21-Day Water Fast: How I prep and stay committed
Of all the things that I've been most consistent with during this lifetime, fasting is at the top of the list. I begin fasting in high school. 11th grade. What began as a commitment to seek God in prayer alongside my Christian community evolved over the years into the 21-day water fast journey I'm currently on. Those three weeks of limiting my diet to fruits, vegetables and nuts for Daniel’s Fast really set the foundation for a deeply spiritual and soul-anchoring practice. This has allowed me to stay committed even after a decade of fasting.
A Foundation in Scripture
Clarity to Receive God's Messages
Daniel’s Resolve
1:8 Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice of food or with the wine which he drank.
1:17 [...] God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.
1:20 As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm.
Now that I approach fasting a little differently, I have to prep differently. I feel that my body has somewhat become accustomed to the practice. Meaning, I don't get as many headaches, stomach aches, or hangry spells as I once did. In any case, the most important things to do when prepping for a fast are:
Identify your why. What’s a reason that you can cling to in moments of discomfort?
Do your research. Don’t take my word for it. You might choose to get you electrolytes using Celtic Salt instead of Himalayan Salt. Whatever approach, make sure you are confident and informed in your decision making.
Plan your naps. I know it sounds impossible because you don’t when the fatigue will hit you. Maybe you plan an earlier bed time. It’s most important to anticipate that you’ll need to rest a lot more as your body will need the rest and recovery time.
Implement low-impact workouts. I know it sound counter productive but it’s actually a great way to get an energy boost and keep you active during your fast.
Types of Fasting and Where to Start
Here are a few of the most common types of fasting:
Water fasting: Involves drinking only water for a set amount of time.
Juice fasting: Entails only drinking vegetable or fruit juice for a certain period.
Intermittent fasting: Intake is partially or completely restricted for a few
hours up to a few days at a time and a normal diet is resumed on other days.
Partial fasting: Certain foods or drinks such as processed foods,
animal products or caffeine are eliminated from the diet for a set period.
Calorie restriction: Calories are restricted for a few days every week.
Renegotiating Your Relationship to Food and Practicing Compassion
Sacrifice is the ultimate gesture of love. Mindfully fasting as a form of prayer is an offering of sacrificial love, which brings us closer to God, Source, Universe however you identify the Higher Power. Through fasting we can better understand our weaknesses and have better empathy when we confront the weaknesses of others. We become more in tune with ourselves and other people when we make fasting a mindful practice of prayer. We are given access to gratitude that becomes apparent when you willing give up your own comforts to gain a deeper appreciation for them. We allow ourselves to be reminded of our true supply, the abundance of the Earth and the simple luxuries we might otherwise take advantage of.
Final note: Whatever fast you choose, get as much sun exposure, vitamin D as possible.
