“Thank you so much for the discussion,” said Malika Fortier.  I was surprised at the words and the tone.  We have these leadership lunches weekly and I had never heard that particular comment with such feeling.  Therefore, I asked why.  She responded, “The discussion was a surprise.  It also touched me because of where I am at this particular moment.”  I understood clearly.

Our discussion had explored the impact of fasting on leadership.  Malika appreciated the topic because she is on a 40 day fast.  I talked about the subject because I am fasting for 40 days and 40 nights.  Neither fast is connected to the other and each is very different.  Malika’s fast was 21 days old at the time and mine was just seven days in the making.  She only eats uncooked food and I eat vegetables and fruits, whether cooked or not, with fish occasionally.  In addition, I cut out all drinks except for water, and all sweets including no calorie sweets. For both of us, fasting always includes extensive prayer.

I shared my belief that we are better leaders when our being is united; when our bodies, minds, emotions, spirits are as one.  When our being is united, the energy flows; the clarity rises; the perceptions get sharper.  Each of these elements affects our leadership.

I believe that when we are humble, our spirit reaches out and connects with God’s ever reaching spirit.  I believe that when we fast, we become more humble.

I believe that when we are humble, our bodies, our minds, our emotions, and our spirits unite.  I believe that when we fast, all the elements of our being become united allowing us to more easily unite with God, ourselves, and others.

Fasting helps us to be patient.  Esther’s patience allowed her to choose and implement the best strategy to save her people.  It also moved her ego out of the way.

Without the fasting, she may have acted like the Queen she was.  With the fasting her ego was diminished and she could do what was best.

I am not sure that what I said about leadership and fasting is correct.  I do know that I have tried it and it works for me.

That is why I could share it at a leadership lunch.  That is why I can share it with you.