I did it. I didn’t eat for six days. I only drank coffee and water.
I think that’s the best way to start. This post could end there, because part of the story is completely revealed here.
But as with so many other things, I have thoughts.
Triumph of the will
I have had many experiences in life that were difficult, tiring, and often seemed impossible. My motivation was always internal, and I never did things for recognition.
I am very proud, for example, of the fact that I once walked 100 kilometers in 24 hours. Or that I completed the National Blue Tour. But I also remember with a warm heart how many times I have taken on a task that I had no experience in, not to mention physical challenges.
I have known for a long time that to accomplish certain things, you just need willpower. After all, the body often signals halfway through that it is enough. The brain often tells me at night that I am tired and should sleep. In many cases, all you need is the willpower to continue.
Last Tuesday, I decided that for the first time in my life, I wanted to do the six-day fast. I had the will. Then I just had to say that I could still do it. I had the (mental) strength for it.
That’s it!
Why?
I simply wanted a more serious physical cleansing process. I wanted to experience how my body would react to this process.
The spiritual aspects of fasting were also in my thoughts. I planned to write a short summary about it, comparing the thoughts of each religion on fasting. But while studying the sources, I found several great sites that made this work unnecessary.
I would like to briefly highlight that fasting in many religions is not only physical abstinence, but also a means of spiritual purification.
In Christianity, fasting is a time of repentance, humility, and renewal of faith. The believer, by his renunciation at this time, connects with the suffering of Christ in order to get closer to God and cleanse himself of unnecessary attachments. Lent, for example, is a time of preparation for Easter, in which the silence of the soul is at least as important as the renunciation of food.
In Buddhism, fasting is not a prescribed duty, but rather an exercise of awareness and self-discipline. Monks and lay followers strive to free themselves from the control of bodily desires through moderation. Fasting therefore serves to recognize the causes of suffering and to experience inner freedom – not a punishment, but a path of understanding and compassion.
In Islam, the month of Ramadan is the holiest period of fasting, when believers abstain from food, drink and other bodily pleasures from sunrise to sunset. This period of self-discipline is a reminder of the mercy of Allah and the unity of the human community. The purpose of fasting is not only renunciation, but also the practice of gratitude, patience and compassion – so that a person can move forward purified and with a strengthened faith.
The key words for me are humility, faith, silence, awareness, self-discipline, understanding, compassion, patience, empathy and of course, gratitude.
How?
I only drank coffee and water for six days.
I had already done a 24-hour fast the week before, so I knew that the first day wouldn’t be hard. Surprisingly, the second and third were easy.
The real challenge was the fourth and fifth days. The sixth was easier again, I would say almost easy.
There was temptation. Plenty! As I walked the streets or rode my bike, I was met with the smoke of barbecues and the smell of delicious food from all directions. My roommate ate foods that helped me think about why I was doing it. Or better understand the concept of self-control and not wringing the sandwich out of his hand!
My feelings during fasting
I felt less energetic after three days. The thing that many people have mentioned before – that I would be more energetic after a few days – did not happen to me.
However, I had enough fuel for everyday things and work as usual. Obviously, I did not plan to climb mountains for these days.
On Friday, I went to the Salsa class. I told the teacher that I was just here to watch, that I felt a little tired. The answer was that of course, he knows how I do the fasting. Then he started telling me that he also often fasts for 21 days (not just living on water), and in between he dances every day, and on Fridays he has two classes. I told him that damn, I can do it too! So I danced for almost two hours.
Those six days made me mentally satisfied. I knew that I could do it. I also knew that I would do it. That’s why every day I completed it made me happier and happier.
I felt as focused mentally as I do most days. But around the third day, I felt like I was in a state of super-focus.
How to proceed?
I want to make fasting a part of my life. Not this long! The next time I fast this long, I’ll try eating cold-pressed juices.
My resolution is to eat twice a day. Once a light meal, and the second time something vegetable/fruit/shake. On Saturday and Sunday I’ll deprive myself of food.
I ate yesterday. I set my breakfast picture as the main picture. I ate at Boh Put Foodmarket, a place I’ve tried before. The empty vegetable soup I received as a gift with the curry was divine for the first bites after six days. The curry was a different kind than the last time, but just as delicious.
We chatted a bit with the lady who runs the shop. To my surprise, she told me that what I ate wasn’t Thai food, but Burmese. Here you go! And in my post about food, “Flavors born on the beach” I sang Thai food…
My roommate invited me to a new market tonight. So yesterday I had two lighter meals, but I don’t regret it.
I had a wonderful Masamann curry this afternoon, and today I plan to eat only fruit in the late afternoon.
Final thoughts
Two weeks ago I was in an apartment with a scale. Compared to that measurement, yesterday the scale was 5 kg kinder to me.
I am glad that I let the flow take me and let the soul guide me. I do not regret doing these six days at all. I became richer with interesting experiences.
For me, fasting was not about what I abstain from, but about what I return to.
I think that this trip is another proof for me. In order to be more, sometimes I have to throw away and not collect that certain thing. I was reminded of the airship, which can only fly higher if the weight is thrown out of it.
Buy me a coffee?
If you enjoyed this story, you can buy me a coffee. You don’t have to – but it means a lot and I always turn it into a new adventure.
Buy a coffee for Steve
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