Don't undertake too much. If you have never observed a fast begin
with a 24 hour fast. Drink at least 5, if possible, 8 tumblers of pure
water at frequent intervals slowly. Keep yourself gently active and
occupied the whole day, mentally and physically. You may feel a feeling
of faintness, all-goneness and an irresistible craving for food. These
are mischievous pranks of a cultivated and pampered and artificial
appetite. Drink water slowly but don't give your body anything else.
Always keep before yourself the distinction between the regal "I--am--I"
the soul and the carnal, sensating animal known as the body. The great
point of achievement during a fast lies in thinking high thoughts and
forgetting the demands of the flesh. Don't think of your fast. If you
do think say to yourself "this is to develop my will." Breathe plenty of
fresh air. Exercise gently and walk. I have seen educated men afraid to
go out for a walk during a day's religious fast "lest they should feel
hungry." O shame! You can't control a little hunger! You should
bathe daily thoroughly early in the morning, fast or no fast.
And don't be afraid. "Man liveth not by bread alone but by very
word that proceeds from the mouth of God"--said Christ. Starvation
may kill off your body but not fasting. Deny the power of all disease
and weakness over yourself. Your mind is master of your body. Assert
this mental control. Lastly, during a fast, your body is sensitive to
your suggestions. Fill your mind with incessant affirmations of courage.
Think courage, say courage, act courage. Take time by the forelock.
Force your suggestions upon body and brain right now.