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The Divine Miss White

Divine Miss White


Last Updated: 4/29/2009

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City: Sydney
State: New South Wales
Country: AU
Saturday, June 09, 2007 

Current mood:  hungry
Category: Life
My last blog "He's the mother of all eagles" generated a flood of emails with questions about fasting. With over twenty five years of experience from either one day, to three days, fourteen, twenty one or forty day fasts, I have experienced some good, bad and ughhh-ly fasts.

Questions ranging from:

*time span,

*the difference between liquid, partial and total fasts,

*what to do when a healing crisis erupts, and

*how to break a fast,
while basic to me; can be daunting to an inexperienced faster.

Since a few of my friends are discovering the benefits of fasting for the first time, I feel it's only sensible to put forward a few antidotal cautions and practical support along the way.

My fasts are rarely without spiritual self awareness; however I have also fasted for health reasons alone. In fact, one of my primary references is "FASTING and EATING for HEALTH - A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease" - Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

I don't have all the answers; neither am I a Medical Practioner, however I do have a number of reliable resources at my fingertips. With this in mind I am setting up a preferred readers list for anyone who wants more information or support on their fast. Added to that, I am open to chatting for a subscribed period of time to help get beyond the mystique surrounding fasting.

Chatrooms and chatting has no appeal for me ordinarily. Despite a willingness to open my life in print for the world to read I am an a true introvert, and not given to socialising online. A conundrum I know; but true.

That said, it's important enough for me to straighten up with another fast and help my friends fly right in a safe and private forum.

This week I have been preparing my body for a water fast, so by all means if you want to experiment with a day or two and would like support... I am already at the starting gate, so let's do it.

If you want to be included on the preferred readers list or find support with others in a chat environment, send me an email with either 'Fasting" or "Preferred readers" in the subject. (allow approx 24 hours for me to get back to you, as I now need to figure out how to set up the preferred readers list ... LOL........!!!!!!)

It's safe to assume this blog will not be everyone's cuppa tea ... :-O

------------------------------
NB Please refer to Wikipedia online dictionary http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting for a concise definition of fasting.
------------------------------

I AM NOT A LICENSED MEDICAL PRACTIONER OR DIETICIAN - FASTING IS NOT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. AS WELL TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS SHOULD FIRST CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR OR LICENSED NATUROPATH WHO BELIEVES IN THE TENETS OF FASTING.

PS - Thank you once again to all my friends for your support after the recent incident with my son. A number of questions were raised in respect to the incident, to which I have replied with a lengthy comment on Pg 4 of the blog page for those who are still sending prayers and love. THANK YOU

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Exquisite Corpse

 
YOU NEVER FAIL TO IMPRESS ME. YOU ROCK!
 
Posted by Exquisite Corpse on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:06 AM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Thank you; but after a couple of friends told me about 'how' they were fasting, I figured I really needed to lead from the front, since I opened this can of worms in my earlier blog.

Trust me... I'd rather be eating... hmmmm............ now that would be giving away my bad habits.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:15 AM
[Reply to this


 
From the little i know about this subject admittedly, fasting is something that many peoples have practiced for both wellness, spiritual, and social / customary reasons at times. I think it's great that you partake in this for what sounds like several reasons, and i am interested in learning more from reading here as this is explored. I love learning new things.. total introvert nerd that i am :)
I give 2 Kudos because you are also conscious of educating folks about medical clearance / support before beginning. You obviously are completely sincere & responsible in this endeavor 8-)
 
Posted by on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:13 AM
[Reply to this
house of sound

 
I'll join you ;-)
 
Posted by house of sound on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:34 AM
[Reply to this
Exquisite Corpse

 
HONESTLY I'D LOVE TO TRY FASTING. I'VE DONE IT.. WITHOUT KNOWING... IF THAT MAKES SENSE AT ALL. HAHA...
BUT I'D BE LOST IF I PURPOSELY TRIED IT.
 
