Howdy folks--back for the temporary,

   Fasting is a well known method, used since the most ancient of times, to not only heal the body physical but for those with a spiritual/consciousness focus, to help better align the body physical with the mental and spiritual aspects or levels of self and reality.  (how it does so, would take a small book to write to fully explain, and surprisingly, i'm not willing to write that just now)

   I've had some limited experience with fasting in the past, but with more brief fasts--usually within 1 to 3 day period of time.  But recently, I was inspired by a few different factors to try a longer period.  One was the experience that my friend had told me about (and no, i'm not trying to physically levitate) with his some 22 day fast, two--i've decided to write a book, started it a week ago, and want to be as "Clear" as possible during writing it, and 3. it just felt like the right thing to do at this time (or in other words, nudges from Expanded self/Guidance). 

  I originally set a goal for a 30 day all liquid fast, but when i told my wife that, she pointed out that her birthday fell within this period and she said no way jose are you not going to take me out and dine with me on my b-day.  Case closed.  Exclamation point for emphasis.

   So, with my goals and hopes dashed against the hard and strong rocks of her Aquarian nature (and part of me secretly happy it was  ), i decided to instead to do a full 7 day, all liquid fast.  Besides which, a more subtle "voice" wryly noted, "don't worry, you'll be doing plenty of fasting in the near future"

  I'm on my 7th day, today, and happy to say, stuck with it completely the whole time, and on the 5th day after the hunger pangs, some weakness and headachyness left, i've started to feel clearer and clearer physically, mentally, and intuitively, as well as actually have more energy than before i began.  I know i have more energy, because i'm needing less sleep than i use to. 

 
  In my next post, I will describe the specifically cleansing liquid diet that i've been using for any interested in this account.  Btw, i definitely don't recommend everyone trying something like this.  I'm starting off relatively somewhat healthy.   Someone with moderate to severe blood sugar issues may have problems or issues with extended fasts, especially if they don't do it right. 

Hi Justin,

Most animal studies confirm the health benefits of decreasing caloric intake and its association with a healthier, longer life. 

I have been exploring alternative medicine and nutrition for years now.  What I am most impressed with is the notion of tonic herbal treatments.  There are tales from Asia of Taoist monks skilled in herbalism who eat very little, take a mixture of herbs, and by folklore, live for centuries.  Of course, this is myth, though if you google "Li Ching Yuen", there is a documented report of a taoist whose birth was recorded by the chinese government who may have lived over 190 years.

Certain roots such as astagalus have been shown to have rejuvenating effect in the test tube, preventing chromsomes from getting shorter.  The implication is that we can age more slowly.  The herbs I am most interest in are a combination of: astragalus, ginseng, schizandra, Ho Shou Wu (also called Fo ti) and mushrooms (especially Reishi, Shitake, etc.).  I'm also a big fan of green tea (supported by many scientific studies), resveratrol, and omega-3 oils.

I believe that taken in liquid extract form sold at many health food stores,  a small amount of these herbs can have an amazingly helpful effect.  Certainly they have been used safely in combinations in chinese traditional medicine for over 3000 years. 

I started taking a tincture (liquid extract) of Reishi, astragalus, and ginseng in tea twice a day, and feel tremendous energy.  I seem to walk better, and have more spring in my step. 

I continue to monitor the medical literature to see what is truly supported by clinical studies.  I do think that green foods, especially spinach, broccoli are essential (you mentioned the greens), and include them in my diet. 

I don't think any of us want to live forever in the physical form, but it would be nice to find a way to stay vital long into what is considered "old age."

Keep us up to date with your progress.

Best,

Matthew

Hi Justin,

I am just now reading this, but wanted to commend you for sharing it. I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of fasting. Have you ever read "Back to Eden"? It is a huge book, but has great information.

I credit fasting with saving my life. Many years ago, I was very, very ill and every time I went to my doctor I was just given a new prescription to counter some odd side-effect of the last medication. One doctor even gave me medication samples and lied to me about what they actually were. He removed all the inserts and packaging and just gave me the pill bottles. I had no reason not to trust doctors back then, so I started taking the medication.

I went to bed one night and I prayed to die in my sleep because I knew I was doing everything my doctor suggested and I was feeling worse every day...to the point I needed help just to brush my own hair. I had a very vivid dream that night and I was told it was the medication making me sick. I was told to stop taking all my medications, but to keep my inhaler and Epi-pen. I was also instructed to fast to cleanse my body as quickly as possible. Without any hesitation, the next morning I flushed everything. I know it's not good to stop meds cold-turkey, but I was convinced I was going to die if I continued on the way I was going (doing everything by the book and getting sicker and sicker every day).

