Breaking the Cycle: Why I’m Fasting for 21 Days

I Love Fasting !

Those who know me, know that i have been a strong advocate of Water Fasting for a long time, every year I engage in a 21 day water fast….I came across some journaling i did, during my first experience i had with fasting, and thought i could share it here for the curious and those who seek to understand what kind of journey it is.  Every year it gets easier, especially once hunger is broken inside the mind, and you finally realize it was only a program you were running, like so many others…
So here you go :

Day 1-3: Facing the Dependency

The average person thinks about food around 200 times a day. I never realized how true that was until I consciously decided to go without it. On the first day of my 21-day fast, it felt like every moment was a reminder of what I wasn’t having. Breakfast came and went, and my stomach growled in confusion. Lunchtime arrived, and my mind automatically started considering what I could eat. I realized just how deeply ingrained the habit of eating is. Food was not just nourishment; it was a habit, a routine, a comfort. This dependency had me chained to a never-ending cycle of consumption.

It was during these first few days that I truly began to understand why I was doing this. Fasting, for me, wasn’t just about abstaining from food—it was about breaking free. It was about facing my attachment to the comfort and distraction that eating provided. As the hours stretched into days, the mental clutter started to surface: the impulsive thoughts about snacks, the boredom that triggered a desire to eat, the emotional cravings. It was uncomfortable, and that discomfort showed me just how much I relied on food beyond physical hunger.

Day 4-7: The First Signs of Clarity

By day four, something started to shift. The constant thoughts of food began to lessen, replaced by something else, a kind of mental spaciousness. I realized that without food to think about, I suddenly had all this extra room in my mind. It was like decluttering a room and suddenly being able to breathe. I was beginning to detach from the automatic thoughts about what to eat and when, and this detachment felt like freedom.

I also noticed my senses sharpening. I could smell things from a mile away, and every aroma carried a kind of vibrancy I hadn’t appreciated before. My sense of taste, though not engaged, seemed heightened in anticipation. I realized how much of my life had been focused on taste, comfort, and indulgence. I had been on autopilot, moving from one meal to the next. Now, without that, I was starting to experience life differently, more fully, without the constant interruption of “what’s next to eat?”

Day 8-14: The Spiritual Connection

As I moved deeper into the second week, the initial hunger pangs had faded into the background. Something incredible began to happen, a sense of lightness that went beyond the physical. My mind felt clearer, my thoughts more focused. Each day brought a deeper understanding of why I was doing this fast—to break the cycle of dependency on external sources for fulfillment and reconnect with something higher.

I found myself meditating more and feeling a deeper connection to my spiritual practice. Without the distraction of food, I could truly sit with myself, my thoughts, my emotions, my spirit. It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt, moments when my body craved nourishment, moments when the habit of eating almost pulled me back. But each time I resisted, I felt my willpower strengthen. It was as if I was peeling away layers of dependency, exposing a stronger, more resilient version of myself.

I began to understand that fasting is a journey of self-discipline. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about empowerment. It’s about choosing not to be ruled by cravings and habits. It’s about discovering that I am more than my desires, that my true strength lies not in indulging but in mastering myself.

Day 15-18: Breaking the Illusions

Around day 15, I had an experience that felt like a breakthrough. I was sitting in the kitchen, surrounded by the usual sounds of dinner being prepared. The smells were intoxicating, and for a brief moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to eat. But instead of giving in, I observed the feeling, its intensity, its hold over me. And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, it passed. It was like watching a wave crash against the shore and then recede back into the ocean.

In that moment, I realized how much of my experience of hunger was not physical but mental. It was an illusion, an automatic response to a familiar stimulus. By not giving in, I felt like I had broken a spell. I felt lighter, freer, and more in control of my choices. This journey was teaching me that I don’t need to do anything simply because I’ve always done it. I can choose differently. I can break the cycle.

Day 19-21: A Deeper Sense of Fulfillment

As I approached the end of my 21-day fast, I found myself reflecting on the journey. Each day without food had brought a deeper sense of clarity and purpose. I had started this fast to reset my mind, body, and spirit, and it had done exactly that. My body felt lighter, cleansed of the constant cycle of consumption. My mind was clearer, free from the clutter of endless thoughts about food. And my spirit felt more connected, more in tune with my higher purpose.

I learned that true fulfillment comes not from what we put into our bodies, but from what we cultivate within ourselves. Fasting had stripped away the distractions, the habits, the dependencies, and left me face to face with myself. It had tested my willpower, challenged my beliefs, and ultimately shown me that I am capable of so much more than I thought.

This journey wasn’t just about abstaining from food, it was about breaking the cycle, reconnecting with my true self, and finding strength in the simplicity of being. And as I prepare to end my fast, I do so with a renewed sense of gratitude, not just for the food I will eat again (ok… yes i will certainly appreciate it much more though), but for the lessons I have learned in its absence.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post about water fasting is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Water fasting can have serious health implications, and it is not suitable for everyone. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any fasting regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. The author is not liable for any health issues that may arise from following the practices described in this post. Always prioritize your health and safety, and seek professional guidance when considering significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.