Posted by Exquisite Corpse on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:35 AM
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Dave

 
Thanks Catherine. :-)
 
Posted by Dave on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:45 AM
[Reply to this
Rhymesoulnice

 
thanks for this hmm intresting if it gets me to lose some weight haha then i will do it
depends on the person and stuff im sure
hugs
hope your son is doing okey much love and support
 
Posted by Rhymesoulnice on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:47 AM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Awwww... thank you sweetie; enjoy your vacation. *kiss*
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 10:12 AM
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Mike
Mike Mones

 
Many people I know have done it for various reasons. It is a good idea to have a clean out once in a while. It would be a good idea to consult your GP before you venture in to it for a long period.

Keep smilling :)
 
Posted by Mike on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 11:33 AM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Agree with you in respect to consulting your GP; particularly if you are ill; except I recommend finding a GP who supports and believes in fasting. Odd thought it may be; there are a lot of GP's who don't support fasting. Finding a GP who supports your endeavours is like finding GOLD.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 03:56 PM
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† Sister Fo-Shizzle †

 
What a wonderful idea.
 
Posted by † Sister Fo-Shizzle † on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 12:22 PM
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Jullie
JULLIE christy

 
thankyou cathrine,it really great that someone is taking the time to let people have more knowledge on this,as i dont think there is enough ,god bless you my friend for taking the time ,,,,,,,,jullie christy
 
Posted by Jullie on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 12:40 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
I can only pass on my own experience and refer my friends to a number of reliable and invaluable resources. There is a plethora of information on the internet; however the book to which I refer here has become my fasting manual. In over twenty five years of fasting I have not found a book as comprehensive and accessible as Joel Fuhrman's.

Stay in touch and let me know how you get on; as I am eager to hear your results.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 10:11 PM
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Charmed

 
That's a great idea to do that!
 
Posted by Charmed on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 01:18 PM
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♫ Ju§†¡N ♫

 
I fasted for five days, I could've done more, but I was like, okay I want some gatorade. I usually do mini 3 day fasts. The results are organic. It clears my skin, and makes me feel sooo fresh inside and out.
 
Posted by ♫ Ju§†¡N ♫ on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 01:20 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
The therapeautic effects of fasting are inestimable, lasting a lifetime. The emotions are stabilised, the mind sharper and the body cleaner.

I can see from your photo you enjoy optimum health; nice work.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 03:58 PM
[Reply to this
Dee Dee!!!!
Doreen Ross

 
THANKS FOR THAT IDEA MAY GOD BLESS YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND
 
Posted by Dee Dee!!!! on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 01:31 PM
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The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
The first three days are usually the roughest; particularly if your diet is a typical western diet loaded with sugers and fat.

After that it's easy sailing on the body; but the mental challenge is often dealing with your social setting; added to which fasting is unique in that emotional and mental blocks begin to surface. This is the most exciting element of fasting; in all my years of fasting I am constantly amazed with the self discovery that takes place during a fast.

If you can get through the mental and emotional road blocks; you find yourself coming into a new place of freedom and personal change. Which in the final analysis is the magic and mystery of fasting.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 04:10 PM
[Reply to this
Virtual Flower

 
I appreciate learning more about it. I'm not brave enough to try it yet...
 
Posted by Virtual Flower on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:22 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
There is a degree of courage in breaking away from social norms; but the fasting itself is easier than people believe. Stay in touch for updates; as I am on a long water fast for my own benefit and to help a few friends get started.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 04:17 PM
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Dr. Jay E. Griffin, Cynical Misanthrope

 
Fasting is just not for me. I am too much of a "foodie," a glutton, and too orally fixated to ever try fasting. Heck, my stomach feels like my throat has been cut whenever I go four hours or more without eating.

