When most people hear the word fast their mind tends to freak way out — thinking their days will be filled with choking down vegetable juices while be tortured by all the food-eating people around them. But while the word has now become a catch-all for any type of deprivation, food or otherwise, it’s certainly not as scary it may seem. In fact, it’s probably a lot more doable than you may think and quite possibly one of the best ways to start the new year.
I know because for the last two years I’ve started with one called The Daniel Fast a 40-day faith-based fast — and it completely changed my life.
Unlike other fasts, The Daniel Fast is not just about food, although that is a big part of it. Based on the experiences of Daniel from the Bible its intention is to help individuals become more conscious of the things they eat and drink while also focusing on spirituality and community.
It’s like hitting the reset button on life. The idea is that for 40-days (which is not as long as it seems!) you focus not on food but instead turn your attention inward and upward to have a deeply spiritual experience.
For the full story, visit Essence.com/Beauty.
