Today is day 20 of my Lenten fast. I must admit I have remained very quiet about the whole thing. I have turned inwards to meditate and explore my awareness and feelings of this fast. After writing my last post on Feb 22nd and then reading it, I decided that this was the direction to go.
I feel good, very healthy and stable. I have been able to reflect quite a bit about my eating and what I see for my future. I am currently meditating on eating, and the concept of how in choosing what to eat one looks around this world and chooses what of it to make apart of you.
When you choose an item to eat, you don't simply chew it, you consume it and thus make it a part of you. That is to say that you are deciding what in this world is worthy of joining with. What are we telling ourselves when we take substandard food items; overly processed fast foods, genetically modified foods and oils, and bring it to our being? I must look closely at the available items, and decide which ones meet the minimum standard that I wish to maintain. It is also I think a fair comparison to that of taking an offering to the alter. We need to worship our temples and only offer up the best we have to bring. Wait, I thought of a shorter analogy... Garbage in, garbage out...
That is pretty much all for now, aside from saying I still have hopes and desires to complete 40 days of fasting... 20 days to go.
Peace and harmony to you and yours,
Mike
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Fasting Commences 02/21/07
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I try to not advertise that I am fasting, a few co-workers know of it and ask their questions out of curiosity, other than that I will not profess my actions. I sometimes wonder whether or not I should write this journal of my affair with fasting, but I feel that I log my actions for my own reference later, as well as for the passing on of the knowledge of how to fast and how the experience is cleansing to the mind, spirit, and body. I want no acknowledgement or praise for my efforts, my reward is internal. So if you read this, remember that no praise is desired; just share in what I feel and use any useful information you glean for your betterment.
I have been contemplating how I feel, how I got back to the point I am at, and what I want to regain with my fast. Today I awoke with a happy heart; today is Ash Wednesday the seventh Wednesday before Easter.
I feel good today in the way that I am not experiencing feelings of hunger or deprivation. I guess I actually feel relieved that this day has come. I have been preparing for 3 weeks now, unfortunately some of my preparations have been to eat too much too often.
My focus has been found though and it is if my body has just sighed with the relief of knowing its time of healing has arrived. I have decided not to take body measurements and will only try to weigh myself once a week, in the effort to reduce the dwelling on weight loss. I want to keep myself healthy, to stay off of the prescription medications for blood pressure and triglycerides.
Last week I had to resort to my stash of blood pressure medication which I had not taken since August 2006. I noticed that I was experiencing regular headaches and tightness in my neck, and I feel sure it was directly related to my eating condition... The taking of half a pill per day put these feelings of pressure at bay, it was a tough decision but it was either start the fast abruptly or wait for my set date. I will comment later when I first notice relief in the fast, as I will not be on the medications from this day forward.
Today I flushed and enjoyed the mastercleanse lemonade as desired, and had an herbal tea before retiring for the evening.
Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I try to not advertise that I am fasting, a few co-workers know of it and ask their questions out of curiosity, other than that I will not profess my actions. I sometimes wonder whether or not I should write this journal of my affair with fasting, but I feel that I log my actions for my own reference later, as well as for the passing on of the knowledge of how to fast and how the experience is cleansing to the mind, spirit, and body. I want no acknowledgement or praise for my efforts, my reward is internal. So if you read this, remember that no praise is desired; just share in what I feel and use any useful information you glean for your betterment.
I have been contemplating how I feel, how I got back to the point I am at, and what I want to regain with my fast. Today I awoke with a happy heart; today is Ash Wednesday the seventh Wednesday before Easter.
I feel good today in the way that I am not experiencing feelings of hunger or deprivation. I guess I actually feel relieved that this day has come. I have been preparing for 3 weeks now, unfortunately some of my preparations have been to eat too much too often.
My focus has been found though and it is if my body has just sighed with the relief of knowing its time of healing has arrived. I have decided not to take body measurements and will only try to weigh myself once a week, in the effort to reduce the dwelling on weight loss. I want to keep myself healthy, to stay off of the prescription medications for blood pressure and triglycerides.
Last week I had to resort to my stash of blood pressure medication which I had not taken since August 2006. I noticed that I was experiencing regular headaches and tightness in my neck, and I feel sure it was directly related to my eating condition... The taking of half a pill per day put these feelings of pressure at bay, it was a tough decision but it was either start the fast abruptly or wait for my set date. I will comment later when I first notice relief in the fast, as I will not be on the medications from this day forward.
