FAST to go Slow
I am ENERGIZED to use this time away from LOVE(d) Ones to do something I have desired to do for so long; complete a 7-Day Water Fast. For at least the last two months, I have been eating as if someone was going to take away every morsel of food from me, so I had to quickly and continuously devour every bite. (I have gone grocery shopping 3 times in 9 days!) Now, due to the time I have been in Divine Reflection, I can acknowledge the root cause. I have been attempting to use food, Netflix, going swimming, and social media to fill a gaping hole in my heart & soul. These distractions could only go so far before I addressed what is really going on with me—a deep desire to go within in order to hear the instructions from the Most High on how to best heal from a WHOLE Place.
I am in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, a place to be NOBODY. A place where, if I don’t come out of this apartment for the rest of this month, no one will be tapping on the door to see about me; effectively breaking my concentration. In this time, I get to quiet the noise in my mind and choose to focus on only that which has the greatest potential to heal my body, fortifying it against chronic disease. I have developed an acute case of ADHD, functioning like the dog on the movie “Up”. Any and everything had the potential to be my “SQUIRREL!” Picture me watching a movie on Netflix, and instead of paying attention to the plot twist, picking up my phone to Google the actress. Then going down the rabbit hole of who she is married to, how many children do they have, what other movies have I seen her in. Before I knew it, 25 minutes would have passed and now I have rewind the movie to catch up on whatever I missed. These types of distractions have become so customary that I began to notice a drastic diminishing of my ability to focus on one thing for a prolonged period of time. In addition to Googling facts about the cast, I would mosey on over to Instagram to see what parties, shows, or events were happening in the area. After tiring from an exhaustive search that ended up mindlessly scrolling down my IG feed, I would casually walk to kitchen to raid the refrigerator for its contents.
This cycle has occurred more than I care to remember, and TODAY’S A NEW DAY!
In the stillness, I heard my LOVE Song from ME to me…”Slow down, girl let ME Love You” by Skip Marley & H.E.R. All of that compulsive behavior was heating up my mind like an overworked computer and creating an inner turmoil so deep that not even a smile could hide. The kind that make you feel like you’re coming when you’re going. The answer that came to me in my solitude was FAST to go Slow. Life is so much better when I live in Slow Motion.
I have done a number of fasts in the past: from sun up to sun down, liquid fasts, fruit fasts, intermittent fasting, 3-day water fasts, but this is my first water fast for 7 days. Why 7 days, you ask? This amount of time allows for an optimal reset—eliminating Candida overgrowth, reducing pain and inflammation, improving mental clarity and focus, allowing my body to get into Ketosis around day 3 and 4 to use fat stores for energy instead of glucose, liver rejuvenation—the benefits are many.
January 11th, Fasting Day 1
Mood: Upful and Light (in the words of Bob Marley)
Slept in late, getting out of bed after I finished my Breath Work. Felt more concentration since eliminating the distractions of constantly eating and mindlessly scrolling social media. I did get caught in a mindless scrolling situation looking at Airbnb’s in Egypt, Belize, Costa Rica, Morocco, Germany, Italy and Bali. I didn’t even notice until I could no longer feel my legs from sitting on the toilet too long. YIKES! I took my Power back, closed the web browser on my phone, and recommitted myself to living in the present moment.
Intake: Drank copious amounts of water adding vinegar and cayenne pepper from time to time; had some chamomile tea and a cup of black coffee (the warmth was nice); chewed up and ate a garlic clove and I am ending the night doing the same with a chunk of ginger root (for their antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties).
Exercise: Walked in the lovely park across the street for about 30 minutes and danced to a brother playing Afrobeats (first time hearing it in Brazil; a welcome change from all the Samba music)
LISTEN more than you Watch: I listened to Wayne Dyer 101 Ways to Transform Your Life, ending the night with his Secrets of Your Own HEALING POWER.
“Those with health challenges need to have someone in their energy field who truly believes that healing can take place.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer
January 12th, Fasting Day 2
Mood: Proud of the progress made thus far
Went to sleep after 2am and woke up all spry at 7am. Got out of bed after I finished my Breath Work. Felt mentally clear in a way that I have not in some now; grateful for the ability and the tools needed to reset.
