Three-Day IF: The Balance Between Body, Mind and Wisdom

This article presents a field-based qualitative study drawn from a direct, first-person experience of a 72-hour intermittent fasting (IF) practice. The study does not aim at weight loss but seeks to examine the experiential balance between body, mind and wisdom during a short-term fasting period. Observations indicate a progressive physiological adaptation, including reduced insulin levels, a metabolic shift toward fat utilization and the production of ketone bodies, which were associated with mild fatigue or occasional dizziness at certain stages. At the same time, the mental dimension revealed increased stillness, sustained attention and continuity in intellectual work. Despite the absence of caloric intake, cognitive organization and analytical capacity remained intact, particularly during periods of physical stillness. These findings suggest that short-term intermittent fasting may function not only as a metabolic intervention but also as a reflective and contemplative process that supports self-observation and cognitive clarity. Nevertheless, fasting beyond 72 hours may pose clinical risks, including starvation mode and refeeding syndrome. Therefore, extended fasting should be approached with adequate knowledge, careful consideration and appropriate supervision. This study contributes experiential insights to qualitative research and Contemplative Studies by highlighting the dynamic interaction between physiological adaptation and inner cognitive processes during intermittent fasting.