Day 6: Silence Is Full of God
Daily Intention:
“I choose to be still. I am not alone in the silence, God is in the quiet.”
By Day 6, the world around me felt quieter, not because it changed, but because I did.
The noise of hunger was gone. The fog of distraction had lifted. And in its place was a profound stillness that both calmed and confronted me. I wasn’t used to this kind of peace. It wasn’t just the absence of pain or craving, it was presence. I wasn’t trying to hear God anymore. I simply was with Him.
The noise that once filled my mind, food planning, cravings, stress, even compulsive checking of my phone, was replaced with awareness, intention, and stillness. I didn’t expect it to feel like this. But now that it’s here, I don’t want to lose it.
🕊️ Unexpected Holiness in the Ordinary
The most sacred part of my day didn’t happen in prayer. It didn’t come through some thunderous spiritual moment. It happened at the grocery store… with my son.
He wanted to shop for and cook his own meal. Normally, I’d sit that out. I’d pass it to someone else. Not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t have the energy or interest. But today was different.
I took him. I showed up. Fully.
Later, I made a clean, healthy lunch for the kids, something I don’t typically do. Not because I don’t love them. But because I didn’t have the drive. That drive… is back. And it’s not coming from guilt or obligation. It’s coming from alignment. A clear mind. A healed gut. A reconnected heart.
Even in that simple act of slicing apples, seasoning chicken, I felt like I was reclaiming something that had been missing in me as a father. Presence. Patience. Joy.
I was showing up on purpose. And it felt sacred.
🧠 Mental & Emotional Landscape
The theme of the day was peace and presence. I felt grounded, even bored at times, but in a good way. Without the constant ritual of eating and snacking, I had space in my schedule and my soul. And when there’s space, you start to notice what’s always been there underneath.
For me, that was contentment. A strange calm. A steady joy.
But also, awareness.
While prepping lunch, I had two moments that really caught me off guard. The first happened while slicing apples; a tiny sliver landed on my finger, and without even thinking, I brought it toward my mouth. I caught myself just in time and spit it out. It wasn’t about hunger. It was reflex. Muscle memory. It reminded me how deeply these patterns are wired.
Then, later, something similar happened this time, while celebrating our dog’s birthday. He had just come back from the groomer, and we had picked up a special dog treat for him: a hard cookie-like doughnut, made with human-grade ingredients. While breaking off a piece for him, I mentioned that it was technically edible for people. And in the middle of talking, I almost instinctively popped a piece in my mouth.
I didn’t realize my spouse stopped me mid-sentence, and I realized what I was about to do.
Again, not hungry. Not temptation. Just an automatic response. And it shook me.
Because that’s what this fast is revealing: that food isn’t just something I reach for when I’m hungry, it’s something I reach for when I’m not thinking. These weren’t moments of weakness. They were moments of awareness. And I thank God I’m learning to catch them.
🩺 Physical Realities
My energy was excellent today. No drops. No dragging. I went outside with the family while the kids played. I engaged joyfully. I even made a trip to the grocery store without feeling wiped out afterward. It’s wild that I feel more energized now than when I was eating three meals a day.
Hunger was quiet. Practically silent. I walked past bakery shelves, through the snack aisles, not a single pull. Not because I was trying to resist. But because the desire just wasn’t there.
The only odd moment physically was a sudden muscle spasm in my side. A sharp pain in my oblique muscle came and went in waves. It was uncomfortable, but short-lived. Possibly dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, something I’m learning to adjust to.
Later that night, I got a bit lightheaded after getting out of bed quickly to use the bathroom. Cold sweats, dizziness, not terrifying, but noticeable. I've had moments like this even outside of fasting, but it's something I’m watching.
Also, a strange benefit: my breath is fresher. My teeth look whiter. My gut feels lighter. I believe the body is truly healing itself. Not just losing weight, but renewing.
🙏 A Moment of Gratitude
What felt like grace today was this: I didn’t just feel peace. I felt purpose. I felt love for my family in action. I wasn’t thinking about food, cravings, or hunger. I was thinking about health. Legacy. Presence. Leadership. I was thinking about how I want to live, not just what I want to eat.
That’s what this fast is revealing: I don’t just want to change my diet.
I want to change my decisions. My patterns. My presence.
And today… I did.
🔖 Anchor Statement:
“I have laid down more than food, I’ve laid down old habits, passivity, and disconnection. What’s rising in its place is intention, presence, and love.”
✍️ Side Notes from the Body (Transparency Log)
Hunger: Almost none. Walked through bakery aisles without temptation.
Energy: Excellent. Played with kids, ran errands, felt normal-to-strong.
Physical symptoms:
Oblique muscle spasms (painful but short)
Lightheaded spell after getting up in the night
Improved breath and tooth whiteness
Mental clarity: Strong. Steady. No mid-thought stumbles.
Mood: Content. Present. Slight boredom, but in a peaceful way.
Temptation: None from food. Minor instinctual slip-ups during food prep.
Water & Electrolytes: Better hydration; salt and morning electrolytes helped.
Spiritual moment: Recognizing the sacredness of ordinary fatherhood moments.
Gratitude moment: Realizing how food autopilot used to steal my presence and taking it back.