Intake: Drank plenty of water with a little added vinegar; squeezed a lime and drank it with water; had some chamomile tea and a cup of black coffee; I am ending the night chewing on a chunk of ginger root.
Exercise: Walked in search of the first grocery store I went to when I got here, but found a much lovelier one instead. Purchased coffee, chamomile tea, and cocoa powder, which I plan to incorporate after day 4. Over-exerted myself a bit as I got lost and had to walk a long way back home; gratitude for my improved sense of direction and the ability to explore the city further.
LISTEN more than you Watch: I listened to Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor. I am watching a couple of episodes of God’s Favorite Idiot (I desire to laugh), and ending the night listening to The Power of NOW by Echart Tolle. Ended up watching Matilda instead.
January 13th, Fasting Day 3
Mood: Grateful for the stillness to be better in tune with the Infinite
Went to sleep after 1pm and woke up energized at 5:32am. Still wanting to rest, I closed the blackout curtains in my room and lounged around until I went back to sleep. Last night, I felt quite lightheaded, specefically whenever I stood up from a bent over or kneeling position. I used to experience this sensation all the time, but haven’t noticed it in years. Happy to say I did not feel it on day 3. I rested for most of the day, as my body desired.
Intake: Drank plenty of water, sometimes with a little added vinegar; squeezed a lime and drank it with water; had some chamomile tea and blended a cup of black coffee for an iced coffee treat; I am ending the night chewing on a clove of garlic.
Exercise: Walked in the park across the street and did a light workout in the park workout station.
LISTEN more than you Watch: Today I definitely watched more than I listened. It was a welcomed distraction from any pangs of hunger I experienced. I did listen to Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Pulling Your Own Strings and will be revisiting. The end of victimhood is NOW, in all aspects of this Glorious Life I live. From this day forward, I live a life of INSPIRATION no longer of obligation.
January 14th, Fasting Day 4
Mood: Decent; still grateful
This is the first day I began to feel hunger pains. My stomach feels like it is eating itself, and I’ve been burping a lot from, what I presume to be, peristalsis with no food to move. It hasn’t helped at all that I read up on how to refeed, or introduce food, after the 7 days (I know now that this was a bit premature). I am staying in the present and enjoying the time I am giving my mind, body, and spirit to be renewed, while simultaneously looking forward to a creamy avocado.
Sleep the previous night was restful; closing the curtains has helped tremendously.
Intake: Drank plenty of water with sea salt, to ensure that I keep my electrolytes up. Added a little vinegar, had some chamomile tea and blended a cup of coffee. The foam from the iced coffee created unwanted gas, of which I noticed yesterday, but was so grateful for a break in the monotony. Today was my last day of that. I am ending the night with chewing a chunk of ginger root.
Exercise: Walked in the park across the street and danced in the living room.
LISTEN more than Watch: I went to sleep last night to silence, and I desire to continue that trend. I had gotten into the habit of falling asleep with the TV on or playing A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle or the Alchemist by Pablo Coelho on Audible, making it almost impossible for me to fall asleep on my own. It was essentially my lullaby. I desire to end that codependent habit, so tonight I aim for Day 2 of sleeping without an aid.
January 15th Fasting Day 5
Mood: Grateful to be making this choice for my health. This is the reset my Immune System has been needing for years.
I felt a lot of gas in the form of burps today; several back to back. At times it even felt like dry-heaving. The light headedness returned, so I chose to rest more. I woke up from a nap feeling much better. The gas had subsided, but it was followed by persistent heartburn. I have been attempting to calm it with cold water, staying away from the Cayenne Pepper going forward.
I slept pretty well last night, after watching Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, in order to feel sleepy. Since not eating food, it has been harder to harder to feel sleepy (even the naps during the day are a bit forced).
Intake: Drank plenty of water, included some cucumber water; added sea salt to one cup. Had one glass of cold coffee and a glass of cold chamomile tea. Ending the night chewing on a lime peel with my mouth guard in, which improves the dental arch and the alignment of the teeth.
Exercise: Feeling nostalgic, I did Jazzercise on YouTube. “Get that tired ol’ body off of the floor!” I didn’t want to overexert myself, as I was still feeling a bit wonky, but, as movement is apt to do, I felt 10x better afterwards. #TeamEVERYDAYMover.
