C.

CASTILLO

FA S TIN G
IS THE OFFERING I GIVE TO MY HEAD

B ELMOPAN, B ELI ZE C.A .

FA S T I N G
THE OFFERING WE GIVE TO OUR HEADS

T H E P U R P S OE O F E A T I N G
THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF EATING IS TO PROVIDE OUR BODY WITH THE NUTRIENTS AND ENERGY IT
NEEDS TO FUEL THE ORGANS AND VARIOUS SUB-SYSTEMS WITHIN THE BODY IN ORDER FOR IT TO
FUNCTION EFFCIENTLY AS A WHOLE ENTITY AND PERFORM AT ITS OPTIMUM LEVEL. IN OTHER WORDS,
WE EAT TO LIVE TO OUR FULLEST. HOWEVER, FOR SOME PEOPLE, THE PROCESS IS REVERSED TO A LIVE
TO EAT OBJECTIVE. THIS IS WHERE FOOD IS SEEN AS BEING FOR PLEASURE, A WAY TO EAS PAIN, FOR
POWER, OR FOR ESTEEM.

W H A T C E N T E R S O F T H E B R A I N A R E I N VOLV E D I N H U N G E R ?

The major center of the brain involved in hunger and thirst is the hypothalamus. It is also known as the
hunger center. The hypothalamus controls how much food and fluid we take into our body, our weight,
balance and sleep. Within the hypothalamus there are two centers: the satiety center and the feeding center.
The upper digestive tract (that part where the stomach and esophagus meet), sends signals to the
hypothalamus that it is time to eat. When our organs are depleted of fluids, messages are sent to the
hypothalamus to indicate it is time to drink. While eating, it takes time for the upper digestive tract to send
signals back to the hypothalamus that the stomach is full for it to shut off. Because of this delay there is
therefore the tendency to eat more than the stomach can hold, especially if we eat too fast. Depending on
our understanding of what the purpose of eating is and the link between food and our lives, we may eat too
fast, or take the time to eat slowly so that we can allow ourselves to eat jus what we need.
M A J O R O R G A N S O F T H E B O DY T H A T B E N E F I T F R OM E A T I N G

SKIN
The skin is the largest organ of our body. It is also a reliable external indicator of how healthy we are
within. The skin serves several functions, one of which is to expel toxic waste from the body through
sweating. If the kidneys and liver has more toxins than it can process, the skin takes over those organs
functions. According to Dr. Phyllis Balch in her book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, as toxins are
released through the skin, the skins integrity is disrupted. Toxins enter our body not only through the
pollutants we take in through the air, but also through the pollutants we ingest from food not necessarily
pollutants in the food that come from pesticides (although that is a major factor), but pollutants we get from
eating improperly combined food, or food that is deficient or void of the essential nutrients (like vitamins A
& C, proteins, and water). The results are disorders that manifest in the skin, such as dry skins and acne. A
well-balanced diet that consists of healthy, natural food restores the integrity of the skin by reducing the
amount of toxins it has to process. in the body. However, given the nature of our lifestyles today, the wellbalanced diet we once followed has been compromised by our modern eating lifestyles.

