skin is more luminous, you see better. It should not be undertaken as a constraint or as something painful…
…but as a release
When you fast, you feel light as a bird, and etymologically when you are light you feel that you are on the road to the enlightenment.
Beyond of that, the lack of food emphasizes the importance and the pleasure of eating. It puts into perspectives the notion of “I do not like” or “oh, no… again”… kinds of these capricious behaviors in a society of hyper-consumption. It brings a good balance in your life and you appreciate the deeper small gift of life.
Last point fasting is the link with the horizontal world: the spirituality, many trances are obtained thanks to it. You become more subtle and aware of new perspectives and resonance with the invisible world like the synchronicities. In addition to that the perception of time becomes different, all seems to be slower when you fast.
I really recommend trying of course with your doctor’s consent. Personally, it became a part of my life once a week (usually on Sunday) and 72 hours each month for the full moon. Hence to now my body literally requires it.
In Shambali we will invite you to start your journey by fasting 24h or 72h (only if you can afford) to experience this feeling.
Issa