I just completed a three day fast – I didn’t eat ANYTHING, and only drank water and tea for 72 hours. I lost six pounds but gained so much clarity.
Every month in 2019 I’m doing something I’ve never done before because I’m still here. I’m alive. It’s been over two years since I kicked cancer to the curb and I want to make sure that each month of this year I get out of my comfort zone to show my gratitude for this wonderful life of mine.
So fasting was my idea for March. Before I started I asked Barry, who is an orthopedic surgeon, for medical advice. Since we have been together for over twenty years, he knows me better than anyone, so I asked him how long he felt I could make it. He paused, thought about it, and earnestly answered, “Three hours.” So I paused, thought about it, and earnestly said, “Hold my beer, I’ll do it for Three days.” This is the egotistical attitude I had going into this spiritual voyage.
Here’s what happened each day:
- DAY ONE: I learned humility. It never got easier. Fasting is brutal as it is lonely. I decided I needed to “humble up” if I was to make it. I determined that life is fragile so it is valuable.
- DAY TWO: I remained curious. I routinely examined my life with fresh eyes, and I had time to wonder why I keep knocking on doors that will never open, and if people don’t make an effort to be in my life, why am I trying so hard to be in theirs?
- DAY THREE: I developed Empathy for all those that have to go to bed hungry. I’ll never take a meal for granted. I realized that empathy breeds compassion, connection, and love. Empathy is an important precursor for honesty.
THREE-DAY-FAST ZEITGEIST:
Humility is the soul. Curiosity is the mind. Empathy is the heart.
Now, I’m going to go eat. And eat. And EAT!
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
