Date:   3/16/2008 2:12:46 AM ( 17 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1133487

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I've been feeling pretty despondant lately (though for reasons that would probably depress anybody = so probably not a chemical imbalance). When I get depressed sometimes I take off to the Barnes and Noble to just start reading things.

One book that caught my eye was about "Biblical Fasting". First of all, I'm not particularly religious and if anything my tastes go to the eastern religions/disciplines.

But the book was interesting because it pointed out that fasting puts you in a highly contemplative, spiritual and "close to God" frame of mind. That in fact historically people tended to fast in difficult times when they were feeling desperate/depressed and found that prayers were so much more powerful - and life changes would come so much easier.

The author also pointed out that fasting was a lost art in Christiandom, but was an absolutely integral part of the religion (as in most other major religions) where Christ discussed fasting as "when" you fast rather than "if" you fast. And that fasting days should be spent in contemplation and prayer as much as possible. Biblical fasting is not about looking good at the beach - but for desperate times, it's just the thing.

Anyway, I decided to put it to the test and fast today. I had a modified fast where I just drank carrot juice and water (and not more than a few glasses of carrot juice all day). Only noticed hunger pangs a few different moments and it's now after 9 PM. I didn't spend my day in prayer, but I did spend a quite a few hours reading Marcus Aurelius. I was surprised how high my concentration level was - I DID feel quite contemplative.

BTW, what a fantastic philosopher (Stoicist) and human being (could we ever use some world leaders like THAT these days!!). I felt light and terrific all day. Not even the slightest hint of Depression even though there's so much wrong in my life it's almost wrong NOT to be depressed.

I've been reading others on the fasting forum that also report that their Depression lifts when they fast. I can't believe what a night and day impact its had for me after not even a full day. Has anyone else tried fasting for depression?
 

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