I had a period of nightmares, which actually resolved some of my emotional issues, with some a-ha moments upon awakening. Bare with it, it is for good.

In my experience fasting is like a long meditation. When I go on a meditation retreat and practise for long hours, it is like a journey within myself. Sometimes the weather is pleasant, sometimes not so.

When we fast the mind tends to surrender to a deeper awareness that is beyond our thoughts. Stopping eating is a symbolic act, and is the outer most manifestation of ceasing to hold on to all thoughts, emotions, identities. Then the defenses are lowered and all kinds of unacknowledged, suppressed feelings arise. At the end of the journey we are closer to ourselves than before, more in touch although not necessarily feeling 'better' in the way we would like.

I feel the fast doesn't just occur on the physical level. It also occurs on the level of prana, of thoughts, of emotions, and of awareness. Those are the layers in which Indian philosophy sees the human personality.

And like meditation, fasting can perhaps better be understood as a practice of the mind and body, a way of life, and less so a goal to a particular place. One may get to the goal or one may not, but that is a biproduct.

I wonder if there are many who fast but are not helped in symptom relief, but they cease to post on this forum and other forums because of disappointment and subsequent lack of interest, so we have an over-representation of the successful fasters.

i'd look up "Dan the life regenerator" + "water fasting" in particular,

and also, some of the breatharian videos on Supreme Master TV.
(which can make Water Fasting for a limited time seem like 'small potatoes'-- but in a good way!

These are suggestions for when you must have some input.

Otherwise, get unhooked, get sun, breathe and give thanks for clear breath, just rest, and sip water.

And, if you feel self-pitying or just crummy, in moments, try boiled water. something is so soothing about it, and it is also quite cleansing.

Then there is George Harrison. "all things must pass",
and a good cry can be just the ticket. lots of levels of detox. In my view, the sooner and deeper, the better.

finally, just be loving of yourself.
it's amazing how much un-love is at the root of so much.


C.

Great to hear you are still going. How is day 5 coming along?

The downer will pass. It's just a hump that you will need to cross. Sticking with it will bring you many benefits that will lead to an upper, unless you have a medical reason to break it. Think about the benefits during this time.