Discipline isn’t just built in the gym—it’s forged in the silence between meals. Discover how intermittent fasting taught me patience, presence, and power in ways no workout ever could.
Abs Were Cool, But Waiting Was War
We all chase discipline like it’s a six-pack.
We squat.
We sweat.
We sacrifice Sundays for leg days.
But patience? That quiet, unsexy thing that doesn’t show up in selfies?
That took longer to build than biceps.
For me, it came not from lifting more, but from eating less.
The Morning I Nearly Chewed My Arm Off
I was two weeks into my “spiritual-fitness reboot”—you know, waking up before sunrise, reading ancient scriptures, working out like I’m training for a Marvel audition.
Enter fasting.
The plan was simple: no food till noon.
The reality? At 9:17 AM, I was sniffing my neighbour’s upma like a junkie.
I paced. I drank water. I pretended lemon water was a full meal.
By 10:45, my mind had launched a full-on mutiny.
“Why are we doing this? Who are we impressing?”
Even my cells were having an existential crisis.
But I held on.
And at 12:00 PM sharp—when I finally broke the fast—it wasn’t the food that filled me.
It was power.
Not power over food.
Power over my own damn impulses.
Real Strength Is Saying No (When Every Part of You Screams Yes)
Pushups test your body.
Fasting tests your mind.
Here’s what I learned in those silent, hungry hours:
🔹 1. Hunger is a Liar
Most of what we call ‘hunger’ is just boredom, habit, or craving. Real hunger comes slow and clear.
🔹 2. Every Craving is a Conversation
When I wanted sugar, I didn’t just resist—I asked, “What are you really needing right now?”
🔹 3. Stillness Has a Flavor
Fasting makes you notice your breath. Your emotions. That strange clarity that comes when your body stops digesting and your mind starts reflecting.
And eventually, something wild happened:
The same patience I learned while waiting to eat…
Showed up in meetings.
In traffic jams.
In difficult conversations.
Even while updating WordPress plugins.
Don’t Just Build Muscle—Build Restraint
Discipline is sexy when it looks like a morning workout video.
But it’s divine when it looks like a man refusing his 8th biscuit at a friend’s house.
Here’s how to try it without turning into a hangry yogi:
🥣 1. Start Simple
Try a 14–16 hour fast. Finish dinner early, skip breakfast. That’s it.
🥤 2. Hydrate Like a Camel
Water, lemon water, herbal tea. Keep sipping, stay chill.
🧘🏽 3. Observe, Don’t Obsess
It’s not a punishment. It’s a practice. Watch what your body says. Watch how your mind throws tantrums.
🙏 4. Break the Fast Gracefully
Don’t go from tapasya to samosa. Eat slow. Bless the food. Be grateful.
From Craving to Consciousness
Fasting isn’t about food.
It’s about freedom.
It’s a mirror.
It shows you where you cling, where you numb, where you distract.
And when you get through it—just one day at a time—you’ll find something priceless:
A version of yourself who doesn’t beg for comfort, but breathes through discomfort.
Calmly. Proudly. Fully present.
Next post brewing:
“Old Monk, New Body: A Monk’s Guide to Real Strength”
And no, it’s not about the rum. Or maybe… just a little. 😏
Ready to Train the Mind, Not Just the Muscles?
👉🏽 Sign up for mindful fitness tips, spiritual hacks & real-life stories from a former foodie turned fasting monk (with cheat days).
👉🏽 It’s not about being tough—it’s about being tuned in.
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