I also tend to get "the shakes" whenever my blood sugar runs low. If I don't eat within 20 minutes or so after the shakes have manifested, I start to feel faint. I happen to be a borderline diabetic. I probably shouldn't drink as much as I do, but I enjoy it so much.
 
Posted by Dr. Jay E. Griffin, Cynical Misanthrope on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:38 PM
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Higher than i

 
if you write blogs that are everyone's 'cup o' tea", then you might as well not write!
I thank you again for going against the grain or norm as it is....couple of thoughts;

Fasting, along with other unpopular things such as abstinence, self-control, etc...goes against what we're ingrained in from birth. The general thought that we're better off if we don't deny ourself anything -be it any of the 5 senses - is a lie. One only has to look around and see the result of self indulgence - whether in food (obesity, lack of health), or sex (unwanted pregnancy, disease, emotional scars), or drugs(dependence, financial/emotional ruin, death), or even obsessing with work, exercise, blah, blah, blah...we must strike a balance, and I believe fasting can be a part of that.

Self -denial without end isn't the answer either, as many cultures or religions have found. In fact, in the bible; its states that if you fast, you shouldn't (a) tell anyone, (b) put on a sad face, thus eliciting sympathy. You should carry about your day in a normal manner. Its something between you and God.

Thanks for sharing as always, As you've stated; there's plenty of good books and material about fasting, including the bible. keep up the good words....blessings!

HTi
 
Posted by Higher than i on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:41 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Such a refreshing and thoughtful response.

Fasting as stated in the bible clearly makes a distinction between the kind of fasting God requires and that of the Pharasees.

The Pharasees made a practise of public fasting with loud prayers in the temple; indeed a famous prayer recorded by one Pharasee was "Oh God, thank you that I am not a sinner like this man".

Christ's rebuke to the Pharasees is no less challenging to believers today. That said; we are rebuked if we hide our light, and called to set it on high place as a means of showing others the way.

In my humble opinion; I believe this requires anyone with convictions that break with social norms to stand on their convictions, lead from the front, and be unflinching in the face of public scrutiny.

For this reason, (which came about as a result of my earlier blog "He's the mother of all eagles") I am comfortable taking the lead with practical support for a few friends wanting to take up fasting for the first time.

I value your thoughts; in fact feel greatly encouraged with your reminder that writing for the sake of popular opinion is of no real value.

THANK YOU.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 04:36 PM
[Reply to this
Charlie

 
I was in my favorite food store (Whole Foods) and there was a sign that said "Fast.....give your Digestive Tract a Vacation". Of course, there were instructions about the various kits they have......how nice NOT to have to think about food. xxx
 
Posted by Charlie on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:42 PM
[Reply to this
Heidi
heidi patton

 
To cleanse the body is to cleanse the soul; offering the sacrifice of hungar can be quite rewarding both spiritually and physically. Thanks for this reminder!
 
Posted by Heidi on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 03:07 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Fasting has been practiced in practically all cultures, with accounts of Christ, Buddha, Moses, Mohammed, and countless others undergoing long water fasts for spiritual as well as physical benefit. Hippocrates (the fathr of Western medicine), Socrates and Plato advocated fastin, while Pythagoras required a 40-day fast of his students as an entrance requirement.

Fasting is as old as time itself.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 05:15 PM
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Curmudgeon at Law

 
hmnm. now i'm inspired for a vodka fast. i'll use one less olive.
 
Posted by Curmudgeon at Law on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 03:24 PM
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Jess

 
fasting....i'm definitely an expert on this particular subject! hahaha. =)

very interesting.
 
Posted by Jess on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 03:56 PM
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Nikolaj

 
Hi!

I don't know if You agree, but in case You do, I think it would be a very good idea to underline that any fast longer than 2 days could cause serious damage to Your health - be it total or partial.

I'm quite sure that You can handle all sorts of fast situations, but there are many unexperienced readers out there, and I presume they rely on You as an expert.