WOMB/UTERUS
The womb or uterus is one of four major organ that make up the reproductive system of a woman. The
various processes and cycles generated through the reproductive system, such as the secretion of the
hormone estrogen and the release of mature eggs from the ovaries, are an important part of preparing the
womb to bring forth new life. The food that we eat is also ensures that the womb is ready to carry new life.
Studies have shown that there is an explicit link between the food we eat and the effective functioning of the
womb and, by extension, the life that the womb brings forth. At certain times of the month the womb
prepares itself to have a fertilized egg implant itself in it by becoming engorged with rich blood which holds
the nutrients to make the womb healthy and ready to receive the fertilized egg and nurture a growing child.
During the pregnancy cycle, nutrients reach the maturing baby through holes in the inside ling of the womb
(placenta). If the mother subsists on a diet dominated by junk food (fries, burgers, barbeque, sodas), then
these are the nutrients that are sent through the blood to prepare the womb and feed the growing child in
during pregnancy. The result is a poorly prepared womb, deficient in the real nutrients it needs to keep itself
and the baby healthy, leading to the creation of a child that becomes hooked on junk food. It therefore
follows that by eating well-balanced, healthy food will lead to healthy nutrients being supplied to womb, the
best food being ingested by the growing baby within the womb, and a child hooked on health food.
COLON
The colon, or large intestine, is an organ that forms part of a set or organs which facilitate two processes
in the digestive system: absorption and elimination. The colon absorbs the remaining water and salt from
solid waste before that waste is eliminated from the body. It also holds intestinal flora which ferment
unabsorbed material. Intestinal flora are the billions of organisms that naturally occur in the colon. Some
are friendly, some are not. A diet rich in foods high in fiber and vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables,
soybeans and oats ensure that the right balance of the types of flora exists within the colon to ensure the
efficient breakdown, conversion and elimination of waste. For example, vitamin K aids in converting glucose
into a useable form called glycogen, which promotes healthy liver function. The majority of the bodys
supply of vitamin K also comes from the friendly flora in our intestine. Fiber retains water, resulting in
softer, bulkier stools that move smoothly through the colon facilitating easier expulsion of waste and
preventing uncomfortable constipation and painful hemorrhoids. Eating foods high in fiber ensures that
waste is given little time to sit in the body and ferment, producing toxins which are then reabsorbed in the
blood. It also ensures that excess unfriendly flora is removed from the body. Therefore, the components of
the food we eat are important to ensure that the right balance of friendly flora is maintained in the colon.
When that balance is thrown off because a large percentage, say 70%, of the diet contains refined foods
which are high in fat and sugar, as well as low in fiber, unfriendly flora grows, overwhelms the colon and
may spill over into and poison other parts of the digestive tract. Additionally, if retained food becomes a
mainstay in the colon, over time as the toxins from its fermentation seep back into the blood, resulting in
systemic poisoning of the body. This leads to, among other things, mental confusion, depression, moodiness,
fatigue, irregularity, and sometimes allergies like coughing and sneezing.
HEART
The heart is the center of the circulatory system. It is the muscle that pumps oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood through channels called blood vessels, found throughout the body. There are three
types of blood vessels: arteries, capillaries, and veins. It is the arteries that carry blood containing oxygen and
nutrients to the organs, veins take toxins away from it. It is the heart that regulates this blood flow. Since
the heart is also an organ, it is important that the blood vessels, such as the coronary artery (which is the
artery that carries oxygenated blood to the heart), are free from obstructions so that heart works well. If this
coronary artery is narrowed or blocked, the heart is deprived of oxygen and is damaged or stops. This is
what we call a heart attack, which can be lethal, or, if one survives it, can seriously impede the quality of a
persons life if changes are not made to , among other things, what is they eat. The food we eat has a direct

bearing on the degree to which the coronary artery becomes obstructed. As mentioned in the discussion
under colon, systemic poisoning results from the failure to eat foods that are high in fiber. The toxins and
other substances which form because of the production of cholesterol, if not removed through the effective
functioning of the colon, infect the bloodstream and promote the hardening and blockage of arteries. This is
the source of heart attacks and other heart disorders such as angina. Therefore what we eat results in a
healthy, or unhealthy heart. It is important to note that stress also causes the same disorders. But stress is
also connected to food as there is a correlation between the types of food we eat and how we handle stress.
If we are stressed we may reach for the chocolate, the ice cream, the cheese burger which contain the very
things that poison our body. Mental confusion and fatigue follows because of the extra work the organs have
to do to process these foods, therefore perpetuating the stress.

EATING FOR PLEASURE RATHER THAN NUTRITIO N

There is a portion of the brain called the pleasure center, which lies at the base of the brain. When we eat
to relieve stress, i.e. to relieve pain, experience pleasure, it is this portion of the brain that is being stimulated.
When we reach for the pleasure foods, which inevitably are highly processed food containing a high
percentage of sugar, fat, and additives like MSG, (which are addictive in the same way cocaine and cigarettes
are , it stimulates feelings of optimism, happiness and boundless energy which are produced by this pleasure
center. This is the same result from the use of cocaine. And like cocaine, the pleasure feeling one gets is only
temporary. To recapture that high which feels good, we visit those foods again, and again, and again. But
because these foods are nutritionally deficient, or organs remain starved for nutrients, stimulating again the
hypothalamus. So we, in fact eat more, thus perpetuating the cycle of living to eat and not eating to live.