Today I flushed and enjoyed the mastercleanse lemonade as desired, and had an herbal tea before retiring for the evening.
Friday, February 9, 2007
My Lenten fast period
These things I ask of myself...
My upcoming fast I am professing to last for 40-50 days. This will be a challenge for me like no other I have undertaken (insert an overly-dramatic drum roll please). I originally figured I would fast for the 40 days of Lent, then upon studying the calendar I quickly realized that from Ash Wednesday until Easter is 46 days.
The Lenten season count of forty days doesn't include Sundays (Roman Catholic) as they commemorate the resurrection. This was enough to bring a little bit of wonder if I can actually run the full length. In my initial thoughts I had decided upon one of 2 different plans:
Now I actually have a third plan. It is to fast from Ash Wednesday (February 21st) through the last day of the Lenten season April 5th (at sundown) (this is a total of 44 days of fast), and start breaking the fast on April 6th. This means I will not partake in the Easter feasting other than for the cursory orange juice. Can I handle the extra pressure of the proverbial family feast? I also have to assume that if I do make it 44 days on the fast that the distinct possibility to achieve 50 days will be a powerful force.
My plans with this fast are to achieve a renewed spirit over mind and body, no need for a "practicing physician" and their medications, clear thoughts on what I require for nourishing my body, and a weight loss goal of somewhere between 40 to 50 pounds...
I am praying on this, that I may have the mettle and the focus that I need to persevere. I really want this for the health aspects, the spiritual cleansing and the weight loss. This I would like to work out well enough that I could plan yearly my Fall (September) and my spring fast (Lenten) yearly and perhaps a 10 day fast in the summer and over the course of winter.
I am still praying on this, and for now it seems like the 3rd option (the longest) is what my mind is desiring. I have yet to ask my 12 year old "inner child" what his opinion is!
Spring is in the air and it is prime time for cleaning.
Enter with a positive faith that God will reward those who fast with the right motives. - Jesus gave this promise: "When you fast, your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:18).
Give me strength.
My upcoming fast I am professing to last for 40-50 days. This will be a challenge for me like no other I have undertaken (insert an overly-dramatic drum roll please). I originally figured I would fast for the 40 days of Lent, then upon studying the calendar I quickly realized that from Ash Wednesday until Easter is 46 days.
The Lenten season count of forty days doesn't include Sundays (Roman Catholic) as they commemorate the resurrection. This was enough to bring a little bit of wonder if I can actually run the full length. In my initial thoughts I had decided upon one of 2 different plans:
- Is to fast from February 17th (3-day weekend "President's day") until the 29th of March, which would be 40 calendar days. This would give me adequate time to come off of the fast prior to the Easter celebration. Juicing and raw vegetables until April 6th (Lent ends April 5th, at sundown "Holy Thursday"). The juicing and eventual raw vegetables and fruits I figure are more of a fast than most people do anyway, allowing me to feel as if I fasted the entire Lenten season.
- Is to fast from February 21st (Ash Wednesday) until April 1st (40 calendar days) and break the fast with juice and raw foods until the end of Lent (April 5th, at sundown) Easter Sunday is on April 8th.
Now I actually have a third plan. It is to fast from Ash Wednesday (February 21st) through the last day of the Lenten season April 5th (at sundown) (this is a total of 44 days of fast), and start breaking the fast on April 6th. This means I will not partake in the Easter feasting other than for the cursory orange juice. Can I handle the extra pressure of the proverbial family feast? I also have to assume that if I do make it 44 days on the fast that the distinct possibility to achieve 50 days will be a powerful force.
My plans with this fast are to achieve a renewed spirit over mind and body, no need for a "practicing physician" and their medications, clear thoughts on what I require for nourishing my body, and a weight loss goal of somewhere between 40 to 50 pounds...
I am praying on this, that I may have the mettle and the focus that I need to persevere. I really want this for the health aspects, the spiritual cleansing and the weight loss. This I would like to work out well enough that I could plan yearly my Fall (September) and my spring fast (Lenten) yearly and perhaps a 10 day fast in the summer and over the course of winter.
I am still praying on this, and for now it seems like the 3rd option (the longest) is what my mind is desiring. I have yet to ask my 12 year old "inner child" what his opinion is!
Spring is in the air and it is prime time for cleaning.