Best regards
Nikolaj
 
Posted by Nikolaj on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 04:05 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
It's important for people not to fast beyond their capacity. One cannot simply rely on how much body fat a person has to decide how long to fast. Even obese individuals can develop signs of starvation while sill overweight if their muscle reserves fall to dangerously low levels while their fat reserves are still adequate. This would occur ony when the fast was excessively prolonged, and has been reported in such patients who have fasted for many months.

An obese patient died after seven months of fasting, which rather than illustrating the dangers, illustrates the safey of a prolonged fast. It's hard to imagine that anyone would recommend to a person, no matter how obese, to fast this length of time.

Medical literature contains a few studies in which obese patients who died during a fast, apparently from ventricular arrhythmias. .. these individuals were fasted improperly, using multiple drugs during the fast, and had heart failure or renal disease prior to the fast.

These patients drank unrestricted amounts of coffee, tea, and fruit juice during the fast and were given digoxin, diuretics, and antigoagulants.

These were not total fasts, and might be more appropriatly called a coffee and fruit juice feast. Regardless, one should never fast on diuretics and heparin, both of which are dangerous during a fast. It is also an added risk to drink coffee while fasting. Cardiac stimulants such as caffeine (found in soft drinks), and theophylline should be avoided.

"FASTING and EATING for HEALTH - A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease" - Joel Fuhrman, M.D. Pg 210 - 211

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your concern; as this is precisly why I have posted this blog. A couple of people who had read my earlier blog "He's the mother of all eagles" had undertaken a fast, and without taking time to consulting a Doctor, a Spiritual Director or just good old fashioned googling.

The body needs sensible preparations longer than three days; however the weight of medical and historical evidence is in favor of fasting.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 05:06 PM
[Reply to this
Princess Mel - Daughter of The King

 
I'm ready to do this... You probably started already but can I get added to the preferred readers list so I can benefit from your teaching too? Love you! God Bless!
 
Posted by Princess Mel - Daughter of The King on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 04:15 PM
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jim:counter-blogger

 
Eat nothing until you fall. Then see the Holy Gates.
 
Posted by jim:counter-blogger on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 05:43 PM
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J/WHITE

 
you're hilarious man.
 
Posted by J/WHITE on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 06:13 AM
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Judy
Judy Votta

 
I am so glad you found me! I have been wanting to fast for the first time! I am new at this and want to learn more about it. Thank you so much!
 
Posted by Judy on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 05:45 PM
[Reply to this
Moiko

 
I have been putting it off and putting it off and now I am ready. What excellent timing!



(:Smiles & Smooches:)
Moiko
 
Posted by Moiko on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 06:25 PM
[Reply to this


 
You have NO idea how happy I am that you are blogging this. I've always wanted to learn more about it.
 
Posted by on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 06:30 PM
[Reply to this
Pheirser

 
Just dropping by to hope all is well, especially with your son. I do see your profile pic around and think of what you are going through. Ya in my thoughts still.

Water fast eh?! YIKES!
 
Posted by Pheirser on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 06:42 PM
[Reply to this
Georgette
Georgette Flint

 
First of all! How is your son doing? I hope he is doing well!

I think that is AWESOME! I've got type 2 diabetes and having a very hard time getting my numbers down from the 200's, so I was wondering if fasting would work for me! I used to fast A LONG time ago but haven't done it for many years! I will ask my doctor next time I go, but I wanted to know what your opinion is!

Your Friend,
Georgette
 
Posted by Georgette on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 06:51 PM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Hiya Georgette - I recommend you find a copy of 'Fasting and Eating for Health by Joel Fhurman, MD

He is a medical practioner who supervises fasting patients; particularly people like yourself with these type of illnesses.

His book his readily available on Amazon. For over twenty five years I have been fasting, and this has to be one of the best resources on fasting I have read. It has become my fasting manual.

It's a paperpack and easy to read - so you will find it of great interest.

