How long was your fast?
10 days
When did you fast?
Aug 2003
What was your age, gender, height, weight before your fast?
50, Female, 5’3”, 155, 143
What was your weight after completing the fast? What is your weight now?
143, N/A
Why did you decide to fast?
Health, cleansing body, mind, spirit
What was your biggest apprehension going into the fast?
None really
Did you ever consider ending the fast during the process? If so, why? Why did you continue/stop?
No, I knew the short term misery was worth long term vitality & healing
Did you accomplish what you set out to do with your fast?
Would have liked to go on longer. 10 days is only a beginning.
Would you recommend that people have their fasts supervised? Why, or why not?
Definitely—it helps support, assure that all is okay even when you are wracked to pain & misery.
Why did you choose to fast at the Tanglewood Wellness Center?
Close to home, liked what I saw on website
What was your experience like at Tanglewood?
Very nurturing, supportive, professional yet informal.
What did you experience during the fast?
Emotional releases, backache, aches & pain in hips & legs, restless legs, indigestion, heartburn, tiredness, calmness, peace (when not in pain), rashes on neck & groin; I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my chest. Incredibly heightened body awareness.
How did you spend your time?
Lots of time in bed w/ eyes closed. Reading all the GREAT books, conversation with others, but found I could only tolerate a few minutes at a time of “talk” for the most part.
Just purified water? Were you hungry?
Not hungry, but craving the tastes of foods. Thoughts were often on food.
Did you get weak? For brief waves or periods.
What was the best part of the process for you?
Being so well cared for by staff & the services of Dr. Tim—Reiki sessions w/ him–& just experiencing his care, skill & calming spirit.
What was the most difficult part of the process for you?
The intense discomforts my body went thru nearly every day.
Was it ever painful?
YES! Aches & pains in back & hips & legs, heartburn; hot water bottle was a great help! Thanks Lan & Tim & Alexis & Jeff for filling & refilling each day
What kind of diet are you following after your fast?
Simple raw diet for 6 weeks
Is eating difficult for you now that you’ve complete the fast?
No, watermelon tastes so good it makes me weep
Would you fast again?
Oh definitely—for longer & regularly
What advice would you give to other fasters?
Hang in there—it’s worth it
Additional Comments:
Love the landscaping! Thank you Loren, Tim, Lan, Alexis, Jeff (& Dan & Kim diligently working outdoors who I didn’t really see much of)!
Thank you! I came here feeling cynical & pessimistic about my life & the state of the world. I’m leaving with renewed hope & optimism plus a new determination to live & eat with more integrity. This is very important work & a beautiful & meaningful service! Many blessings! & much, much gratitude to all.
How could your experience at the Tanglewood Wellness Center be improved?
More attention to details of clean bathrooms & fresh hand towels & access to new bars of soap when needed (or make numbered hooks so everyone can use their own). Most details very well done—rest of house kept very clean & beautiful.