Fasting and a clearness of mind?

[Victor_Nolan]

In my reading I’ve come across a few mentions of how fasting has lead to a clearness of mind, a calmness of mind.

Have any others come across this in their own reading or their own understanding?

Or, in doing your own fasting have you experienced this?

 

[Robert_Sock]

When I fast there is a certain discomfort within a part of me, but yes, another part of me becomes “clearer.”

 

[Praedicare]

I’ve never read about it; but then again, I’ve not read about fasting, I’ve just done it.

In my experience with a very long & intense fast in Lent 2013, I noticed that my mind was much clearer than usual. After several days of getting my body used to fasting, a sort of fog was lifted. Books seemed less of a strain to read, and intellectual work was somehow easier. Perhaps that’s just my experience. Don’t push yourself with fasting before an exam or anything!

 

[christofirst]

I need to work on limiting overindulgence before I get to fasting! I’d happily settle for moderation.

There is a lot of reference to fasting in the sayings of the Desert Fathers, and many of these references are also accompanied by warnings against pride. I guess it is easy for a spiritual athlete to get carried away with fasts and such.

 

[Hodegetria]

NOTE WELL: CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE FASTING
and THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Yes, fasting is something I’ve done many times and I’m just now planning another fasting retreat. I do water-only fasting, but I do continue to take my Synthroid medication which is for low thyroid; you take it on empty stomach first thing in morning anyway.

I go to a Franciscan retreat house, they have about 10 rustic cabins in the woods on 150 acres, it’s a beautiful property with many statues and shrines and ponds. I bring my Chihuahua

The first two days of fasting are pretty bad, and I just lie around pretty much, reading, staying warm, going to Mass (oh yes, I do receive the Body of Christ daily at Holy Communion), and drinking lots of water. I must go away to fast because it’s so much easier when I’m alone and in the peaceful setting away from the phone and the food.

On the third to fourth day, all kinds of great things start happening. You DO get mental clarity, your tiredness is gone, you care nothing about food! TIME also doesn’t mean anything. Your day will fly by. Peaceful thoughts, praying is gratifying and you don’t get tired of praying. This is the time to journal or do whatever art you may be into, for the glory of God. It’s super easy to think about holy things, say the Rosary with complete focus. Be prepared for unexpected weeping, while walking, I came upon a statue of Our Lady and it was so incredibly beautiful and I just cried because I could feel her complete love for us.

It’s also an excellent time to see a spiritual director and get some guidance on any of your issues. (We all have issues.) I find fasting a great time to reset my inner clock physically, too, because your body will naturally adjust to the higher level of functioning at which everything’s supposed to be functioning.

Just because they’re available, I get KETONE strips from the drugstore that measure how far into “ketosis” I am, you’ll have to google that, but by the third to fourth day, the strips start telling me that my body is burning ketones from my fat reserves, not carbs or muscle. I’ve read the brain works much better on ketones, and there is an actual switch over-- that may be why the mental clarity occurs.

I fast for the spiritual benefits first, (communion with God), then the physical benefits. I usually fast for 5 days minimum up to 8 days and then I slowly get back to the real world and start with bland foods, juices etc. PLEASE read how to properly break a fast, bring a fasting book with you if you’re not experienced. DO NOT drive home before breaking the fast.

It’s very much worth it. Good luck and God bless you.

 

[chuck001]

I’m currently on day 2 of a fast (preparing to begin 33 day prep for consecration to BVM on Feb 20) and I must say the impact so far is stunning. Incredibly better mood, motivated to go out more and be with people, even the desire to clean and be organized.

I started yesterday and the hunger pangs were a bit intense so I ate a piece of meat at dinner because the craving was so strong. I realized how attached to food I was and that sure has helped me today as I have had a coupe hunger pangs but no craving. I have been drinking a lot of water and fresh squeezed lemon juice, in one glass, a day.

Overall, I am amazed at how I am able to “step outside of myself” and confront my weaknesses with prayer, reflection, and discipline this early into a fast!

 

[puzzledtoo]

Most of what I consider fasting as far as food goes. is simply being more moderate. I suppose like catholics do on ash Wednesday or good Friday. Never really noticed any more clarity but have heard or read of it.
Where I experience more clarity is when I fast from television, computer, phone, and try to unplug for a day. Talk less, be involved with others less if possible. Lessening distractions and experiencing less noise bring clarity as well as fasting from food does in my opinion. Fasting is fasting is fasting…?

 

[chuck001]

Most of what I consider fasting as far as food goes. is simply being more moderate. I suppose like catholics do on ash Wednesday or good Friday. Never really noticed any more clarity but have heard or read of it.
Where I experience more clarity is when I fast from television, computer, phone, and try to unplug for a day. Talk less, be involved with others less if possible. Lessening distractions and experiencing less noise bring clarity as well as fasting from food does in my opinion. Fasting is fasting is fasting…?

Moderate eating would fall under dieting which the main focus would be weight loss. Fasting, on the other hand, involves much more where weight loss is just a mere benefit. It gives the body time to heal without spending energy on digestion. People who are overweight, like myself, or eat for emotional reasons can experience breakthroughs with fasting from food. If you are in shape then it’s understandable why fasting from food would seem redundant.

 

[puzzledtoo]

Fasting moderately could simply be considered as dieting by some. I believe it is the intention that matters. With the moderate fasting I’ve become accustomed to there is less food at each meal and I avoid the snacks that are my downfall. I’m not overweight but do have issues with attachment to food, emotional eating or eating from boredom. Fortunately for me I’m able to burn enough calories each day and not become overweight.
I believe we can experience breakthroughs from fasting that is not necessarily extreme such as water only or for several to many days. Moderate fasting also aids in mental clarity as well as purifying the body and can help us realize moderation in other aspects of our lives if we allow it to. It works for me due to several health issues.
I also mentioned fasting from tv, computer, etc… this I also do moderately. Once a week or every couple of weeks. I feel this type of fasting is just as beneficial in many ways as from food certainly for clearing my mind, gaining a new perspective on life.