LISTEN more than Watch: I listened to a lot of videos today on the Benefits of Fasting because I needed reminders to keep going. I also watched the documentary Heal and it renewed my faith in The DIVINE. I did go to sleep without any technology playing, after tiring myself out watching Chicken Run. Looking forward to a restful sleep tonight.
January 16th Fasting Day 6
Mood: Cheerful and Bright
I woke up today feeling the end in sight. Some light burping, but no convulsions. Mind is clear, body feels ENERGIZED, heart feels as light as a feather. I went grocery shopping today, as I wanted to have food in the place when I break fast on Day 8 (going on an excursion tomorrow). I shocked myself with the resolve I have developed. There is a fridge full of food and some in the cupboard, and I am FOCUSED Man! All Praises to the Most High moving through ME. I didn’t even take a nap today, as I was full of boundless energy. I am as proud of myself as if I am nearing the end of a marathon.
*******Keep Going to KEEP GROWING, LOVEE*******
Intake: I drank lots of water today; plain and cucumber water, and even incorporated some mineral water con gas. It was a delightful treat. Had no desire for tea or coffee. Ending the night chewing on a lime peel.
Exercise: I walked to the grocery store and of course it ended up being longer than expected. Salvador is bustling city with streets that turn every which-a-way, so the GPS was going haywire. I stopped a kind looking sister and she gave me directions. Luckily took some water. When the fatigue set in and my energy dropped, good ol’ H2O came to the rescue.
LISTEN more than Watch: I listened to quite a bit of music today out of pure joy and am currently listening to one of my all-time favorites…The Alchemist. I am in Brazil and Paulo Coelho is from Brazil; meant to be.
January 17th Fasting Day 7
Mood: A bit winded, but all in all, I feel fantastic!
Just the mere thought that I could sit out to do a seven day, fast and complete it, has me feeling so accomplished, like I just finished the marathon. I made some vegetable soup for tomorrow, blended some coconut milk; all in preparation for this glorious feast that I’m going to have tomorrow. I am most certainly am sticking to the plan of refeeding slowly, and with soft and easily digestible foods. I am full of excitement and energy at the very idea of tasting food. this is the start of something good, don’t you agree?
Intake: I consumed large amounts of water today to keep it flowing baby. Still no desire for coffee or tea. Kept my electrolytes up with Himalayan sea salt and water, and now I am just ready to go to sleep to wake up like an eager child on Christmas morning.
Exercise: I kept it light today, as the energy was not there to do much of anything. I found myself getting winded just from standing for long periods of time as I was preparing food. No worries though. Because tomorrow is a new day and I’m already feeling good.
LISTEN more than Watch: After doing Breath Work, I began the day with a meditation guided by Louise Hay, on the innate ability that everyone possesses to heal their own bodies. I watched quite a bit of TV today, feeling nostalgic, plus the younger me needed some comfort. I indulged in episodes of Doug, Gummi Bears, and Cinderella. I also listened to a lot of music, as I was cooking, which felt really good to be in the kitchen for more than just something to drink.
Refeeding Plan: The first bit of food to cross the threshold of my lips will be an avocado-creamy, ripe, and delicious. I made a big pot of broccoli, carrots, scallions, onion, and garlic soup, blended it all up to be easy to digest. I plan on eating that as much as I desire tomorrow, within my feeding window. I also plan to have two eggs in an eggs Benedict fashion, runny yolks are my joint. I shall continue the drinking of water and possibly some chamomile tea. Depending on if I’m full or not, I’d also like to consume some plain yogurt to begin to re-populate, and re-feed the beneficial, bacteria, fungi, and viruses in my micro biome.
Prior to getting off track sometime in December maybe late November, I was an avid intermittent faster, with a feeding window from 11 AM to 7 PM. This seven day fast has restored my sense of self discipline, making me a disciple of Self, and I desire to resume that very beneficial habit. This is a great way for me to allow my body to rest when it’s time to rest; focusing its energy by rejuvenating and revitalizing, the countless cells and multiple systems of the body, specifically the immune system. Finishing my eating by 7 PM means the body will no longer be burdened with the task of trying to digest at the same time it is trying to rest.
