Rocco asks, "What the heck is she doing now?"

As I write this, I am in the middle of a 36 hour fast. If you think that doesn’t sound like very long, I suggest you try it! Fasting – even for a day or two – is a challenging proposition. It really shouldn’t be – we can all go without eating much longer than we think we can. I am consuming just water, green tea and a cleansing mixture (water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper), similar to what people use while doing the “Master Cleanse” (a much longer, more serious fast for people way more committed than I am).

Aside from the obvious hunger pangs, going without food for even this long exposes how habitual our eating habits are. The impulse to open the fridge or grab a few crackers or whatever is undeniably strong – saying no to the impulse and honoring the fast forces one to be more awake and aware in general. It’s about a lot more than food (or lack of it). I read about one group of young people who decided to fast for a 24 hour period, so that they would have the experience of hunger that so many people around the world (and right here) feel every day. Putting yourself in another’s shoes can be a humbling teacher.

Fasting is also a test of will: Me against Me – the little devil on one shoulder whispering, “This is really stupid! You know you are weak! Have a cookie!” and the little angel on the other saying, “You can do this! You’re strong!”

By far the biggest test of will I have experienced is in running marathons. I have run fifteen and – although each one was different – one thing is constant: there will always be many times during that 26.2 miles when that little devil is screaming at you to stop….”why are you doing this?? how stupid is this!!” etc. But there is nothing more exhilarating than crossing the finish line in what can only be described as an altered state, completely drained and stripped down to your core, no defenses left….knowing that you did it.

As you can see, my cat Rocco thinks I’m nuts. I will write again tomorrow morning, after the first 24 hours. Stay tuned for a fascinating story of self deprivation. You’ll laugh! you’ll cry!! you’ll want to eat!!