Fasting!!!
What comes to your mind when you’re told to fast?
No food, no water, stay pure, stay away from sin.
Some people go as far as not taking care of their oral hygiene for fear of ingestion leading to breaking their fasting.
Some dude will refuse to take their bath, watch TV and listen to music because they’re observing a fast. That’s what they made fasting look like.
What if I tell you that fasting can be more fun than you think?
What is Fasting?
Fasting refers to the intentional abstinence from food, drink, or both for a set period of time.
It is a practice that has gained popularity in health, wellness, and lifestyle communities as a tool for physical and mental benefits. This means that you can fast from a particular food or drink.
Take, for example, you’ve been addicted to a particular drink; you can decide to fast from it by abstaining from it for a long period, either long or short, depending on how you want it.
Food and drink aren’t the only things you fast from.
You can fast from your phone, watching television, listening to certain music, and watching pornography.
What is Spiritual Clarity?
Spiritual clarity is the deep sense of inner understanding, peace, and alignment with your true self, purpose, and beliefs.
It’s like having a clear spiritual lens through which you see life more meaningfully, make wise decisions, and feel connected to something greater than yourself (God, the universe, or a higher purpose).
Different Kinds of Fast
Fasting comes in many forms depending on the purpose, duration, and restrictions. These are different kinds of fasts that will wow you. Fasting doesn’t have to be stereotyped and boring. Let’s journey together.
1. Intermittent Fasting (Health-Based)
Cycling between eating and fasting periods.
Examples:
16:8 – Fast for 16 hours, eat during an 8-hour window.
5:2 – Eat normally for 5 days, restrict calories (about 500–600) for 2 days.
Goal: Weight loss, mental clarity, metabolism boost.
2. Water Fasting
No food, only water.
Duration: Can range from 24 hours to several days (should be supervised beyond 3 days).
Goal: Detoxification, spiritual discipline, or health reset.
3. Dry Fasting (Absolute Fast)
No food or water.
Often Spiritual: Practiced during religious observances like Yom Kippur or Ramadan, during daylight hours.
Goal: Spiritual growth.
4. Juice Fasting
Consuming only fresh vegetables or fruit juices.
Goal: Detox, weight loss, energy renewal.
5. Social Media or Soul Fasting
Abstaining from distractions (like TV, social media, or gossip).
Goal: Increase focus on spiritual growth or mental clarity.
Misconception about Fasting
I know you’ve been deceived and confused about what fasting really entails.
These are the misconceptions about fasting:
1. “Fasting is starvation.”
False – Fasting is intentional and time-bound. Starvation is involuntary and harmful. Fasting has structure, purpose, and often includes hydration.
2. “Fasting is only for religious people.”
False –Fasting is practiced for many reasons: health, detox, mental clarity, focus, or personal discipline. You don’t have to be religious to benefit from it.
3. “Fasting slows your metabolism permanently.”
False –Short-term fasting can actually boost metabolism. It only slows down if fasting is extreme or prolonged without proper nutrition.
4. “Fasting is dangerous for everyone.”
False – While it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children, or those with certain health conditions without medical advice, fasting is generally safe for healthy individuals.
5. “You must feel super spiritual while fasting.”
False – Spiritual clarity sometimes comes gradually. Feeling tired, tempted, or emotional during fasting is normal—it’s part of the process of spiritual refinement.
How to Fast to Gain Spiritual Clarity
Fasting for spiritual clarity is not just about avoiding food—it’s about quieting distractions, focusing on God (or your higher source), and seeking insight, direction, or peace.
You may not be able to avoid eating too fast, depending on your choice.
Abstinence from food is not a yardstick to spiritual clarity. Read this step-by-step guide on how to fast to gain spiritual clarity:
1. Set Your Spiritual Intention
Ask yourself:
Why am I fasting?
- Do you want to hear from God?
- Are you seeking direction or healing?
- Do you want to break spiritual confusion or distraction?
Write it down. This intention becomes your spiritual compass during the fast.
2. Choose the Type and Duration of Fast
Dry Fast: No food or water (short-term, e.g., 6–24 hours).
Water Fast: Water only (commonly 1–3 days).
Daniel Fast: Fruits, vegetables, and water only (21 days).
Partial Fast: Skip one or two meals a day.
Soul Fast: Abstain from distractions like social media, gossip, or entertainment.
3. Prepare Spiritually and Physically
Spiritually:
- Ask God for strength and grace.
- Forgive anyone in your heart.
- Read spiritual scriptures (like the Psalms, Proverbs, or Isaiah).
Physically:
- Reduce heavy meals a day before.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
4. Spend Focused Time with God
Replace meals or screen time with:
- Prayer – Be honest and open.
- Worship – Listen to spiritual music or sing.
- Meditation – Sit in silence and listen inwardly.
- Bible or Spiritual Reading – Read slowly, reflect deeply.
- Journaling – Record insights, emotions, or impressions.
5. Break the Fast Gently
Eat light (fruits, broth, or vegetables).
Reflect on what you’ve heard or felt.
Don’t rush into noise—spend a few hours maintaining that spiritual peace.
6. Reflect and Obey
What did you sense or hear during your fast?
Did any scripture or word stand out?
What next step are you being led to take?
Clarity without action is just inspiration.” Obey what you received.
Benefits of Fasting for Spiritual Clarity
Fasting, when done with a sincere spiritual intention, can unlock deep insight, inner peace, and a renewed connection with God or your higher self.
Below are the powerful benefits of fasting specifically for spiritual clarity:
- Quietens the Mind and Soul
Fasting removes physical distractions (like constant eating or noise), creating space for deep spiritual reflection.
- Enhances Focus on God or Purpose
Without food or worldly distractions, your attention sharpens. You become more sensitive to spiritual guidance and truth.
- Deepens Intimacy with God
Fasting often leads to deeper prayer, worship, and revelation. It’s a form of humility that draws you closer to the divine.
- Breaks Spiritual Confusion or Dryness
If you feel lost, heavy, or far from God, fasting can clear spiritual fog, renew your passion, and bring answers to lingering questions.
- Detaches You from Worldly Dependence
It helps break habits, addictions, and attachments that dull your spirit, like overindulgence, social media, gossip, etc.
- Strengthens Spiritual Discernment
Fasting sharpens your ability to hear God clearly, distinguish right from wrong, and make wise decisions.
- Promotes Inner Healing and Repentance
It often exposes hidden pain, pride, bitterness, or sin, and invites healing and surrender.
- Births Vision, Purpose, and Direction
Many people receive clarity on their life’s calling, next steps, or major decisions during spiritual fasts.
In conclusion, fasting shouldn’t be a hunger strike.
Fasting shouldn’t be stereotyped.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
