I think you have pointed out something very important about your discoveries. We cannot really expect the outcome from the beginning, and we must remain open to whatever may arise before us. The degree of clarity you’ve found is probably not something you would have expected completely beforehand.

You’ll only know if you see it for yourself…

Anyways, I wanted to comment on the emotional aspect of fasting. As someone who is normally very expressive but somewhat lacking in confidence, I have felt a rush of emotion throughout the fast. I am writing more than I ever have, and playing more music on my instruments at a far superior level than I have ever played. In other words, I feel a greater connection with everyone and everything around me; all energies, if you will. I am sure these benefits are related to fasting.

Also, my thoughts are flowing more freely and my reasoning/critical thinking have been greatly strengthened. My focus is extraordinary and effortless. Thoughts (mostly negative or detrimental) that once rushed through my mind like raging white waters have been silenced. I believe this is in great part due to the fact that the body has no distractions (food) but instead can focus on healing itself. In fact, I’ve neglected my mind for many years, so perhaps that is why I am experiencing the most obvious change in that area.

Overall, I’ve found that when given the chance, the mind, body, and spirit, can reach new heights with the right “training,” for lack of a better word; and that fasting can be a great tool to reach such an awareness.

I’m not sure if I will continue after day 3 as I never even planed to have a day 3.. or a day 2! but it has been a wonderful adventure so far. All the best, Joey

Things will seem to even out for you in a few more days, most likely. But please continue to be careful and always be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If at any time it feels strange or ‘wrong’ to you in any way, just stop and eat something. It is interesting to perform a fast, but we must always do so carefully.

Good luck to you, and please let us know how it turns out for you.

I have also heard about emotional “releases” during fasts. But I am not at all sure it is actually what others have pointed to. As I sit here, I can say that elements of this process are very unpleasant. At this moment, my upper back – especially the trapezius muscles – are very sore. It feels like I have been shrugging with heavy weights for the last 24 hours. But it is a physical sensation and not really different from what I have experienced before.

For others, it may be what they add to these sensations; the ideas or stories they put on top of how the body reacts. It may be true that certain things can pop up during a fast, but these same things are available during any drastic disruption of the organism (or at any time, really).

My mind tricked me into breaking my fast two days ago due to “deficiencies” but I will be doing it again.

Haha…I understand what you mean. But did your MIND trick YOU? Or is this separation another trick?

I have noticed something interesting. Yesterday, for some reason, I had a desperate craving for takuanzuke. I can’t explain why. I have had it many times before, and actually, this kind of food is commonly found in so many dining situations in Japan, but it is not something I have craved. Yesterday I was walking outside, and I couldn’t get the image of those pickles out of my mind. It was so very strange.

Maybe there is some mineral in the takuan that my body feels it needs? I really can’t say. But I have decided that the food I will eat first in March will be Takuanzuke.

Or maybe it is a craving for something crunchy?

I wish you luck in fasting. I know your “organism” is going to be quite pleased with the results. I think it’ll function much better. For me, I realize that, as I begin to fast, I’ll be releasing emotions stored in the organs too.. I don’t know how its possible but apparently it is because some people who fast note strong emotional reactions as their bodies purge. My mind tricked me into breaking my fast two days ago due to “deficiencies” but I will be doing it again. I honestly think its going to help my consciousness as well

My head is still a bit foggy, and the other symptoms are still here to some degree, but it is all slowly easing itself out.

One technique I picked up many years ago is to look at the tongue in the morning to see what’s up, then scrape it back to front. It works better than brushing the tongue. You can buy tongue scrapers but I found a nice wide sugar spoon in a junk shop from Kuwait Airways has served me well for decades