Now that you have completed the previous assignment about the most stressful event in your life, we can examine and deepen your experience using a follow-up writing assignment. (more…)

Fasting has numerous positive effects on the body, mind and soul. Much like a computer that has frozen or “locked up”, your system may experience a “rebooting” effect born of fasting’s virtues. Cravings for unhealthy foods are decreased by fasting, and in many cases, eliminated completely. Toxins are flushed from the body, and last but not least, there is a natural weigh-loss effect.

In addition to its strictly physical effects, fasting can also have a salutary effect on the mind. The act of fasting can be a powerful workout for one’s will-power, conditioning it as if it were a muscle. The fasting person engages in an exercise of sheer power over his or her body; this may serve to improve self-esteem as a by-product of the accomplishment itself.

The spiritual, psychological and emotional challenges of fasting may bring forth one’s “demons”, but understand that this can be a good thing. Demons brought to the fore must be dealt with. The demon that is counter-attacked frontally can no longer sneak up on its host from the inside. Fasting is a test that provides an opportunity to observe and learn about yourself and the conflicts within your mind.

Even if not part of a regimen, a single instance of fasting can have readily discernable, immediate benefits. The day after a fast usually sees an increase in energy level, an improvement in mood, and a decreased need for sleep.

Fasting can bring about some natural “defensive” thoughts and feelings that resist the challenge being undertaken. Sarcasm (“this is just for crazy yogis”), skepticism (“it can’t possibly help me”), fear (“I’ve never lived without food for a whole day, what if I die?”) and insecurity (“there’s no way I can overcome my cravings”) may all rear their heads. You may feel sorry for yourself (“Poor me. While everybody is eating, I have to starve myself to death”).

Expect all of these things, but you needn’t react, or even listen. Instead, observe these “demons” and how they challenge you. Physical effects may occur during a fast. One possible effect is a feeling of lightheadedness; this can be the initial symptom of hypoglycemia. In this event, try drinking some vegetable juice. Headache or other types of pain that may develop are likely indications that your body is busy eliminating toxins.

In most cases, exacerbation of previous physical or emotional issues are due to the transient negative feelings discussed here; all these phenomena result from the process of your body eliminating toxins.

As mentioned earlier, your mind will play tricks with you during a fast, trying to discourage and sabotage your effort and determination. There is no need to fight these thoughts and feeling. Instead, it’s better to observe and write about them.

The challenge of maintaining your resolve can depend on your willingness to examine the “demons” that emerge as you fast. On the surface, there will be some fears and resentments about the process itself. But if you allow yourself to go deeper, issues from your childhood, unresolved conflicts and traumas in your life will start to emerge. Deeper still, and you may observe issues and conflicts regarding your family history. At bottom, if you care to delve that deeply, are spiritual questions.

Be sure to keep notes; this is of paramount importance. Do not react to the issues that come up, just observe them. Draw pictures of your “demons”, write letters to them, try and let go of old pains. Accept your weaknesses, who you are and how you react to them.

How to go about fasting safely? Try it for 24 – 36 hours. The best way is to start after lunch and then fast for a whole day. For example, have a regular lunch on Monday, then have no solid food until Wednesday morning. Initially, you might still have regular dinners on Monday but no solid food for all Tuesday.

Drink lots of water all day long, even if your body is telling you that you don’t need to. Do not eat any solid food or commercially made drinks (such as Coca Cola, Orange juice, etc…), any artificial or natural sweeteners, or any additives. If complete fasting is intolerable, have some juice freshly made from organic vegetables or fruit. Bouillon or yogurt are also acceptable alternatives. Follow your usual routine, but those new to fasting should initially avoid heavy exercise.

Observe yourself and take plenty of notes during the day. How does your body feel when you fast? What is it trying to tell you? How do you feel? What emotions are going through your mind (anger, resentment, cravings, fear, insecurity, jealousy)? It is important to record these observations because these are the forces and the “demons” you need to deal with in your life.

During your fast or afterward, write about these emotions and their origins, how they have been part of your life. Try drawing pictures of your “demons”, write them letters or poems. They usually represent unresolved conflicts and traumas in your life.

Your first time fasting will be your most challenging experience with this discipline, since it is new to you. But every time you do it, it will get easier until it is simply just another day.

How often should I fast? If you are overweight, have severe cravings for a particular food, or a physical illness that may be connected to nutritional issues, you should allow yourself to fast every week. It is a good routine for almost anybody. If your weight is normal, or you want to fast for health maintenance or spiritual reasons, do it once every seven to thirty days.

Are there dangers? There are few. Get the advice of your physician or nutritionist about any health issues unique to your situation. If these health professionals advise against fasting, don’t do it.

Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland and by the ability of your cells to convert these hormones to their more active form. Your level of thyroid activity can be determined simply by measuring your basal body temperature. All that is needed is a high-quality thermometer.

