Fast from Negativity
Fasting has been utilized for centuries to increase self-discipline, awareness and concentration. When we are aware of our desire to eat without reacting to it, fasting not only increases our mental acuity but also forces us to be more mindful of our thoughts, beliefs and expectations, and to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Some call fasting a workout for our mindfulness muscles. Terry Crews and other fitness celebrities use intermittent fasting to become more disciplined and mindful about their eating habits. Intermittent or daily fasting during a specific time period (e.g., from 8 PM. To 12 P.M.) also provides a dedicated space to reconnect with our bodies: to take a break from filling spaces with food or other external stimulus and be more mindful about the balance that we need in our lives. Although the science on intermittent fasting is still developing, Crews and many others have been doing it for years: benefiting from improved sleep, more energy, less stress-based eating, reduced inflammation, and even weight loss. Fasting from our usual activity always provides an opportunity to fill our vessels with patience, compassion and observation. We have to slow down and pay attention to ourselves and our surroundings in order to rejuvenate, restore and re-connect. We cen- ter to bring balance, not through caffeine, alcohol or drugs but through deep listening, paying attention to the breath and being one with an increased awareness of our needs. Enhancing these moments of being true to ourselves are what make us more resilient, improving inner strength so that we are present for others, as well as taking better care of ourselves. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care should be our top priority. As well being expert Eleanor Brown says, “we cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
Seven Mantras You Can Use During a Crisis By Tameka Lowe
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