The Baha’i Fast falls during the month of Ala–the last month of the Baha’i calendar. During these 19 days, Baha’is abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. While this abstention from food and drink is a test of one’s will and discipline, the Fast is not just about abstaining from food. The Fast is, primarily, a spiritual practice.
My Thoughts on Balancing Physical Needs and Spiritual Goals During the Baha’i Fast
The Baha’i Fast is a sacred time—a period of spiritual renewal, reflection, and connection to God. However, for years, I woke up before sunrise dreading the day ahead, knowing that by mid-morning I’d feel drained, short-tempered, and counting the hours until sunset. I asked myself:
How can I sustain my energy throughout the day?
How can I stay focused on prayer and reflection when I feel so tired?
While preparations for the Fast will look different for everyone and while I am still learning about the spiritual significance of the Baha’i fasting period, over time I learned that when I thoughtfully prepare for the Fast and care for my physical well-being, I can create the conditions for a deeper spiritual experience.
Honoring the Body as a Temple
Baha’u’llah teaches, “We should take the utmost care of our health, surely not because it is an end in itself, but as a necessary means of serving His Cause.”
This guidance reminds us that our physical well-being is not separate from our spiritual practice; rather, it is a vessel through which we can serve God and others. By nurturing our bodies, we can create a foundation that allows us to engage more fully with the higher purpose of fasting.
Here are three approaches that have helped me balance physical and spiritual goals during the Fast based on my personal experiences and my training and education as a nutritionist:
1. Set Intentions for Your Day
The Fast is much more than refraining from food and drink; it is a time to focus on opening up to opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. Starting each day with clear intentions for both your spiritual and physical needs can transform your experience.
For example:
Spiritually: Commit to acts of service, specific prayers, or quiet moments of reflection.
Physically: Plan a nourishing dinner, set aside time for movement, or pause for moments of rest.
When I align my intentions with my actions each day takes on new purpose and meaning. I found it helpful to create a 19-Day Fast Planner, which you can download for free if you’d like.
2. Tune Into Your Body’s Signals
Fasting invites heightened awareness of both our physical and spiritual states. Instead of ignoring physical discomfort, consider it an opportunity to reflect and adjust.
For example:
If you feel fatigued mid-morning, review your pre-dawn meal or hydration habits.
If you feel irritable, pause to take a few deep breaths or engage in a short prayer.
By tuning into your body’s signals, you can respond with intention, cultivating both well-being and a deeper connection to the spiritual purpose of the Fast.
3. Simplify Your Evenings
Evenings during the Fast can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with meal preparation and other daily responsibilities. Simplifying your evening routine can help you focus on recharging both physically and spiritually.
Consider:
Preparing simple, nourishing meals in advance.
Creating a calming atmosphere with quiet prayers or family reflections.
Avoiding screens and prioritizing rest to ensure you’re ready for the next day.
I have found that by simplifying my evenings, I can end each day with gratitude and peace, setting the stage for meaningful mornings.
The Physical-Spiritual Connection
The Baha’i Fast is a time for drawing closer to God and reflecting on our spiritual journey. Baha’u’llah tells us: “Thou hast endowed every hour of these days with a special virtue, inscrutable to all except Thee, Whose knowledge embraceth all created things.” How to unlock those special virtues is a lifelong quest, however I believe that when we approach fasting with care for both body and soul, we can better glimpse or amplify the spiritual rewards of fasting.
I also created Thriving Through the Baha’i Fast, a 19-day mini-course designed to help women experience the Fast with energy, balance, and alignment. It is based on my experiences and knowledge as a nutritionist and it includes ideas about preparing for the Fast, meal planning, practical tips for sleep, hydration, exercise and other lifestyle factors, and a plan for the days following the Fast.
Final Thoughts
The Baha’i Fast is a unique opportunity to align ourselves with higher purpose, draw closer to God, and reflect on our spiritual journey. By caring for our physical well-being with intention, we can create the conditions for a more meaningful and transformative experience.
I’d love to hear how you mentally, physically and spiritually prepare for and experience the Fast. Feel free to share your thoughts or tips in the comments, and don’t forget to check out the webinar for more guidance on thriving during the Fast.
Wishing you an energized, balanced, and spiritually fulfilling Fast.
Anisa Woodall is a Certified Nutritionist specializing in supporting women with hormonal wellness, fertility and through the motherhood transition. She is passionate about helping women live, eat, move and serve with intention and confidence so they can create the family of their dreams and thrive along the journey.
Anisa obtained a BS degree in Nutrition and Exercise science and an MS degree in Clinical Nutrition from the leading institute in natural health education, Bastyr University, and has been working with clients since 2015. She is the host of The Resilient Fertility Podcast and serves women throughout their motherhood transition- for preconception care, pregnancy nutrition support and postpartum planning- via online 1:1 holistic nutrition coaching, and through online courses and meal plans.
You can learn more at anisawoodall.com and follow her on Instagram at @anisawoodallnutrition and @bahailivingwell.
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