That morning I drank some water as I continued to pray and meditate on how to proceed. I knew I had to take drastic steps and I was willing to do anything to stop the constant pain and exhaustion. I did not talk to my spouse about this plan because that's not a supportive route for me and I simply did not have the strength to do more than just concentrate on getting better. I love to cook and making large meals for my family helps because I don't get hungry while I'm cooking. So, I went to the store and bought a ton of food and started making freezer meals (it's called "Once A Month Cooking" for anyone interested). I cooked day and night for four days straight because the first 3-4 days are the most difficult relative to hunger and cravings.

After that, I started focusing on writing in my journal. I wanted to stay focused on the goal of cleaning all the drugs from my body while setting new goals to help me address the issues that required the medications in the first place. I set out to listen to my inner-guide for as long as necessary to achieve this goal. I'll spare you the details, but I finished my fast after 13.5 days. I lost 30lbs, my skin cleared up and I stopped vomiting all the time.

It was amazing. In fact, the next time I went to the doctor, he asked me what I was doing differently. I told him I was getting more sleep because I knew he would never accept anything as "new age" as fasting as a possible answer. He was thrilled and said "Well, whatever it is. Keep it up!" I never went back to him because there was no need.

I've since done several more fasts, but none as long as two weeks. It's become much harder to get into the right frame of mind to do them since having children. I have started with the intention of even a 2-3 fast and find myself unable to stay motivated or focused enough to do it. I realize I'm at a disadvantage with not having family support because I am (and have been) taking care of the children 24/7 every day since they were born. I'm tired and rarely have time for myself. One of my resolutions for this year is to MAKE more time for myself even if it's ten minutes a day.

So, if your wife will say "yes" now that you've celebrated her birthday, I'd be happy to try again and fast with you. I had another knee surgery right before Christmas and I need to flush out all the pain pills and detox my liver. I think I'll juice fast this time around because I need to maintain some level of energy to keep up with my energizer bunnies. I am still trying to learn about other beneficial ingredients to maximize the experience.

Kind regards,
mj

Hi Justin,

Thanks for the response.

I have a low body temperature (which is common in people with adrenal issues, but not yet fully recognized within the AMA criteria for "disease" so it's largely ignored) so I almost NEVER feel cold. I use a fan (appropriately called "The Wind Machine") every day of the year because (1) I'm typically hot and (2) I have allergies and it helps to be able to breathe at night. However, since nobody else in my family has this issue, I can empathize with you feeling cold on chilly days. I am totally open to waiting until you are ready.

As far as seeking inner-guidance, I got a busy signal. j/k. I think part of the issue is that I've lost connection with my inner source and am floundering day-to-day. This is the primary reason I'm hesitant to seek out an in-person group. I know that I'm lost and vulnerable right now and I think any amount of negativity (in any form) could probably do me in. This is the primary reason I'm reading and resting as much as I can. I have been on low-to-no reserves for about two years now and it's really getting to me.

As far as the length of my fast...I never pre-decide that. I tend to follow my body's signals and continue for as long as I feel is right (I guess that's listening to inner-self, isn't it? smile). I tend to avoid the fasting groups because it seems to become a competition on who can hold out the longest versus a true spiritual connection with one's own divine source in the process. In that regard, I won't know when I'm ready again, but will keep you posted.

Relative to the other stuff...I have to do that all the time anyway. My body was severely damaged by the medications and I lost the peristalsis sensation. Sorry for the detail on that one.  However, I appreciate the warning just in case I was not aware of the importance of that aspect of fasting.

Let me know when it warms up and you're ready. I'll continue trying to meditate and connecting with inner-healing so I'm prepared when you're ready!

Kind regards,
mj

Hi Jason,

Circumstances in my life are such that I think it's important for me to begin fasting. I'm on day two although Day One was not voluntary.

I found a website http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting/01-pe... tonight that explains things quite well although I've never heard of using any kind of canned juice for fasting (with all the sugars and additives), but the overall information is easy to understand.

I am opening my heart to receive healing and wholeness from this experience and trusting that I will learn along my journey.

Thanks for your encouragement,
mj

Hi Justin,

Thanks for the positive healing energy. I appreciate it.

I haven't been consuming sugar (or much of anything) for the past six days. I mostly drink water and eat nothing. I don't really have an appetite anyway so I don't care. The only problem is I am prone to fainting so I have to make sure I get enough to keep my electrolytes balanced.

I have done the Lemonade Diet in the past but I currently have stomach ulcers so anything with citrus is really painful. I have a juicer, though, so I'm going to go back to carrots, apples and spinach. That seems like the best combination of anything I've tried. All in all, I'm holding on okay.

Thanks again,
mj