Enter with a positive faith that God will reward those who fast with the right motives. - Jesus gave this promise: "When you fast, your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:18).
Give me strength.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Mental Preparedness
The key to strength and success in your fast is through preparation. I Begin by cutting out caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine takes between 3 - 6 days to get out of your system.
Most sources seem to suggest 2-3 days of discomfort, but I know that is not the case for me. I have experienced up to a solid week of anything from mild to extreme headaches, clear up to full-blown flu-like symtoms. Some people can't go cold turkey at least the first time that they break the caffeine addiction. I don't assist with any drugs or vitamin supplements aside from a "last ditch effort" ibuprofen, I would rather during the first 2-3 days, when the ache is bad, have a 1/4 cup of coffee or tea diluted with some hot water, and sipped slowly (only 1 or 2 times over the course of a day).
I do not want to experience ever again that "Jonesing" feeling when I am detoxing on the fast, it is just too much to handle and can make the fasting process seem like an impossible or crazy idea. I think that is where a lot of the sick feelings and dizzyness comes from.
If you are not excersizing or walking on a regular basis, start it now.
The next to be eliminated is refined sugar (withdrawals may be experiecnced) and the other refined products like flour, white rice, pastas; mind you that I try to avoid them on a normal basis, but I find that through normal socialization I consume a moderate amount in dinners out with friends and family. Meat and fats go off the list about 1 week before I start. Eating primarily raw is the goal before the cleanse. This will make the detox symptoms much milder. Try to boost your fiber intake, as these little scrubbers are great at cleaning the digestive tract. Remember to increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid discomfort. Above all make sure you are drinking plenty of a good quality water, and also that you are eliminating at least once a day(2 to 3 times daily is my goal; meal in meal out), this is where the fiber helps.
The last meal. This could be a subject on its own. My beliefs are that you can pretty much eat what you want or what you think you will miss the most. However, as that last day approaches I find myself deep in thought of what to have that will be really tasty yet even more concern is for the meal to be really wholesome. I think that this is the result of my mental preparation and having basically cleaned my system of "slow moving" foods.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Fat... or Phat?
You know, when I was a kid I was fat…
Obese no; fat yes (personal opinion), however it seems like few people were overweight then.
Back in the day we called it "Husky"
This made me different… and now that I look back on it, I liked that.
"I was fat before fat was cool."
Who would have ever thought that I was such a trend setter? So what is going on today? Here I spend my whole life working on my uniqueness, listening to all them fat jokes and sneers, and along comes every Joe and Jane saying, “Dude, that guy is PHAT I want to be like that!” And wouldn’t you know it, now everybody is getting fat and Damn it, I am losing my individuality due to the hoidy -toidy sheep following the masses and trying to blend in.
I mean it used to be you would have trouble finding clothes that fit because the stores did not purchase the larger sizes and/or the manufacturer did not make them in our size. Now, I can’t find my size because they sell out first. If I were to go out and get me a 32” waist I would be in hog heaven. The racks are just busting with this stuff, “cause nobody can get they asses into them anymore”. This politically correct society is bust. Ladies, what the hell is a size 18 “petite” anyway…. And I ain’t picking on you, half the men’s pants look like they would fit on “Sponge Bob square pants” with a waist size of 48’ and an inseam of 30”. What have we done to ourselves?
Hell, the next thing you know, we will all be dealing with the pressure of modeling careers.
And to hear the manufacturers bitching about trans-fat banning, WAH, I can’t make food with an 18 million year shelf life without this stuff. WAH, our profit margins. WAH, my recipe doesn’t taste as good now! WAH, you’re interfering with my right to make millions on the back of these sick overworked un-informed people. Once again the rights of the business owners to sell anything they want to get rich, has greatly exceeded the rights of the people to the pursuit of health.
Well that’s it… Now just to be different I am going to have to get skinny(er) than the majority just to thwart off an identity crisis coming my way…
"I was fat before fat was cool."
Who would have ever thought that I was such a trend setter? So what is going on today? Here I spend my whole life working on my uniqueness, listening to all them fat jokes and sneers, and along comes every Joe and Jane saying, “Dude, that guy is PHAT I want to be like that!” And wouldn’t you know it, now everybody is getting fat and Damn it, I am losing my individuality due to the hoidy -toidy sheep following the masses and trying to blend in.