OT H E R B E H AV I O U R S I N F L U E N C E D B Y P L E A S U R E C E N T E R

The pleasure center also produces anxiety and depression. The euphoria that is experienced after
consuming stimulants like sugar, is soon followed by a depression or crash when the sugar wears off . To
avoid the crash and to feel in a better mood, we take more of the stimulant food. So we feel high again, then
crash, then high etc. Higher doses of sugar can produce hyperactivity and aggression, and even violent
behavior, especially in children. If we liken certain stimulant foods to a drug, whether it be cocaine or
otherwise, habitual consumption of the food can cause the mind to become deluded, and perhaps recalcitrant
personality changes and behaviours become prominent mood suddenly becomes snappish, we become
short tempered, easily angered or outright violent. On the flip side, depression may cause withdrawal.

C O K E TA S T E S G O O D ; W A T E R TA S T E S B A D ; I R E A L LY W A N T A B I G M A C

Several programs in marketing distinguish between a need and a want; a need is physiological, and a want
is psychological (there is an economic definition of want as well as it relates to desire, but there is a
psychological aspect to this as well). If we extend this argument to the phrases caption above we can

understand what stimulates the perception that certain things tastes good or bad therefore you want a
particular food or drink. When one tastes a coke, it is sweet, plus it contains caffeine, which is a stimulant,
which increases alertness. When you taste water, it is perceived as bland, plus it doesnt stimulate us. The
tongue sends signals to the pleasure center and the good feeling which follows stimulates the person to
choose Coke over water most times. One should not negate the effects of strong advertising and promotion
by Coca-Cola (the producers of Coke) which influences our perception that Coke is more satisfying that
water because of sight and sound. The sight cool, water dripping, ice-filled glass of Coke sliding down a
models throat, or the large sesame bun layered with a hot tantalizing beef patty with onions, cheese, and
ketchup, enraptures our eyes and jumpstarts the hunger center of the brain, the hypothalamus ( feeding center
in particular), which signals the upper digestive tract to contract, telling us that we are hungry ( if we are
already full, then this may not happen, unless we are addicted to the caffeine and Big Macs re the
documentary movie Supersize Me)

W H A T D O E S O N E S T I M U L A T E I N A C H I L D W H E N O N E A S K S W H A T D O YO U W A N T TO
E A T.

I believe that the feeding center is what is being stimulated. Hunger does not always come from the
biological need for food. It can also stem from emotions, need to please, and social conditioning. I f a child
is conditioned to believe that she is given the choice as to what she can eat and when she can eat, then that
produces a conditioned response from her if asked the question. This can also produce feelings of pleasure.

RO L E O F W A T E R , V I TA M I N S A N D M I N E R A L S I N P H Y S I C A L F U C T I O N I N G

WATER
Given that our body is 75 per cent water, this nutrient plays an essential part in the physical functioning
of our body. It is involved in every function: the transport of nutrients and waste in and out of our cells,
absorption and excretion of substances, digestion of food and circulation of blood. It also maintains the
temperature of the body. Conventional knowledge tells us we need at least 6-8 glasses of water per day to
keep our organ functioning. We may be able to fast for 40 days ( maximum and individual has gone without
food is 60 days), but we couldnt do it without water!
VITAMINS
According to Phyllis Balch, Vitamins are essential to life. Vitamins regulate the bodys metabolism by
prompting the natural body processes to assist in the digestion of food and allow other body activities to
happen as they are supposed to. Vitamins complement the four major nutrients: water, protein,
carbohydrates and fats and function as coenzymes in the body. Vitamins can be water soluble, or oil soluble.
Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, and B-complex, must be consumed daily as they cannot be stored
by the body. Oil-soluble vitamins are stored in the bodys fatty tissue and liver. These are vitamins A, D, E,
and K. Having the optimum balance of vitamins is necessary as having too much or too little of them can
lead to disorders. For example, vitamin D is necessary so that the body can better absorb the minerals
calcium and phosphorus which are important for strong bones and growth. However, vitamin D taken in
excessive amounts may cause a decrease in bone density. Vitamins working together also create synergy,
meaning that certain vitamins combine to make a stronger vitamin than if those vitamins work individually.

