Fasting: A Spiritual Practice

Fasting is a practice that has been practiced in almost all cultures since time immemorial . In the beginning, it was mainly done for sacred reasons. People collectively fasted at set times to honor God or to receive grace. Today, that spirit is preserved in the Catholic Lent and Ramadan for Muslims.

The fact is that, over time, it has been discovered that  fasting offers great benefits for both the body and the mind. It is seen as an exercise that allows one to detoxify the body and contributes to the healing of various diseases. Also, the spirit benefits from fasting in that it appeals to one’s willpower and renunciation.

Fasting is an act of voluntary strictness. It strengthens the mind and contributes to increased concentration. Somehow it frees the mind in such a way that it can focus on knowledge and self-recognition. It is a test of willpower which, in any case, should not go so far as to harm the organism or the mind.

Fasting and the Power to Suffer

Even though consumption occupies a large place in our society, in reality it is much harder to give up. Some philosophies claim that the more a person has, the less free he is. His mind and heart must deal with these possessions, material and spiritual, and instead of using them, he becomes inextricably linked with them.

As the saying goes, ‘ rich is not the one who has more, but the one who needs the least’. This is true even to the extent that ‘ need’ puts us in a perspective of lack, of vulnerability. And it’s clear that much of what we think we need is more of a response to what the market and society impose on us than an actual lack of something. However, we forget or ignore this too often, leaving many of us “chronically in need.”

Fasting reminds us that we have the power to give up things,  even something as basic as food. Voluntarily abstaining from food gives us the opportunity to discover a new perspective. It is an exercise that forces us to look at ourselves, to perceive with great clarity the signals of our body and to identify the emotions we experience. Those who fast increase their perception and sensitivity during periods of abstinence.

The result of such actions, if done properly, is very good for the emotional world. Greater self-control is experienced and this increases (self) confidence. A sense of well-being and tolerance towards frustration is developed. Those who fast are usually calmer, more composed and self-aware.

Fasting and health

One of the scientists who has researched the benefits of fasting in great detail is Mark Mattson,  head of the UK’s neuroscience lab. His studies have made it possible to conclude that fasting is a healthy practice, which is good for the brain.

According to Mattson , regular fasting extends life expectancy and helps to counteract the aging process of neurons, which occurs in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It also reduces oxidative processes in all organs of the body and delays the onset of chronic diseases related to aging.

But this is not all. Fasting can also promote cognitive skills and stimulate the ability of neurons to make and maintain interconnections. This is reflected in an increased ability to learn and in the growth of memory. Mattson says fasting often has similar benefits to the benefits offered by physical and mental training, so it’s recommended that you fast once or twice a week.

Researchers at the Heart Institute of Intermountain Medical Center in Utah, USA, also claim that  fasting reduces the risk of heart disease and has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. In this way, it becomes clear that you benefit both physically and mentally from fasting. But you must remember that these exercises should be performed under medical supervision, especially if you are sick.