PROCEDURE

1. Place the thermometer by your bed before going to sleep at nights. If using a mercury Thermometer, shake it down to below 95 degrees F.
2. On waking, place the thermometer in your armpit for a full 10 minutes. It is Important to make as little movement as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes Closed is best. Do not get up until the 10 minute test is completed.
3. After 10 minutes, read and record the temperature and date. (A convenient form is Printed at the end of this appendix: Fig. A7.1.)
4. Record the temperature for at least three mornings (preferably at the same time of the Day) and give the information to your physician. Menstruating women must perform the test on the second, third, and fourth days of menstruation. Men and post- menopausal women can perform the test at any time.

INTERPRETATION

Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 degrees and 98.2 degrees F. Low basal body temperatures are quite common and may reflect hypothyroidism.

Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Depression
• Difficulty in losing weight
• Dry skin
• Headaches
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Menstrual problems
• Recurrent infections
• Sensitivity to cold
• Menstrual problems

High basal body temperatures (above 98.6 F) are less common, but may be evidence of hyperthyroidism. Common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• bulging eyeballs
• fast pulse
• hyperactivity, nervousness
• inability to gain weight
• insomnia, irritability

Making your treatment more effective

Power of prayer has been well observed and studied over millenniums. It has been subjected to vigorous tests of science in recent years and proven to be very valuable.

Making a blessing only a few moments before taking your medication or supplements can enhance their effectiveness. It is well known that placebo effect in most of the clinical trials is close to 40%. So do not throw away 40% of your medicine!

How to pray?

There is no right or wrong way to do it. Most important is to make your mind quiet before your prayer and blessing. You can relax by taking a few deep breath, shaking your hands and shoulders, feeling your both feet touching the floor, then focusing your attention on the object of your prayer.

The words are not important as well. God understands all languages. Prayer can be silent. Your intention is what counts.

There are two types of prayer. First one is directed. You ask the Universe or God, what ever you want to happen for your specific issue, like please kill a particular type bacteria, or get rid of headache, etc. Second one is nondirected prayer. In this prayer you leave it up to the Universe or God what to do; you allow yourself to surrender and pray with a deep sense of love and compassion. When scientists compare those two approaches they found that both have worked, but nondirected prayer was more effective.

Another way to enhance the effectiveness of your food, supplement or medication is to energize them through the live energy of your hands. This approached is used in many religions and ethnic traditions. The most common way is to outstretch your palm, directing the middle of the palm to the object of blessing. It is known that in the middle of the palm there is a powerful acupuncture point. Outstretched palm also creates an electromagnetic charge.

So allow yourself to improve the effect of your treatment and healing! It is simple, free and requires only minimal time.

For additional information please read:
Larry Dossey, M.D.: “Healing Words”
David R. Hawkins, M.D.: “Power vs. Force”

What to avoid and exclude from your diet:

1. Processed food: TV dinners, canned food, packaged prepared cereal and any other food that has been prepared to be on the shelf for a long time. Usually these foods contain preservatives that your body is not used to, so they can be toxic to you.
2. Junk Food: sugar, chocolate, cookies, cakes, candy, potato chips, artificial sweeteners carbonated drinks, etc.
3. Anything made out of wheat or other refined carbohydrates: breads, bagels, pasta, cookies, etc. Wheat is a major allergen for us and can cause weight gain.
4. White rice, corn, excessive soy products (for women)
5. Cows milk and milk products — it is known to be major allergen to most of us.
6. Large predatory fish, like tuna and sword fish. It has large concentrations of heavy metals. Farm raised fish, like salmon. It is being fed food with high concentration of PCB and other cancerogens.
7. Coffee, chocolate, black tea, alcohol and smoking, as well as any over-the counter medications you are using more than once per month. It is toxic for you and increases your stress.

What’s left to eat or what is good for you?

1. Fresh organic fruits, vegetables and nuts. Brown rice.
2. Organically raised animals and eggs. Goat milk and goat cheese.
3. If you have “a sweet tooth” you can use Stevia drops (helps to regulate blood sugar metabolism and is 50x sweeter than sugar) or raw honey (in limited amounts)
4. Wild small fish.
5. Fish oil from Nordic Sea (it is the only sea that is not polluted with heavy metals). Use oil stored in bottles (keep refrigerated after opening), not in capsules (it has a tendency to get rancid). Take 2 teaspoons of oil daily. Mix it with olive oil and use in your salads or have it straight.
6. Virgin olive oil, sesame oil.

How should I eat?

1. Bless your food before a meal. Thank god, or the universe for giving it to you and those people who made it possible to have it on your table. Ask for food to be helpful and healing for you.
2. Eat slowly. Focus on your food and only your food. Consume small portions and notice everything about your food: smell, shape, color, taste, texture, etc.
3. Monitor how full your stomach is as you eat. Put your arm on your belly and notice how full it is. On a scale from 1 to 10, your stomach should not exceed more than a 7. Stop in time.
4. Take a “liquid day” once per week. Do not consume solid food; only water and freshly made juices. It will help you to get rid of toxins and “reset” your gastrointestinal tract.
5. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.