Bioflavonoid, which prevent bleeding gums work better with vitamin C. Vitamin C also complements
Vitamin D as well in the absorption of calcium.
MINERALS
Minerals are needed for the proper composition of bodily fluids, blood and bone, the functioning of the
nervous system and maintenance of muscle. . Minerals also act as coenzymes for the body, promoting
growth and healing. The body must maintain proper balance and this depends on the levels of minerals in
our body. The levels of each mineral in the body is especially important as the level of one has an effect on
the other, so if one is out of balance then all are out of balance. If this imbalance persists, this tends to be the
source of several disorders.
Minerals naturally occur in the earth as mineral salts. Soil and sand contains microbes, which utilize
mineral salts, which then pass from the soil to the plants. We can therefore get minerals direct from plants,
or from animals whose primary dietary source is plants. Minerals include boron, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorous, copper and zinc. There are many others.

R E L A T I O N S H I P B E T W E E N M Y E A T I N G P R E F E R E N C E S A N D C H OI C E S A N D H U N G E R I N
T H E WOR L D

My preferences and choices for food have been influenced primarily by European and American
culture Western culture, if you will. One will note that the center of any western dish is the meat, which is
why when one asks whats for dinner? or what is on the menu? you can be certain that will be something
like fricassee chicken or peppered steak and hardly tossed salad and beans with a sprinkle of dried
shrimp. I grew up with an abundance of meat and rice on my plate at mealtime, with the vegetable
decorating the plate, a pretty standard fare for western dishes. Western dishes are also big in size to fit the
large western appetite. I myself am a big eater, something that I have learned to do. The ability to have meat
every day and have big dishes means progress and prosperity Contrast this with the diet of Afrikan culture.
The center of the meal is not the meat. Meat is used to enhance the flavor of the dish, rather than being the
dish. And the large portions are shared among the group, not consumed by one person. While it has been
argued that the reason for this is economics, as proteins such as beef tend to be expensive, I believe that there
is a deeper wisdom underlying this, and that is the recognition that what one chose to eat has a bearing on
how much food is left for everyone else. Also, what benefit is there to the world when one group of people
eat prosperously while another group starves as a result of their food choices. Right now, because of the high
demand for meat by westerners, oceans are being depleted of fish, rainforests are being cut down to make
way for cattle rearing, and soybeans are being used to feed cows. I believe that when our ancestors
developed the diet for their culture, it was recognized that balance still needed to be maintained in the earth,
and excessive meat consumption would bring the share of problems that we now witness, which is hunger.
E Q U I N OX A N D S OLT I C E

EQUINOX
The equinox occurs twice a year, March and September, when the number of hours in daylight equals the
number of hours of night. In astronomical terms, the equinox is an event where the Earths axis is inclined
neither away from the sun nor towards it. The sun is at one of two opposite points where the celestial
equator and the ecliptic intersect at equinoctial points: the vernal point and the autumnal point which
correspond with March 22 and September 21 respectively. In terms that I can comprehend, it is those times
of the year when the Sun passes directly over the Equator. Because of this, day and night is almost equal in
all parts of the world. This event coincides with the change of seasons, so the vernal equinox brings in the
season called spring, and the autumnal equinox brings in the season called autumn. In African tradition, the

Equinox is the time to prepare ourselves for change: change to the season that will bring an abundance of
food. So just before and on the day of the Equinox, preparations are made to receive this abundance by
clearing away the weeds and stones from farms to prepare to sow and reap a bountiful harvest.
SOLTICE
The Solstice occurs twice in a year, in June and in December. It occurs when the Earths axis tilts
towards or away from the Sun, which results in the Sun shifting in either Northern or Southern position.
The Solstice also heralds the changing of the season to summer in June, and winter in December. During the
winter solstice, the Earths axis points more closely to the southernmost region of the Sun, resulting in the
countries further away from the tilt, which is the North, to have the shortest day of the year. Those countries
that are closer to the Southern tilt have the longest days. The reverse holds for the Summer solstice. As the
Earth tilts closest north of the Sun, those closest to the tilt experience the longest day of the year. This again
is a time the clear away all that has been built up over the previous months and prepare ourselves for change,
longer nights

