How to Do a Spiritual Fast

Spiritual fasts, during which people take emotional sabbaticals from the troubles of the world around them, are very different from other types of fasts or cleansing diets. Spiritual fasts focus on cleansing the mind, rather than just the body. You don't necessarily have to be religious to go on a spiritual fast. You don't even need to buy anything. You just need a desire to achieve inner peace and understanding of the world around you. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Spiritual reading material
• Computer with Internet access

Choose the Type of Spiritual Fast That Is Right for You

1. Consult with a member of the clergy, or any other type of spiritual advisor, if the purpose to do your spiritual fast is to become closer to God.
2. Determine how long you're going to do your spiritual fast. It may be a good idea to experiment by taking a shorter spiritual fast at first.
3. Inform your family, friends and co-workers that you'll be performing a spiritual fast so that they can support you and be sensitive to your needs.
4. Read about the experiences that others have had during spiritual fasts on Web sites such as "The Living Centre" (see Resources below).

Do Your Spiritual Fast

5. Begin by avoiding all mass media in your everyday life, including television, radio, newspapers or any other connection to the rest of the world. The point of the fast is to remove yourself from worldly distractions.
6. Stop all recreational activities, including sports and hobbies. Books should be avoided unless they are specifically related to spirituality. If your spiritual fast is centered around religion, limit your reading to the Bible, the Koran, the Torah or any other holy book.
7. Avoid activities that bring you secular pleasure, like going to the movies, shopping or attending entertainment events.
8. Meditate or pray several times a day, concentrating purely on spiritual matters and completely forgetting about the material world around you.
9. Be prepared for a sense of "culture shock" as you end your spiritual fast. Many people find it jarring to return to the noisy, stress-filled world after such a sabbatical.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to accompany your spiritual fast with any type of food fast, consult with your doctor before proceeding, especially if you're being treated for a medical condition.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe mood swings, disorientation or depression.