Is Fasting Right for You?
Published: March 2, 2010
It might surprise you to learn that the tradition of fasting has very little to do with food. In many religions including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism fasting is a spiritual discipline. Abstaining from all food, or certain foods, is more about spiritual focus than diet.
In his article, “Fasting: Is it Healthy?” Darren Hewer explores many aspects of fasting from its health benefits to potential pit falls. Throughout history people have fasted, for a variety of reasons. Some fast an act of worship, others do it to create time for prayer and contemplation. As with all changes to your diet, if you are considering a fast, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Fasting is often associated with the season of Lent which began a couple of weeks ago. Some time ago I found a blog post about fasting written by a Catholic Nun. While I am not Catholic myself, I found her perspective both insight and refreshing.
Sister Julie writes:
Eventually I learned more about fasting in a variety of religious traditions as well as an overall aesthetical practice, a spiritual discipline. I realized that fasting is not about denial but about freedom … freeing ourselves from the things that bind us and keep us from right relationship with ourselves, with others, with creation and with our God. Fasting from food is one form of fasting.
We eat simply (if at all) and only what is necessary. This has a profound effect on the body and frankly feels very good. It also lends itself to a clearness of mind. Just as our body and mind are affected, so also is our spirit. Our fasting from food is a way of simplifying, getting down to basics, clearing oneself to be in a place of openness, receptivity. It gives us a chance to take stock of where we are in our life and what we need to do to continue to grow in life and love. (from anunslife.org)
Sounds lovely doesn’t it? I know that Lent has already started, but there’s still time to put some of that space and freedom to work in your life. Have you ever participated in a fast? If so, I’d love to hear what you learned from it.
I am also a diabetic. Once a week I skip lunch and partake in a corporate fast with the church. During Lent I started fastinf from TV and meat on Fridays. Since then, I have not been watching as much TV in general. The free time I now use in more productive activities.
I am a diabetic & I cannot fast so I do things like restrain from watching Tv or I just give up something for a day besides food.
Fasting is a means of bringing oneself under discipline so that the flesh can be subdued to release the Spirit to be in control. Paul says, I pommel my body and bring it under subjection …. It is a time to be free to worship and commune and concentrate on God rather on the “food”
Fasting is simply killing your flesh, (for it not to overcome you) so that you can move into spirirtual level where you can commune with God. it’s also a sacrifice you are showing to God how serious you are; though one need to do this with total consecretion to God.