W H Y FA S T D U R I N G T H E S E P E R I OD S

We fast during these periods because the body, like nature, must rest and cleanse in preparation for new
things to come. For example, during periods of relative inactivity in winter months, we tend to consume a lot
of fatty foods and carbohydrates. This is natural because this is the bodys way of ensuring that it will have
enough energy to keep it warm during the cold. The downside of it is the accumulation of toxins as a result
of this. It is also a period where we take more rest. This is similar to the way that other aspects our
environment (like our homes, gardens, farms). It builds up dirt, debris and weeds during the relative
inactivity. When spring comes, in the same way that we spring clean our house and gardens, we spring clean
ourselves. In the same way the farmer sows new seeds to reap abundantly because of that energy that
surrounds nature at that particular time of year, we fast around the energies generated by the energies of the
Equinox and the Solstice to sow within ourselves seeds of right thought: forgiveness, healing, in order to
reap the benefit of new beginnings. At this time we fast in our minds by meditating to clear the head and
absorb the energies around us, into our mind, body and soul. The rest of nature replenishes, so this
something that we, as part of nature, should do as well.

E G Y P T I A N S OL A R Y E A R

Ancient Egyptian had a calendar based on moon phases and had 360 days, with three seasons and
cycles based upon the Nile. Basically the measurement of the year was calculated based on the length of time
it takes the Sun to return in the same position in the cycle of the seasons, i. e. Vernal equinox to vernal
equinox, and solstice to solstice.

P R AY E R F O R FA S T I N G

The Odu for the prayer for fasting is Otura Ika: Otura, is mystic vision, ka, short for ika, which means
the resolution of issues and illnesses. In my understanding, the prayer for fasting opens the way for messages
from Spirit to be received to help you gain greater insight into your issues which may be the source of your
less-than-optimum health. When you pray, you are asking that your mind, which is already experiencing a
heightened awareness because the bodys mechanisms are at rest and more blood, is flowing to the brain.
Another perspective one can take is on the prayer is that as your body is going through a downtime cleansing
on a physical level, the prayer opens the way for a spiritual cleansing of the body, that residual negative
energies that may be lurking in the cellular structures of the mind are purged. So in essence, the fasting
prayer serves to facilitate the opening of the Ori to release negative thoughts and energies and invite the
energy of abundance within our consciousness. The fasting process itself, which in itself allow your body to
rest and releases stress from the organs of our body, allow for more blood and energy to reach the brain, thus
helping me focus on the benefits to come. It also facilitates better thinking, at least on my part.
RO L E O F FA S T I N G I N T H E D E V E L OP M E N T O F S P I R I T

Fasting teaches discipline of the mind and body. It releases us from the distractions that we sometimes
experience when we are caught up with the food and allows us to be in tune with the various physical,
psychological and emotional process operating within us. Fasting on a consistent basis allows one to sharpen
and strengthen their spiritual senses to hear and receive messages from Spirit. Fasting also serves to eliminate
the negative emotions which can impede Sprit and our spiritual development, thereby improving our
awareness of or physical and spiritual environment.

P H Y S I C A L A N D P S YC O L O G I C A L B E N E F I T S O F FA S T I N G

The main physical benefits of fasting are as follows:

1. Rest for the bodys organs, therefore speeding the process of healing, especially after illnesses
2. Cleans the liver, kidneys and colon,
3. Detoxifies and cleanses the blood
4. Sheds excess weight
5. Flushes toxins out of the body
6. Cleans the breath.
Psychologically, fasting is purported to be a way of breaking additions to stimulant foods like refined
sugar and developing the taste for natural sugars that comes from consuming fruits and vegetables. Also
from a psychological standpoint, fasting makes you more physically aware of yourself and your behaviours. It
clears the mind and allows to focus more acutely on the processes that make your eat (or overeat). At the end
of the fast, what should follow is a modified way of behavior, one that is healthier, less aggressive, more
upbeat and positive and happy.

