Fasting has been a part of my life for over two decades, long before it became a trend in the media. Over the years, I’ve explored many different forms: intermittent fasting (eating only during daylight hours, which works better in winter than in summer), one meal a day, liquid fasting (as long as no chewing is involved), and extended fasts of 24, 36, 48, and even 72 hours. Each type came with its own challenges, but also its own set of rewards.

Initially, fasting was a tool to control my out-of-control eating habits and shed a few pounds. Paired with some physical exercise, it worked wonders. It helped me become more in tune with my body, understand real hunger cues, and gain better mental and physical control. That sense of mastery spilled into other areas of life, like finances and self-discipline in general. If I could control this, I felt I could control anything.

Later, fasting became something I did intuitively whenever I felt like my body or mind needed a reset. Those 24 to 48-hour fasts often left me with a clearer mind and a lighter, more grateful body, as if they were thanking me for the break and the chance to detox.

There’s something deeply spiritual about fasting that goes beyond the physical. It draws me closer to my soul, to a place of stillness and clarity within. Whenever I’m faced with a difficult decision or a personal dilemma, I often turn to fasting, not out of habit but as a conscious act of alignment. Whether it’s for 24 hours, 48 hours, or however long feels right, the fast becomes a sacred space where I can quiet the noise and listen inward.

During these fasts, I keep a journal—a space to capture the unfolding of my thoughts, the shifts in my emotions, and the gradual clarity that begins to emerge. Writing helps me trace the journey from uncertainty to confidence, and by the time the fast ends, I usually find myself grounded and ready. The decision may not always be easy, but I meet it with a steadier mind and a more open heart.

I’ve also incorporated fasting into my spiritual life, especially during Lent. Now, I also fast from specific cravings, things I typically indulge in—like sweets, sugary drinks, or baked treats (bread, croissants, pains au chocolat, etc.). The first 20 days are always the toughest; cravings linger. But after that, it becomes easier, and in the long run, it helps me manage and reduce my intake of less healthy foods. The real challenge comes after the 40-day fast, resisting the urge to fall back into old habits.

Many people tell me they could never do this. “How do you survive 24 hours without food?” they ask. “Don’t you get faint or dizzy?” The truth is—sometimes, yes. You may feel weak or light-headed for a bit, but it passes. Drinking water with minerals and magnesium helps a lot. These days, I still do 24-, 36-, and 72-hour fasts. And for me, the first 24 hours are always the hardest. That’s when the real mental discipline is needed. But once I get through that, everything shifts. Hunger fades, and I feel lighter, clearer, more energized—more alive.

As awareness continues to grow, the ancient practice of fasting is finding new relevance in a modern world—bridging science and spirituality, health and habit. Have you tried fasting? What were your reasons or purpose? What is spirituality, mental clarity, and health? Let me know.

I have found this talk Fasting For Survival Lecture by Dr Pradip Jamnadas, which I very much like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuOvn4UqznU

Fasting for mental clarity, spirituality or health reasons