I will tell you when I began fasting; in the early days I had hyperglycemia; a condition which has been healed as a result of consistent fasting and advise from a qualified Naturopath.

All the best and keep in touch - I am interested to hear your results.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 09:53 PM
[Reply to this
Ben Mealer
Ben Mealer

 
You are way stronger than I am Catherine. I think it's great you see not only a good health reason, but also a good spiritual reason to fast. The monks in the middle ages used to fast all the time because it empowered their faith. Hardly anyone does fasting as adament as you do Catherine and I can only give you my highest praises.
As I've said before you are a very remarkable woman.

- Ben Mealer
 
Posted by Ben Mealer on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 08:41 PM
[Reply to this
dirtysweeet--ONE RACE: THE HUMAN RACE
mitsi scott

 
I think that's a great idea, i fasted one time only and it was about 32 yrs ago but i still remember being amazed that on the 2nd day i had more energy than i'd had in awhile. Punked out at the end of the 2nd day for various non-health reasons, and would love to get into that again. Please put me on the list :)
 
Posted by dirtysweeet--ONE RACE: THE HUMAN RACE on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:18 PM
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Johanna

 
I have so many emotions... what to do....

hmmm eat ;P


Thankyou Catherine.
 
Posted by Johanna on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 12:30 AM
[Reply to this
Ren

 
oh this is great. I've been wanted to experienment with something like this and what a wonderful generous spirit you are to take this on. COUNT ME IN! email forthcoming!
 
Posted by Ren on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 12:51 AM
[Reply to this
Othello

 
I love my sports and fitness and have been into fitness and training the body for peak performance by eating right and drinking correctly for high levels of performance. I recently fasted for 4 days and I have to say for myself the results were amazing. I found I was sharper and faster than I have been in over a year (I didnt train during the four day fasting period, but used the training time to reflect) I am now on a "regular" diet again.

Im planning on now adding fasting into my life <myspace>style</myspace> twice a year along with my detoxes I think it is one of the most natural and spiritual ways to cleanse the body.

Keep up the good blogging
 
Posted by Othello on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 02:03 AM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Because the body goes into a period of rest and your body goes through a deep cleanse, fasting becomes a fabulous way of keeping your sporting edge.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 10:13 PM
[Reply to this
Caleb Oh
caleb oakley

 
I havent been in your blog for, well this is my first day but I would like to be added to your prefered list!
 
Posted by Caleb Oh on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 05:49 AM
[Reply to this
MakeUaDrink

 
This was very interesting Catherine! I enjoyed reading about it.
 
Posted by MakeUaDrink on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 06:01 AM
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J/WHITE

 
I want people to be aware that fasting isn't just from food.
You can fast from multidynamic positions of physical or psychological ingestion.
Nourishment comes from one place and all is there.
What are you fasting?
 
Posted by J/WHITE on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 06:10 AM
[Reply to this
The Divine Miss White
Divine Miss White

 
Fasting as discussed here is the practise of abstaining from food.

The word is is Middle English to fasten, from Old English fæstan.
intr.v., fast·ed, fast·ing, fasts.
To abstain from food.
To eat very little or abstain from certain foods, especially as a religious discipline.
n.
The act or practice of abstaining from or eating very little food.
A period of such abstention or self-denial.

While modern man believes abstaining from watching television; socialising or even a period of abstinance from sex for the purpose of spiritual enlightenment; this is not fasting as practised by by Christ, Buddha, Moses, Mohammed,, Socrates, Plato and Pythagoras.

Notwithstanding, I believe it's invaluble to practise self disciplines that keep us focused and healthy.
 
Posted by The Divine Miss White on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 10:07 PM
[Reply to this
Christine Blue Butterfly's Thoughts
CHRISTINE moore

 
I find fasting at times to be a great cleasing! Good to catch you hun ~peace
 
Posted by Christine Blue Butterfly's Thoughts on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 12:22 PM
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