Spiritual fasting is a powerful way to get right -- both in body and in mind. When you fast, you are taking a break from the eating solid foods, but the "spirit" comes alive and you are able to receive powerful "unseen" nourishment. This nourishment can enter your emotions and the deepest levels of your being so that you can recieve the strength, wisdom and knowledge needed to fulfill your purpose and destiny in this life.
Yeah, it's that awesome. And no... I'm not a fanatic and neither am I exaggerating. Every time I do a long-term fast and the hunger & detox symptoms hit, I pray softly: "God, YOU feed me... feed me REAL food from the Spirit... feed me the food that will give the TRUE strength, knowledge and power."
Indeed, fasting is a time for weight loss and detoxification. Even more so, it is a time of emotional growth, healing and spiritual enlightenment. We have to realize that we are "Triune" beings with a mind, body and spirit. We can be in great physical health but be ill mentally and spiritually. It is unfortunate but true that this world places way too much importance on physical beauty, but very little on the real beauty that can only be found "inside."
Being "healthy," in my opinion, is to find harmony in ALL of these areas. And nothing can accomplish that as amazingly as fasting. Fasting changes lives... period. Prayer knocks on the door of the spiritual world. Fasting and prayer kicks it down! And now it is YOUR turn to experience the power of this ancient discipline. Are you ready?
Now, you should know that spiritual fasting is different than just fasting on its own. When you take part in a spiritual fast, you will be focusing on your relationship with God (this holds true across a number of religions). If you do not follow a religion, I encourage you to keep an open mind and seek for your own understanding of spirituality.
No matter what it may be, if you are honest and earnest, you WILL find answers. Spirituality is a journey, not a destination. The more I grow spiritually, the more I realize how little I know and how much more I need to grow. That type of simplicity and humility is all that is required. So do not be put off by spiritual fasting. Wherever you are in your path is perfect.
You might be wondering what not eating foods has to do with spiritual life. I get that question all of the time. When you're fasting, you're not eating the foods that usually tempt you. You will be exercising your self-control. You'll really be putting yourself to the test, which can bring you closer to God.
Why? Because once we can go beyond the wants and desires of our "flesh," we are able to go to deeper levels of our souls where - I have found - TRUE hunger lies. And that true hunger is the hunger for knowledge of God and the world of spirit. If God and The Spirit are eternal, then surely THERE we will find REAL answers to existential and everyday life questions. Who am I? What is my purpose in this life? Why am I always angry, sad, depressed, addicted, sick etc..." These are all questions that emerge when me undertake a spiritual fast.
You'll find that your mind becomes more clear as you pray and fast. It can almost seem like you have a "direct line" with God as you understand Him. That's why spiritual fasting is such a wonderful thing to take part in! It's very freeing.
Unfortunately, some people hear about those who are fasting for spirituality and think they're a little nutty. Some even think it's just done for "show." Some people, sadly, DO do it for show. But fasting should be a private matter between you and God, as you understand Him.
Spiritual fasting is not just some New Age thing, either. There are countless examples of people doing it all throughout the Bible. Moses, David, Elijah, Ahab, Darius, Esther, Nehemiah, the people of Nineveh, Jesus, the disciples of John the Baptist, the elders in Antioch, Cornelius, Paul, and many others took part in spiritual fasting. It's that powerful.
No matter whether you are a Christian, are of another faith, or you just want to tap in to your personal spirituality, this is definitely a great way to go about it. You'll be putting your earthly desires and tendencies aside and really tapping into who you "really" are. It will be a challenge... and you will undoubtedly learn things about yourself that you probably never knew. Some of these discoveries will be wonderful. Others may be painful. Regardless, if your attitude is right and you are willing to learn, grow and change, you will come away a much better (and stronger) person. I guarantee it!
Spiritual fasting is super-charged fertilizer for the mind, body, and soul. It can help you overcome problems that in your natural understanding seem insurmountable. Once again, there is no need to fear that this is just some spiritual "fluff" people on the fringe do. It's solid and beneficial. This is for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of themselves and a more spiritual life all the way around.
Very few things in life can offer you such clarity -- and you can get rid of the fat and toxins you have accumulated over the years along the way! By strengthening your spiritual beliefs, you'll be more than ready for what's to come, and you will find greater wisdom, discernment and inner strength to traverse the many challenges of daily life. Be ready to find your destiny and life purpose. The answers are already there. Fasting is simply the spiritual jet fuel that gets you there!