I mean it used to be you would have trouble finding clothes that fit because the stores did not purchase the larger sizes and/or the manufacturer did not make them in our size. Now, I can’t find my size because they sell out first. If I were to go out and get me a 32” waist I would be in hog heaven. The racks are just busting with this stuff, “cause nobody can get they asses into them anymore”. This politically correct society is bust. Ladies, what the hell is a size 18 “petite” anyway…. And I ain’t picking on you, half the men’s pants look like they would fit on “Sponge Bob square pants” with a waist size of 48’ and an inseam of 30”. What have we done to ourselves?
Hell, the next thing you know, we will all be dealing with the pressure of modeling careers.
And to hear the manufacturers bitching about trans-fat banning, WAH, I can’t make food with an 18 million year shelf life without this stuff. WAH, our profit margins. WAH, my recipe doesn’t taste as good now! WAH, you’re interfering with my right to make millions on the back of these sick overworked un-informed people. Once again the rights of the business owners to sell anything they want to get rich, has greatly exceeded the rights of the people to the pursuit of health.
Well that’s it… Now just to be different I am going to have to get skinny(er) than the majority just to thwart off an identity crisis coming my way…
Monday, February 5, 2007
Kinisonisms
Folks, I've been straight for seventeen days... Not all in a row...-Sam Kinison 
People are going: 'Man, aren't you afraid to tell jokes like that? Don't you get just a small chill that runs through your blood when you tell a joke like that? Aren't you afraid of going to hell?' No, I'm not worried about hell. Because I WAS MARRIED FOR TWO F---ING YEARS! HELL WOULD BE LIKE CLUB MED!-Sam Kinison
Cat in a paper bag...
Have you ever had a cat and watched it crawl into something like a paper bag?
The animal is curious enough to casually slip into the bag, sniff around and kick back and enjoy what it has discovered. Total comfort; not intimidated, no sign of fear, just a new place to rule.
We can compare this scenario to me (the animal) and the fasting process (the paper bag). I am anxious to start, at home with the whole plan, and I have ditched my vices as of this morning until what will be May of this year at the earliest.
Now take that same cat/animal (ME) in the "bag" (aka... self imposed limitations of fasting), and ever so quietly sneak up to that bag and grab the opening and close it up...
BAM "FISH ON"!...you got yourself a fight for life and limb, nothing but claws and claustrophobia. The "Reptilian brain'' is awakened and survival is at hand.
Arrrgh, I am going to die! (screamed in the voice of Sam Kinison )
Get me outta here!
Help! Somebody is trying to kill me!
Oh... that's right... I just voluntarily gave up coffee, beer and whatever (freedom) for the next 3 months so that I can feel whole again.
Heh Heh, I uh, like... just scared myself. I think I am a prisoner in my own mind.
Decaf anyone?
The animal is curious enough to casually slip into the bag, sniff around and kick back and enjoy what it has discovered. Total comfort; not intimidated, no sign of fear, just a new place to rule.
We can compare this scenario to me (the animal) and the fasting process (the paper bag). I am anxious to start, at home with the whole plan, and I have ditched my vices as of this morning until what will be May of this year at the earliest.
Now take that same cat/animal (ME) in the "bag" (aka... self imposed limitations of fasting), and ever so quietly sneak up to that bag and grab the opening and close it up...
BAM "FISH ON"!...you got yourself a fight for life and limb, nothing but claws and claustrophobia. The "Reptilian brain'' is awakened and survival is at hand.
Arrrgh, I am going to die! (screamed in the voice of Sam Kinison )
Get me outta here!
Help! Somebody is trying to kill me!
Oh... that's right... I just voluntarily gave up coffee, beer and whatever (freedom) for the next 3 months so that I can feel whole again.
Heh Heh, I uh, like... just scared myself. I think I am a prisoner in my own mind.
Decaf anyone?
Sunday, February 4, 2007
SuperBowl Sunday
Party On... seventeen days until the fast begins.
Today, in preparation for my fast is my last day of vices. Coffee is to be eliminated, alcohol, and my seldom cigar as well. I had better enjoy the day. I am going to enjoy the game and have a few "Pacifico" beers, eat pork carnitas, pinto beans, fresh guacamole, and homemade corn tortillas. I will enjoy one of the CAO cigars that my brother sent me for my birthday last month, and I am planning on some serious play time with my grandson (10 months old), we are watching him for awhile today. This is going to be good.
