I recorded a 10-minute video for my monthly newsletter (The 17th). Here you go!

[ https://youtu.be/lZIns7HmZ74 ]

Unlocking Your Potential: A 17-Hour Journey of Fasting, Meditation, and Creation

In our fast-paced world, finding time for self-improvement and creative expression can be challenging. However, a powerful 17-hour routine combining fasting, meditation, and creative practice may be the key to unlocking your full potential. This transformative journey, spanning from 4 PM to 9 AM the next day, harnesses the power of your body’s natural rhythms and your mind’s creative capabilities.

The Fasting Window (4 PM – 9 AM)

The routine begins at 4 PM with your last meal of the day. By skipping dinner and fasting for 17 hours, you tap into the numerous benefits of intermittent fasting. This practice has been shown to improve metabolic health, enhance cognitive function, and promote cellular repair processes known as autophagy.

During this fasting period, your body shifts from using glucose as its primary fuel source to burning stored fat. This metabolic switch can lead to increased mental clarity and focus, setting the stage for the creative work to come.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

As the evening progresses, prepare for an early bedtime. This aligns with your body’s natural circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep quality and duration. Before sleep, take a moment to set an intention for healing and rejuvenation. You might use a simple affirmation such as:

“As I sleep, my body heals and restores itself. I wake refreshed, energized, and ready to create.”

This practice of suggesting healing to your unconscious mind leverages the power of sleep for physical and mental restoration. During deep sleep, your body undergoes crucial repair processes, consolidates memories, and prepares for the day ahead.

Morning Meditation (Upon Waking)

Rise early, ideally before sunrise, to take advantage of the quiet, pre-dawn hours. Begin your day with a guided meditation session. This practice helps to center your mind, reduce stress, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Choose a meditation that resonates with you – it could focus on breathwork, body scanning, or visualization techniques. The key is consistency and allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment. Even a short 10-15 minute session can have profound effects on your mental state and creative potential.

The Creative Hour

With your mind clear from fasting and centered through meditation, it’s time to channel your energy into creative expression. This is your opportunity to let your ideas flow freely, uninhibited by the distractions of the day ahead.

Choose a form of creation that speaks to you:

1. Writing: Journal, work on a novel, or pen poetry.
2. Visual Arts: Paint, sketch, or engage in digital design.
3. Audio/Video: Record a podcast, create music, or work on a video project.
4. Movement: Express yourself through dance or yoga.

The medium doesn’t matter as much as the act of creation itself. This is your time to explore ideas, experiment with new techniques, and let your imagination run wild. Don’t judge or censor yourself – simply allow the creative energy to flow.

Breaking the Fast

As you conclude your creative session, it’s time to break your fast, typically around 9 AM. Choose a nutritious meal that will fuel your body and mind for the day ahead. This could include protein-rich foods, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy.

The Benefits of This Routine

By combining fasting, intentional sleep, meditation, and creative practice, this 17-hour routine offers a holistic approach to personal growth and self-expression. The benefits may include:

• Improved mental clarity and focus
• Enhanced physical health through fasting and quality sleep
• Reduced stress and anxiety levels
• Increased creative output and satisfaction
• A stronger connection to your inner self and creative impulses

Remember, consistency is key. While it may take time to adjust to this routine, many find that the rewards of increased creativity, improved health, and personal growth are well worth the effort. Embrace this journey of self-discovery and unlock the vast potential that lies within you.