Fasting is a powerful tool in restoring ones health, bringing a higher sense of awareness and regaining vitality. An improper diet leads to disease of one shape or form, lethargy and mental imbalances such as mood swings, worry and depression. In fact I strongly believe that so many of peoples problems are definitely diet related, and with gentle adjustments over time a greater sense of wellbeing and calmness can be regained just through the adaption of diet.
I see a problem today though when in modern society everything is instant and people expect great results in that same manor, patience and discipline seem to have been forgotten. There is a tendency to jump from one sort of practice to another without giving one enough time and effort to see the results take shape and people give up or look for something else.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries and is part of all major religions, but has also become one of the many buzzwords in todays world, as well as spirituality and mindfulness. Now it seems people are throwing themselves into fasts that can be violent on their system, becoming unwell, breaking the fast unapropriately which can cause shock to the digestive system and then slipping straight back to their old habits.
Fasting should be treated with the upmost respect and care and should be practiced under guidance and with the appropriate daily routine. Done properly it can restore health where everything else has failed and gives nature a chance to cleanse the system, eliminate poisons and toxins from the system. Through a sensible fast nature can go about its work at healing the whole system and the vital life force can be rekindled.
There is a difference between fasting and starving and in no manor should there be a violent act against the body and mind that is only going to have a negative impact. Fast sensibly, it should not be continued if you feel very weak or the heart becomes slow, and when breaking the fast it should be done slowly and carefully.
I love this Kicharee fast which is incredibly balancing and effective, very easy on the whole digestive system and a safe way to restore your health.
Take Kicharee around 10 or 10.30am, if you are hungry before this time then take some fruits such as apple or orange or a little fresh lemon juice. And again take Kicharee in the evening before the sun sets around 6pm. Fruit juice can be taken throughout the day and evening and make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the fast. If you don't feel hungry then don't take the food, if you feel weak then take a little of the kicharee throughout the day as and when needed. After 3 days some green leafy vegetables such as spinach or peas can be added to the evening meal.
Fasting this way can be done for 1-3 days or longer depending on your individual needs.
Begin each meal by giving thanks to the earth for providing and maintain a peaceful attitude whilst cooking and eating. Maintain silence whilst eating and bring your full attention to the food.
Drink a little water before eating and then refrain from drinking during the meal and about an hour after or until you feel thirsty.
Be mindful of how much you are eating - little is best, about a handful of food is the right amount.
Enjoy the experience of eating.
KICHAREE RECIPE serves 4
300gm white basmati rice
2tsp sesame oil or organic ghee
1/2 tsp each of black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ground tumeric, cumin and coriander
5cm chopped fresh ginger root
pinch of salt
chopped fresh coriander
lemon or lime juice
Heat the oil, and the mustard and coriander seeds in a large pan, once the seeds begin to pop add the ginger and the rest of the spices for a couple of minutes, add 500ml of water and bring to the boil, then add the rice and cook for about 10 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the majority of the water and is soft. The stew should be a little bit soupy. Add a pinch of salt and the fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Also you can add spinach at the last minute of cooking or fresh peas with the rice.
Enjoy your Kicharee - and take great care of yourselves as we are all very precious parts of life
Have beautiful days
AUM shanti shanti shanti
Mangala / Nicky
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