Oh, by the way... I don't really care who wins the game.
There is the distinct possibility that I may have to drink a diluted coffee or two over the next week to ward off some miserable headache, but I won't be too hard on myself over that. Espresso is my second love... Give me a quad-shot Americano, about 2 Tablespoons of half-N-half and I am in heaven. Hmmm, I better go get one now before the day ends.
I have been doing considerable research on the fasting subject, re-reading my journal and communicating on the master cleanse forums; I am anxious for the fast to begin.
Today, in preparation for my fast is my last day of vices. Coffee is to be eliminated, alcohol, and my seldom cigar as well. I had better enjoy the day. I am going to enjoy the game and have a few "Pacifico" beers, eat pork carnitas, pinto beans, fresh guacamole, and homemade corn tortillas. I will enjoy one of the CAO cigars that my brother sent me for my birthday last month, and I am planning on some serious play time with my grandson (10 months old), we are watching him for awhile today. This is going to be good.
Oh, by the way... I don't really care who wins the game.
There is the distinct possibility that I may have to drink a diluted coffee or two over the next week to ward off some miserable headache, but I won't be too hard on myself over that. Espresso is my second love... Give me a quad-shot Americano, about 2 Tablespoons of half-N-half and I am in heaven. Hmmm, I better go get one now before the day ends.
I have been doing considerable research on the fasting subject, re-reading my journal and communicating on the master cleanse forums; I am anxious for the fast to begin.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Food factoid
UNNATURAL food is the principal cause of human degeneration. It is the oldest vice. If we reflect upon the number of ruinous dietetic abuses, and their immemorial tyranny over the larger part of the human race, we are tempted to eschew all symbolic interpretations of the paradise legend and ascribe the fall of man literally and exclusively to the eating of forbidden food. From century to century this same cause has multiplied the sum of our earthly ills.
—FELIX L. OSWALD
—FELIX L. OSWALD
Thought for food...
Fasting is but a means to an end. It is a cleansing process and a physiological rest which prepares the body for future right living. It is, therefore, necessary that the work begun by the fast be continued and completed after the fast.
—HERBERT M. SHELTON
—HERBERT M. SHELTON
Thanks to my master-cleanse friends
I am feeling inspired…
I am preparing for my next fast and I have been re-reading posts from the mastercleanse@yahoogroups.com and I am doing a lot of self-examination (mental, people…mental).
I must not neglect to read postings carefully. So many times much more is being said than is first noted. The whole fasting process is so very much more than a simple process of physical fasting/detoxification. Our minds become equally polluted as do our bodies.
Upon further examination, I relate these "facets" to that of a trinity…
Emotional: (eating on the qualitative level) the eating of food that we know will not nourish our body and not really caring. For me it is being aware of this aspect and continually not listening to my own words.
Spiritual: (satisfaction of the desire/urge and the perception of inner peace) whatever the duration (usually short lived)
Physical: (improper eating on a quantitative level) Binge eating, clearing our plates even when our bodies tell us different, usually followed by emotional and spiritual torrent.
Notice that the three traits abbreviate to ESP… I am thinking that we really need to use an Extra Sensory Perception of eating to survive, and not surviving to eat.
We are but one; fighting against our trinity during a fast. No wonder it is so difficult. I mean go to war against three friends, co-workers, or better yet family, on even a single level, like a belief you have that the other three don’t hold in the same regard.
A good example would be the whole fasting process, and how the nay-sayers can weigh you down with there misnomers of how bad it is for you and basically try to force you to surrender (this by the way is the war I am talking about, not fighting physically).
We need to prepare for our “war”, through study, self awareness, and physical preparation.
I am planning to start my fast on Ash Wednesday (which is of course right after Smart Monday, and of course Fat Tuesday). This weekend is my last for my vices, coffee, alcohol, and my “occasional” hand-rolled cigar. The mental and physical cleansing will be starting at this point because of personal denial and the physical withdrawals associated with the omission of a chemical substance from the body. The same of course will/would apply to medications or recreational drugs. I have been off of all medications since August last, although of late I have needed an occasional Ibuprofen, for a couple headaches I have had.
Another preparation I have been forcing upon myself is that of my word; I am now professing my intent and duration. 40 days, that is what I lay claim to.
