It was around February 2015, while taking the Sadhana Synthesis course at the Bindu Yoga School in Chamartin, when Danilo, the teacher, was explaining the Manipur sadhana and suggested fasting one day a week.
I remember a general murmur of surprise in the room.
He was referring to not eating solids for a day, preferably on a Monday, or a day when we can observe ourselves (and don’t have social appointments). For example:
- Have dinner on Sunday and don’t eat again until Monday night.
- Eat on Sunday and don’t eat again until Monday afternoon.
You can have infusions with honey, water, or warm lemon juice with honey up to 3 times a day.
Afterwards, you shouldn’t try to make up for lost time (e.g., by consuming a lot); it’s best to return gradually, with foods of a sattvic nature (e.g., nuts, grains, dairy...).
Danilo jokingly said that it’s the return from the fast that distinguishes a yogi. ;-)
While fasting, observe your hunger and you’ll see it disappear; don’t torment yourself by constantly thinking about food—put your mind on your side.
WARNING: Obviously, if it doesn’t feel right (e.g., you experience a strong headache or dizziness), don’t continue or do it for a shorter time (e.g., half a day). This practice may not be recommended for everyone.
This fast doesn’t affect weight (the body loses some weight and then regains it), but after practicing it for almost 4 years (and with no effects on my annual medical tests), I share my main observations:
- Hunger has accompanied humans forever; this experience connects you to humanity, feeling it helps you empathize with those who have felt or feel hunger daily,
- Thoughts slow down and the mind stays focused task by task, less volatile... you see everything from a different perspective,
- You realize how fortunate we are to be able to satisfy hunger at any moment, and
- Yoga practice during the fast is more satisfying, especially on the meditative level.
In a society that overfeeds us, with excess calories around every corner, it’s unusual to see someone not eat for a day a week... and that in itself is a whole practice.
May the Three Kings bring you many gifts!
