Health through new thought and fasting

A fascinating topic! Here's an overview of the connection between New Thought philosophy, fasting, and health:

New Thought Philosophy

New Thought is a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the power of thought and consciousness in shaping one's life and health. It's based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs have a direct impact on our physical well-being. Proponents of New Thought believe that by changing our thoughts and attitudes, we can heal ourselves and achieve optimal health.

Fasting and New Thought

Fasting, in the context of New Thought, is often seen as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and physical rejuvenation. By abstaining from food and drink, individuals can quiet the mind, focus on their inner selves, and connect with their higher power. Fasting is believed to:

  1. Cleansing the body: Fasting is thought to allow the body to detoxify and rejuvenate, freeing it from the burdens of digestion and allowing the body to focus on healing and repair.
  2. Quietening the mind: Fasting is believed to calm the mind, reducing mental chatter and allowing individuals to tune into their inner wisdom and intuition.
  3. Spiritual growth: Fasting is seen as a way to connect with the divine, fostering a deeper sense of spirituality and inner peace.

Health Benefits of Fasting

While the scientific community is still debating the benefits of fasting, many proponents of New Thought and fasting claim that it can lead to:

  1. Weight loss: Fasting can lead to weight loss, as the body is forced to rely on stored energy sources.
  2. Improved mental clarity: Fasting can improve mental focus, concentration, and mood.
  3. Increased energy: Fasting can increase energy levels, as the body is able to redirect energy from digestion to other bodily functions.
  4. Improved immune function: Fasting has been shown to boost the immune system, as the body is able to focus on repairing and regenerating cells.
  5. Reduced inflammation: Fasting has been linked to reduced inflammation, which is associated with various chronic diseases.

Notable Practitioners

Some notable figures who have written about the connection between New Thought, fasting, and health include:

  1. Ella Wheeler Wilcox: An American poet and New Thought leader, Wilcox wrote extensively on the benefits of fasting for spiritual growth and physical health.
  2. Charles Fillmore: Co-founder of Unity Church, Fillmore wrote about the importance of fasting for spiritual growth and physical well-being.
  3. Norman Vincent Peale: A prominent New Thought leader, Peale wrote about the benefits of fasting for mental and physical health.

Conclusion

While the scientific community is still studying the effects of fasting on health, many proponents of New Thought and fasting believe that it can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and physical rejuvenation. By combining the principles of New Thought with the practice of fasting, individuals may be able to achieve a deeper sense of well-being and connection to their inner selves.