I am preparing my wife, even though she does not fast, she needs to be aware of it, so that it is a conscious thought process that she will steer clear of tempting me without intention. I have asked of her not to take her evening meal in the family room where I will perhaps be resting in the evening, but rather eat in the dining room (a room I will not know for awhile). All too often our eating is very intimate; let’s face the fact that there is a considerable amount of implied romance and foreplay in eating. And it has been good!
Don’t take your fast lightly, and even more so, do not fear it, for it will bring with it the great rewards in physical appearance, renewed energy, emotional pride in your ability to tell yourself no, and boosted self confidence allowing your soul to dance with a renewed spirit.
I visualize 3 “persons” jumping with joy, their names, Emotion, Soul, and Physical (me, the body), all dancing in the aisles of a revival (images inserted here from the movie, The Blues Brothers).
When you are down and weary, weak from the battle within, take yourself away to your “happy place”, see your goals achieved. Rest; do the flush, and the toxin/emotion induced cravings will be gone, or at least lessened in the morning.
Go get a massage, go to the chiropractor for an adjustment, get naked, go sun-bath, go air-bath, do a combination, go to the tanning booth, just do something for you.
Do so with the knowledge that you cannot just belly-up to the table, without a realistic risk of at least a trip to an “urgent care” facility if not the hospital. In other words by the time you can safely “do” anything with this craving, it will have passed – help it along.
It is what it is,
—Mike Ricklefs
I am preparing for my next fast and I have been re-reading posts from the mastercleanse@yahoogroups.com and I am doing a lot of self-examination (mental, people…mental).
I must not neglect to read postings carefully. So many times much more is being said than is first noted. The whole fasting process is so very much more than a simple process of physical fasting/detoxification. Our minds become equally polluted as do our bodies.
Upon further examination, I relate these "facets" to that of a trinity…
Emotional: (eating on the qualitative level) the eating of food that we know will not nourish our body and not really caring. For me it is being aware of this aspect and continually not listening to my own words.
Spiritual: (satisfaction of the desire/urge and the perception of inner peace) whatever the duration (usually short lived)
Physical: (improper eating on a quantitative level) Binge eating, clearing our plates even when our bodies tell us different, usually followed by emotional and spiritual torrent.
Notice that the three traits abbreviate to ESP… I am thinking that we really need to use an Extra Sensory Perception of eating to survive, and not surviving to eat.
We are but one; fighting against our trinity during a fast. No wonder it is so difficult. I mean go to war against three friends, co-workers, or better yet family, on even a single level, like a belief you have that the other three don’t hold in the same regard.
A good example would be the whole fasting process, and how the nay-sayers can weigh you down with there misnomers of how bad it is for you and basically try to force you to surrender (this by the way is the war I am talking about, not fighting physically).
We need to prepare for our “war”, through study, self awareness, and physical preparation.
I am planning to start my fast on Ash Wednesday (which is of course right after Smart Monday, and of course Fat Tuesday). This weekend is my last for my vices, coffee, alcohol, and my “occasional” hand-rolled cigar. The mental and physical cleansing will be starting at this point because of personal denial and the physical withdrawals associated with the omission of a chemical substance from the body. The same of course will/would apply to medications or recreational drugs. I have been off of all medications since August last, although of late I have needed an occasional Ibuprofen, for a couple headaches I have had.
Another preparation I have been forcing upon myself is that of my word; I am now professing my intent and duration. 40 days, that is what I lay claim to.
I am preparing my wife, even though she does not fast, she needs to be aware of it, so that it is a conscious thought process that she will steer clear of tempting me without intention. I have asked of her not to take her evening meal in the family room where I will perhaps be resting in the evening, but rather eat in the dining room (a room I will not know for awhile). All too often our eating is very intimate; let’s face the fact that there is a considerable amount of implied romance and foreplay in eating. And it has been good!
Don’t take your fast lightly, and even more so, do not fear it, for it will bring with it the great rewards in physical appearance, renewed energy, emotional pride in your ability to tell yourself no, and boosted self confidence allowing your soul to dance with a renewed spirit.
I visualize 3 “persons” jumping with joy, their names, Emotion, Soul, and Physical (me, the body), all dancing in the aisles of a revival (images inserted here from the movie, The Blues Brothers).
When you are down and weary, weak from the battle within, take yourself away to your “happy place”, see your goals achieved. Rest; do the flush, and the toxin/emotion induced cravings will be gone, or at least lessened in the morning.
