“This is the road by which one mounts to the stars: the road of frugality, the road of self-control, the road of courage.” – Sextius
Those of us born with mars in its domicile are said to be spirited in nature. Did a search on those who have a similar natal chart to my own and discovered there are quite a few athletes who share this aspect. Interesting enough there was also a woman who possessed acting skills much like my own but took it all the ways into the limelight. She also feels strong about social justice issues.
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The reason for bringing this stuff up is for the purpose of sharing my spiritedness, which would otherwise appear as boasting. By the gods it would be better to give them the glory than take it for myself; knowing their planetary patterns and circular motions to align with environmental and human affairs is a breath of fresh air. Even now as a middle aged man, in the name of Hercules, I am able to do 12 push ups on each arm; one for each of the Olympic Gods. Mythology expands the horizon despite mankind’s lapse into secularism.
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By Jove, I completed an 85 hour fast from food – which began last Saturday evening and ended Wednesday morning – with the exception of coffee and vitamins; also hiked snowy trails for 5 hours each day nonstop except for washroom breaks and some light stretching. My four main seasonal fasts happen to be the most arduous compared to my weekly fasts of 36 hours. Click here for an older blog on my shorter fasts titled ‘After a 36 Hour Fast’.
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Such a practice is not without its benefits. Self-control, resilience, frugality and mental clarity help to keep my philosophy grounded. Walk the talk sort of thing. Plus it feels great to take the day off from eating food. Not to mention it’s easy on the wallet.
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“What is this now? It is too difficult to refrain from the pleasure of food?” And in the words of Seneca you would hear me respond: “These things are hard to bear when one first begins to abstain; later, the longing subsides as the springs of our desire slacken and fail.” As noted above it truly feels awesome to break from working the digestive system.
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Each day that passes the appetite becomes less and less, and you shed weight by the pounds depending on your level of physical activity. This time round my body shed about 10 lbs altogether. Fasting can also help one detect the weaknesses within their body. In my case it happens to be my back. In fact, I took an aspirin during my second day of walking which helped to take the edge off the pain and keep me focused on the tareas at hand.
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When it comes to fasting it’s not all about testing the limits of the body but it’s just as much to do with the mind as well. One’s quality of thought becomes enhanced and sharpened. If something is nagging at you, then it’s easier to cut through it and question its source. Concentration is better and you don’t need as much sleep.
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As stated in my former blog on fasting in view to caution, “not everyone has the physical constitution or the appropriate environment for fasting, so it may be prudent to consult a health professional if you wish to learn more about regulating your food consumption.”
