Fasting is not about abstaining from food and drink. It can also be a spiritual practice that can improve mindfulness and connect us to a higher power.
Here are five types of fasting to improve mindfulness and connect with your spiritual self:
Food-fasting: Abstaining from food for a certain period has been a spiritual practice for centuries. By fasting, you can develop discipline and self-control while deepening your connection to a higher power. I generally try to keep a 14-16 hour gap between my dinner and the next day’s brunch and practice longer fasting twice a month.
Drinks-fasting: Along with food, practicing drinking fasting is essential as well. Abstaining from caffeine and alcohol for a while can help you to cleanse your body and mind and increase your spiritual awareness. I started by increasing the months between alcohol intake and have quit it for over a year now. With Coffee, I tried a 40-day fast last year and haven’t touched it for 6 months now.
Tech-fasting: In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with distractions that can take us away from our spiritual selves. This year, I stopped eating in front of the TV or with my smartphone, and my relationship with food has changed. Try simple things like not using any tech in your bedroom while eating or walking in nature.
Silence-fasting: Silence-fasting involves practicing silence for a certain period. This can help you to quiet your mind and become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Practicing this will overcome the compulsive desire to speak to someone constantly. I used to do this once a week at the ashrams I’ve stayed in. At home, it’s hard, but even practicing it for a few hours over the weekend can be beneficial. And this includes not playing music, browsing the internet, reading, or texting.
Convenience-fasting: Our modern lives are full of convenience. Convenience fasting involves abstaining from conveniences like air conditioning, elevators, dishwashers, and other amenities. I try sleeping on the floor occasionally or washing the dishes with my hands. By doing so, you can increase physical activity, reduce stress levels, and develop a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life.
Incorporate all or some of these fasting practices to deepen your connection with your spiritual self and experience inner peace.