If you're struggling with fatigue, depression, going through a career shift, moving, looking for inspiration, entering or exiting a major relationship, need to physically detox, want to break a habit, looking for spiritual insight, needing a reboot, bringing about your creative juices, struggling with your overall health, releasing what doesn't serve, dealing with grief....then fasting just might be for you.
My Journey...
Fasting, quite literally, saved me from the depths of disease; bringing my body back into balance.
Fasting has pulled me through creative blocks; it has healed broken conflicts and relationships in my life. Unraveled habits & strongholds that I was dragging behind me for years. It has revived and replenished my soul & bones more times than I can count.
I was slow coming into fasting. I came from a religious background where fasting was frowned upon. It was a taboo subject that no one did, let alone talk about. My first fast came out of the blue in my late teens. It was a rainy December, the month of candy-canes and gingerbread. I wasn't into the season. I had been working long hours in hell retail, struggling with direction for my life, and sleeping on my brother's living room floor. I felt a huge void swelling in my chest- eventually it folded over and bubbled out to my hands and feet until I was living in a numb state. Fasting fell into my lap when my sister-in-law brought it up after one of my cry fests. Something within me instantly clicked at the suggestion- I felt this strong desire to abstain from food. I knew absolutely nothing about fasting, and I had no false pretenses that it would 'fix me.' But something deep within my soul recognized that this was a sacred practice, and that I was willing to take it up.
I decided to try two weeks. With giddiness, I picked the day I would start and stocked up on store-bought juices (....so not recommended!). Then I quite literally jumped in cold turkey, with no preparation or directions.
in retrospect, I know I did the fast all wrong. I did not prepare my body, or mind. I did not drink enough water. I drank store bought juices full of preservatives and sugar. I even hit up Starbucks several times, and got into deep theological discussions with the barista whether whip cream was a solid or not. I even ended my fast early in a moment of weakness over my brother's Hamburger Helper....yeah. Every mistake you can make on a fast, I'm pretty sure I did at least twice. And I loved every second of it.
...it was a turning point.
suddenly my numb existence drifted into the disappearing ground, and I felt alive again.
every day over those two weeks were holy and set apart.
the ground felt sacred no matter where I was.
and I found myself open up, ready to begin again.
since then, fasting has been a constant in my life. From 1 day to 40 day fasts, I've learned the ins and outs, the benefits, the joys and trials, and I want nothing more than to share this great tool with other women.
It's a practice that takes a step of faith.
Opening up your heart wide, ready to give of yourself and accept what it offers.
10 Day Fast...
If you've never fasted, flirt with the idea. Pull the concept on and see how it feels.
Fasting is a feast for the soul.
Fasting is an important love tool for your body & soul. Abstaining from solid food for a stretch of time brings a lot to the surface- it has a way of pulling together the body, the mind, and the spirit in a unique and powerful way. I'm going to be hosting two online groups in 2012 (March & August) for women to participate in a 10 Day Fast, and I’d love for you to join us. These groups are not specific to any religion or intention- instead they are a safe and open place for everyone to take up this love tool and get the support and community they need.
Fast for your health. Fast to detox. Fast as a physical prayer, an offering of flesh and ash. Fast to feast with your soul. Fast to break through your work and creative arts. Fast to unravel and rebuild. Fast to release, or to bind. To greive or celebrate change. Whatever the cause, the practice will meet you where you're at when you show up, heart open wide.
What to Expect...
We'll start with 3 days preparation before the actual fast starts, then 10 days fasting from all solid food (we will talk one-on-one beforehand on what kind of fast will meet your needs best. Broths? Liquid only soups? Juice? Water only?), and finally ending with 3 days support coming off the fast safely and properly. During that time, you can expect each day:
- daily journal/discussion prompts, and a space to respond with feedback.
- daily recipes for juicing (and instructions on how to juice without a juicer!)
- daily fasting and detoxing tips
- encouragement! from me and the group.
- as well as individual one-on-one coaching to help meet your fasting goals.
- access to a daily fasting guide to know what to expect physically and how to respond safely.
- access to an optional private facebook group to engage with the group.
- optional crafts to explore the deeper aspects of fasting.
- open for all religious or non-religious backgrounds and intentions.
- As a group we'll circle together to share our experiences and support each other through the 10 days while we work out our personal goals and intentions.
I'll be with you every step of the way, on your fast. Ready to address your questions, concerns, suggest extra resources that address your specific needs, and help you tailor the material to suit your goals.
Dates...
March 1st-16th 2012
August 1st-16th 2012
Both Dates include 3 days prep & 3 days guide for safely coming off the fast.
I'm flirting with the idea of leading a 5 day fast in December. Check back later for more info.
March 2012 10 Day Fast
