What to expect

If you are habituated to eating, and have never fasted before, the first day, and the first three days can be quite a challenge.

For example, you may have a headache, body ache, fever, or a feeling of nausea, acid re-flux, neck or lower back pain, or even simple cravings and the desire to eat.

Some of the feelings are psychological, the feelings that emerge when we cannot do what we have been used to doing for a long time.

Some of it is physiological, the real withdrawal symptoms, when the body craves for the things you have been normally giving it.

It is normal to have feelings of weakness, a desire to rest, some bad taste in the mouth, sometimes excessive sweating, and even loose motions.

Some old aches and pains may emerge once again, or you may feel restless, for the first couple of days.

All this is a sign that the body is letting go of the bad stuff – the toxic matter, which is accumulated deep inside our tissues.

Confront the upheaval in a calm manner, as a witness, and try to continue the fast without wavering.

Soon, a beautiful lightness, a feeling of freedom and joy will start emerging. Wait for this.

Sipping plenty of warm water is an excellent way of helping the body in the process of detoxification.

By the way, you may not feel any symptoms at all, and may sail smoothly through the entire fast!

It is advisable to slow down, take rest, and engage in less diversified activity, to do yoga, meditation, pranayama and savasana.

It is suggested that you seek the support of your family and friends in the fast, to keep the temptations down, and to also help you to succeed. It is a very sacred, very special venture, and it should be treated with respect and reverence. This way, you will succeed.

You can break your fast any time, or not do it at all. You can, at this time, take the step of just understanding the theory behind fasting, in the course, and listen to the experience of others.

Or you can take a small leap, and try!