Have you ever fasted? We've heard about people who do, but why do they fast? Why on earth would they fast? Self deprivation and delayed gratification have no place in the American way of life. Growing up Catholic we always tried to give something up for Lent. Usually it was something that we didn't much care for to begin with, like black-eyed peas. But to truly take oneself out of a state of constant satiation seems unnecessary, if not downright crazy.
I'll tell you something unbelievable. Fasting is fantastic. It is healthy. It is powerful. Physically, the process of digestion consumes more energy than nearly anything we human beings do. It is nonstop and tiring to the body. The garbage we put into ourselves on a daily basis overwhelms our systems...thanks in part to gluttony but with big kudos to the food industry who has meddled with the food supply to the point of absurdity.
The absolute best way to fast requires copious amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, an expensive juicer, lots of time. A simpler fast that I've discovered has been around for 50 years or so. 3 ounces of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice, 3 ounces of Grade B maple syrup (this is not the syrup you buy at the local supermarket....look at a health food store or buy it via the internet). 2 or 3 capsules of cayenne pepper. 24 ounces of distilled water. Drink this all day long.
Day one is a piece of cake. Day two is the most difficult. The body begins to release toxins. You may feel sluggish. You'll certainly feel your addictions to various foods. Day three is a bit easier. By day four you'll begin to feel powerful...akin to runners' euphoria. Your body is free, your mind is unencumbered, you are living life on a higher plane.
Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days. Do you think that this was a sacrificial act? If so, it certainly pales in comparison to death on a cross. No, I believe Jesus fasted to release himself from the bonds of human frailty....to put himself in contact with the divine. That's why yogis fast, why Muslims and Christians fast. Why I fast. Try it. It will certainly change your body. Perhaps it will change your life.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Life in the fast lane
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2 comments:
That's the Master Cleanse! I tried the capsules and when I went to the bathroom I thought I was on fire! How'd you deal with this?
I also tried breaking the powder up throughout the day and mixing it in the lemon/lime and it was so yucky!!
I do love lemon and lime-aid throughout the day, wish I could figure out what to do about the cayenne.
Great blog!
Thank you!
I too had trouble with the cayenne. I actually grew to like it in the lemonade but it caused my ears to ring. I mean really ring. I was scared to death that it would never stop.
Since then I go pretty easy on the cayenne.
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