Go get a massage, go to the chiropractor for an adjustment, get naked, go sun-bath, go air-bath, do a combination, go to the tanning booth, just do something for you.
Do so with the knowledge that you cannot just belly-up to the table, without a realistic risk of at least a trip to an “urgent care” facility if not the hospital. In other words by the time you can safely “do” anything with this craving, it will have passed – help it along.
It is what it is,
—Mike Ricklefs
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Preparing for my Lenten Fast 2007
In the preparing for this fast I have been reflecting upon the last 6 months and how good I felt at the completion of my fall fast. It was a splendid feeling, and I regret having let that sensation slip away. Granted it did not just run out the door, there were some "issues and events" that took priority, that I will neither go into or dwell upon.
For the most part, my thoughts on eating and health have not changed, so I will asert the same goals from my Sept. 2006 fasting journal. In reading them over I see that they still have the basics required to maintain my health. It appears what needs addressing, is my emotional will-power and/or convictions that need work...
A diet of whole grains, high fiber, less/no artificial ingredients, choices of the right oils, using cold pressed EVO, and excluding the Hydrogenated products and sugars, should help to maintain my weight for at least the 120 day intervals that I plan between fasts. Obviously I need to include healthy activities to fulfill the exercise requirements.
I want to make mention of my goals. My goals include but are not limited to; being more spiritually in touch with my body and soul, maintaining a healthful eating regimen, allowing for some forbidden eating pleasures occasionally, as I am not ready to give up coffee, eating meat and barbecuing, the occasional drink or even a infrequent cigar. I want to pursue a proactive approach to exercise/ more physical activities, and continue fasting with a recurring schedule of 3 to 4 times per year. All of these things I want implemented prior to my turning 50 next January. I am not afraid of being 50 years old, I want to meet it head on. I want quality of life, and to set a better example of myself to myself, my family, children and friends. I am giving up caffeine and alcohol early (February 5th); I need to make sure the headaches associated with the caffeine withdrawal are out of the way prior to starting the fast. The first time I cut out the caffeine within the fast was quite a tough week (headaches and flu like symptoms; I even missed a day of work).
For the most part, my thoughts on eating and health have not changed, so I will asert the same goals from my Sept. 2006 fasting journal. In reading them over I see that they still have the basics required to maintain my health. It appears what needs addressing, is my emotional will-power and/or convictions that need work...
A diet of whole grains, high fiber, less/no artificial ingredients, choices of the right oils, using cold pressed EVO, and excluding the Hydrogenated products and sugars, should help to maintain my weight for at least the 120 day intervals that I plan between fasts. Obviously I need to include healthy activities to fulfill the exercise requirements.
I want to make mention of my goals. My goals include but are not limited to; being more spiritually in touch with my body and soul, maintaining a healthful eating regimen, allowing for some forbidden eating pleasures occasionally, as I am not ready to give up coffee, eating meat and barbecuing, the occasional drink or even a infrequent cigar. I want to pursue a proactive approach to exercise/ more physical activities, and continue fasting with a recurring schedule of 3 to 4 times per year. All of these things I want implemented prior to my turning 50 next January. I am not afraid of being 50 years old, I want to meet it head on. I want quality of life, and to set a better example of myself to myself, my family, children and friends. I am giving up caffeine and alcohol early (February 5th); I need to make sure the headaches associated with the caffeine withdrawal are out of the way prior to starting the fast. The first time I cut out the caffeine within the fast was quite a tough week (headaches and flu like symptoms; I even missed a day of work).
Inception...
Today marks my entry into the world of blogging. I think this will be a more convenient venue for me than posting everything to my web page.
I want to share some of my thoughts and experiences, starting with my involvement and beliefs concerning the "Master Cleanse" by Stanley Burroughs.
From time to time like to rant (strike that, "need to rant" is more appropriate), and those that know me would let out with a loud "Duh" right about now.
This is the place to hear them if you want, if you don't...you must be lost.
Afterall...
Knowledge not shared; is Wisdom lost.
I want to share some of my thoughts and experiences, starting with my involvement and beliefs concerning the "Master Cleanse" by Stanley Burroughs.
From time to time like to rant (strike that, "need to rant" is more appropriate), and those that know me would let out with a loud "Duh" right about now.
This is the place to hear them if you want, if you don't...you must be lost.
Afterall...
Knowledge not shared; is Wisdom lost.
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