Guidelines for Setting Your Intentions While Fasting

This particular step may sound too “new-age” to some people but there is a practical purpose to this step. In fact, this is actually an important step in any endeavor. You’re defining both your true “goal” in terms of a final achievement and in terms of the mindset you “intend” to maintain while approaching that final goal. For example, some one may decide their “goal” is to climb a mountain. Thinking only in terms of achieving this particular feat will make the effort along the way seem like a chore, (nothing more than an obstacle to the final goal). But if that same person couples the goal with the intention to “enjoy the walk” along the way then the journey itself becomes more joyful and the final goal is achieved more easily and comfortably. Take some time to think about this matter privately or discuss it with a friend, a fellow faster, a significant other, physician or spiritual advisor.

If your intention in fasting is something negative or short term like “I really want get into that wedding dress by next week” or “I hate my body and want to punishing myself for eating that pizza at the boardwalk!” then you’re probably going to find that you need to reset your intention. Such goals and intentions are not healthy and only promote STRESS, increasing the stress response and the cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters that follow. This in turn increases the chances of a negative experience and leaves you open to feelings of deprivation during the fast followed by ravenous hunger afterwards.

That having been said, we have come to find that “cosmetic” motivations for fasting aren’t in and of themselves negative. It’s simply an expression of caring for ones self to want to lose extra weight and optimize your health. This is NOT always a vain act; it is an act of self love and positive self esteem. However, you may find the experience to be more difficult if that’s your only intention.

Here is a list of common intentions you may find helpful as you review your personal goals and set your own intention:

1. Improving Health (including weight loss, detoxifying)

2. Connecting with “God” or your Higher Power

3. Improving Mental Clarity

4. Enhancing Religious Observance

Here is a list of intentions that we think make for bad reasons to fast:

1. Self-punishment/Atoning for past indiscretions

2. Quick weight loss

3. A Fun and “Trendy” Experience

Do some thoughtful introspection and set (or reset) your intentions so that your fast will be its most helpful to your spirit, mind and body.