By someone who’s skipped a few meals and found more than just a growling stomach
Ever Feel Like You’re Spiritually… Stuck?
Let’s be real—sometimes you meditate, journal, read all the self-help books, and still feel like you’re spiritually running on fumes. You’re craving something deeper, something that shakes your soul awake. Sound familiar?
That was totally me. And then someone said, “You should try fasting.”
Cue the dramatic eye roll.
Because who in their right mind willingly skips meals when pizza exists?
But hear me out—fasting isn’t just about denying your body. It’s about unlocking something powerful in your spirit. Once I gave it a try (reluctantly, btw), I realized how much it actually fast-tracked my spiritual growth. Yeah, wild.
So if you’re curious (or just tired of feeling stuck), keep reading. This might be exactly what you need.
What Is Spiritual Fasting, Anyway?
Let’s get this straight before we dive any deeper (ugh, I know I said no clichés… busted 🤦♀️).
It’s Not Just Skipping Breakfast
Spiritual fasting = intentionally giving up food (or sometimes certain activities) to connect with something bigger than yourself—God, the Universe, your higher self, whatever you vibe with.
It’s not about losing weight or proving how strong your willpower is. It’s about tuning out the noise and tuning in to your soul.
Types of Spiritual Fasting (A.K.A. Pick Your Struggle)
- Water-only fast: Just water. No, not even coffee. Yes, it’s brutal.
- Intermittent spiritual fast: Eat during certain hours, fast during others. Easier for newbies.
- Daniel fast: Plant-based meals only—no sugar, caffeine, or processed foods. Think of it as a spiritual detox.
- Media fast: Ditch the phone, TV, and social media. Honestly harder than food sometimes. 😬
How Fasting Supercharges Your Spiritual Growth
So why put yourself through the hunger games? Here’s the good stuff—what fasting actually does to your spiritual life.
1. You Create Space for Stillness
Our lives = chaos. Notifications, traffic, deadlines, TikTok rabbit holes… it never ends.
When you fast, you step away from the noise. You’re not distracted by cooking, snacking, or meal planning. Suddenly, you’ve got space. Glorious, golden space.
And in that silence? You can finally hear the whispers of your soul.
Ever noticed how clarity shows up when you’re not scrolling Instagram while eating chips? Exactly.
2. Your Senses Heighten (Like, Whoa)
I didn’t expect this one, but it hit me fast. On day two of a fast, everything feels… sharper.
- Your thoughts? Clearer.
- Your prayers or meditations? Way deeper.
- Your awareness? Laser-focused.
Turns out, when you’re not digesting all day, your energy shifts inward. You become more aware of your body, your emotions, and yep—your spiritual downloads.
3. Fasting Builds Mental and Spiritual Discipline
Let’s be honest: we’re not exactly known for our patience. (I’ve rage-refreshed a slow-loading page more times than I care to admit.)
But fasting forces you to pause. To sit with discomfort. To breathe instead of binge.
That discipline? It translates to your spiritual life. Suddenly you’re:
- More consistent with your prayers
- Less reactive when life throws shade
- Stronger in your boundaries
Spiritual muscle = built. 💪
Rhetorical Question Time: Why Does It Work So Well?
I used to wonder: Why does skipping food make me feel more connected to the Divine? Shouldn’t I be hangry and miserable?
But that’s the point.
When your physical cravings scream, “Feed me!” and you say, “No thanks, I’m tuning into Spirit today,” you’re literally telling your body that your soul runs the show. It’s empowering. It’s humbling. And yeah, it’s a little weird.
But it works.
Real Talk: My First Fasting Experience
Okay, storytime.
I tried a 3-day water fast once. Thought I’d glide through it like some enlightened monk. LOL. By hour 16, I was smelling toast that didn’t exist.
But here’s what blew my mind—I journaled like crazy, and so much inner junk came out. Regret, confusion, buried guilt. I cried, prayed, and ugly-cried some more.
And on day three?
Stillness. Peace. Alignment. I felt like my soul had been given a warm bath. No joke.
Would I recommend it for everyone? Not necessarily. But some form of fasting? 1000% yes.
Tips to Start Your Spiritual Fasting Journey (Without Losing Your Mind)
1. Start Small, Not Savage
Don’t go from zero to Gandhi. Try:
- Skipping one meal a day
- Fasting for half a day
- Doing a media fast instead
Ease in. Your body and brain will thank you.
2. Set an Intention
Before you begin, ask yourself:
- What do I want to hear from Spirit?
- What am I seeking clarity on?
- What healing am I ready for?
This gives your fast purpose—not just hunger pains.
3. Stay Hydrated and Rested
Obvious advice is obvious, but seriously—drink your water and nap if needed. Your body’s working overtime when fasting. Don’t try to be a hero.
4. Journaling = Magic
When stuff bubbles up (and it will), write it out. Your journal becomes a sacred space where insights drop like confetti.
5. Create a Ritual
Light a candle. Read a sacred text. Meditate at the same time each day. Create rhythm, not just restriction.
But Wait—Isn’t Fasting Dangerous?
Fair Q. If you’ve got health issues, talk to a doc before fasting. Don’t play the martyr.
Also: spiritual fasting ≠ diet culture. You’re not doing this to shrink your body—you’re doing it to expand your soul.
Big difference.
What If Nothing “Spiritual” Happens?
Spoiler: Sometimes it won’t.
You might just feel grumpy and tired. That’s okay. Fasting isn’t a spiritual vending machine where you press “skip lunch” and get a divine message in return.
Growth takes time. Even when nothing dramatic happens, seeds are being planted. Trust that.
The Secret Sauce? Consistency
The real power of fasting shows up when it becomes a regular rhythm—not a one-off experiment.
Maybe you fast one day a week. Or do a social media detox every full moon. Whatever it is, consistency = results.
Small, steady steps lead to deep, lasting transformation.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Fast-Track Your Spirit?
So here’s the deal. Fasting isn’t some mystical elite practice reserved for monks in the mountains. It’s a totally accessible, insanely powerful tool that helps you hear your soul louder than your cravings.
Will it be uncomfortable? Duh.
Will it be worth it? Absolutely.
So maybe skip lunch tomorrow—not to punish your body, but to feed your soul. Who knows what kind of insight might show up in the silence? 🙂
FYI: If you’ve got any wild fasting stories (or just want to rant about how hard skipping coffee is), hit me up. Misery loves company, right? 😉
TL;DR Recap: How Fasting Can Boost Your Spiritual Growth
- Fasting creates sacred space for stillness and clarity.
- Your senses heighten, leading to deeper awareness and prayer.
- Discipline builds up, strengthening your spiritual focus.
- Even simple fasts can have big spiritual payoffs.
- Start slow, stay intentional, and don’t forget to hydrate. ✨
Now go forth and fast (or at least try skipping that midnight snack). Your soul’s been waiting for this. 💫