M Y P E R S O NA L E X P E R I E N C E W I T H FA S T I N G

From my personal experience, one of the things that I notice is how sharp my mind and eyesight
becomes. Certain things I may have had difficulty understanding before, I understand better. One of the
misconceptions I had before fasting was when Im hungry I cant think. However, I can go to meeting and
keep my attention to what is going on. I also find that when I fast for at least three days on water, I feel there
is the possibility to fast for longer because of my mental alertness. But this I do not push given my schedule
with children and all. Even though I prepare meals for my family of n the fast, surprisingly, the will for me to
resist the temptation to eat is strong, especially around the month of September. Between days 1 and day 3
of the fast, my energy is very high. In fact, during the month of March, I tend to clean a lot of stuff out of my
house and I have the energy to do that.

M E TA P H O R F OR T H E OF F E R I N G O F L I G H T

The first time I read the handout Making of The Offering of Light it took time for me to meditate on
what the meaning was. In fact it was very difficult. However, from the description of the carved eye on the
chapel of Ptah in Karnak, light indicates the energy that emits from what is called the our Third eye, which is
the realm of higher consciousness that we should be receiving through fasting. I believe the third eye is
awakened during the fasting period. As we use the period to leans the light which symbolically emanates
from the eye and offered to Oludumarye is the greater insight that we find within ourselves. This is not a
metaphor or concept tht I have full explored or develop as yet.

W H A T H A S FA S T I N G TA U G H T M E A B OU T M Y E A T I N G E X P E R I E N C E S

It is my sincere wish to that fasting, with my understand ding of the benefits of it, has taught be better
behavior about eating. Truthfully however, I am still in the process of transforming my Ori and my actions
to the point where I can retrain myself from eating the addictive food. After fasting, I am sure not to gorge
as I remember what that did to me the first time I did it (I ended up in the hospital suspected of having
appendicitis). However, I tend to go back to my eating habits. In fact, when I am close to the period to fast I
usually gorge on my favorite comfort foodstuff, so the fasting acts like a purge (binge purge thing), which in
itself it not good. What I am clear on is that I must work harder in fasting I must deal with purging myself of
emotional issues that lead to this behavior, like anger and depression. Given that I am aware of the parts of
the brain work in this, my focus must be on identifying the triggers, how those behaviors has worked for me,
and if necessary make a different choice.

W H A T I WO U L D T E L L S O M E O N E A B OU T FA S T I N G

Honestly, the first thing I would tell someone about fasting is not that it is hard, but that is energizing,
based on how I feel during and after the fast. I would also tell them that fasting is a wonderful way to have a
calm and clear mind so that you can think through and write down the goals and objective you want to
achieve in the time to come. I would mainly focus on telling the person of the physical and psychological
benefits of doing a fast, as explained in question 5. I also tell them that it would be good not to use just water

along, an herbal tea such a chamomile to relax and calm the system, and also spirulina to deal with hunger
pangs and expedite the detoxification process.

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REFERENCES

____Adediran, Omitade: Making of the Offering of Light Handout to Ile Ijo Orunmila Ati Orisa
2008 Abibikumikasa Akali Language and Liberation Institute and Community Networks Yorubic
Medicine: The Art of Divine and Herbology
file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Yorubic%20Medicine%20%20The%20Art%20of%20divine%20Herbology
%20%20Abibitumi%20Kasa%20Afrikan%20Language%20and%20Liberation%20Institutes%20and%20Commun
ity%20Networks.htm
2006 Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Ed. Avery Publishers New York,
1996 Morris, C. Introduction to Psychology: An Introduction 7th Prentice Hall, New Jersey
1980 Saraswati, S. Fasting for Health and Spiritual Development
file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Fasting%20for%20Health%20and%20Spiritual%20Development.htm Nov
2009
2009 Wikipedia
Equinox file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Equinox%20%20Wikipedia,%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm
Pleasure Center file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Pleasure%20center%20%20Wikipedia,%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm December 2009
Seasons of the Year
file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Seasons%20of%20the%20Year.htm
Solstice file:///D:/Fasting%20b/Fasting/Solstice%20%20Wikipedia,%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm

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