Day of Fasting – A Journey of Self-Discovery

Vaikuntha Ekadashi – 10 January 2025

Fasting has always been an important aspect of Ekadashi. However, I hadn’t fasted in years, as I knew it was difficult for me to go an entire day without food. This year, Mini insisted that I try fasting. Though I initially hesitated, knowing how uncomfortable I get if I miss even a single meal, she gave me a flexible option: I could eat fruits throughout the day and avoid grains. For lunch, she suggested sabudana khichdi, along with soup and salad.

I jokingly remarked that this wasn't fasting since it felt like a normal meal, but Mini assured me it was fine. What I failed to realize was that fasting—even a modified version like this—requires adjustments to one’s routine, especially when undergoing physical activities.

The day progressed as usual, and in the evening, I went for my regular Ayurvedic massage session. This 90-minute treatment included Abhyangam (oil massage), Kizhi (herbal compress therapy), and about 6-7 minutes of Swedana (steam bath). While I was accustomed to these treatments, I felt the steam bath was unusually intense this time.

After the session, I changed as usual but started feeling dizzy. As I attempted to put on my T-shirt, I felt like I could no longer stand. I called the therapist, Ranjit, for water, but he was briefly out of the room preparing for the next patient. The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the floor, sipping water.

Ranjit later explained that I had nearly collapsed, and he caught me just in time, though it was challenging because my body was slippery with oil. By the time help arrived, I was semi-conscious, surrounded by 6-7 staff members, with someone fanning me with a towel. As I regained composure, the doctor asked if I had eaten properly that day. That’s when it struck me—I had been fasting. (of course, with fruits and Sabudana)

The doctor explained that I should have avoided the treatment, especially the Kizhi and Swedana, as they cause dehydration and exhaustion. He pointed out that fainting during the steam bath could have been dangerous, even fatal, as my head was covered with a towel, making it harder to notice.

In that moment, I realized how careless I had been. Fasting, even in a modified form, requires mindful preparation and adjustments to daily activities. It also brought home the importance of food intake, not just in quantity but also in terms of the ingredients and timing.

This experience was a powerful lesson—a day of self-learning indeed.

PS: Ammu and Mini are experienced with proper fasting, often practicing it as part of Accutouch therapy, where fasting is used as a recovery method during illness. Clearly, I have much to learn from them!