A CLEAN, CLEAR, STUDENT PHYSICIAN, 27, RESOLVES LONG-TERM EATING DISORDER AFTER THREE PROLONGED, SCIENTIFIC, THERAPEUTIC FASTS!

      [NOTE: As Founder/Director of Fasting Center International, which supervises our world's largest, nonresidential fasting clientele, I was recently interviewed for a forthcoming documentary film on America's obesity epidemic, entitled "The Heavy Truth." In addressing the addictive behaviors involved in this staggering health problem (one-third of U.S. adults are now clinically obese), I noted that FCI's experience over the past 35 years with clients in 220 nations suffering ALL manner of addictions--from eating disorders to smack--concurs with that of Harvard-trained botanist and M.D., Andrew Weil, writing in "Natural Health, Natural Medicine," p. 132: "Addiction is NOT a psychological or pharmacological problem, and CANNOT be solved by the methods of psychology or pharmacology. It is, at root, a SPIRITUAL concern, because it represents a misdirected attempt to achieve wholeness, to experience inner completeness and satisfaction."

      For this reason, the "Recommended Reading" list which FCI provides our clients on all continents is wealthy with books teaching them how to finally address this existential anxiety or spiritual angst, which our Program's supervision also speaks to, including subject letters such as "Addictions," "Mind Control" and "Eating Disorders." Just one, representative example of FCI letters on most every addiction can currently be read at (www.fasting.com/anderson.html), on "Bulimia."

EXACTLY WHY is it that humans are taught spiritual wisdom in many metaphors, globally, but so often lack the method to put their wisdom into practice? The largest segment of FCI clients who return to do repeat Programs is those suffering the various eating disorders. Here is just one example among those. . .a student physician, 26, doing her medical externship in a hospital in Long Beach, CA, speaking on the 49th fasting day of her 69-day Program, having done two earlier FCI Programs to help resolve binging (the last for 83 days):

      "During this fast, I've really been trying to tune into my body-mind complex more, and experience all the shifts in energy. I had a breakthrough over the weekend, finally realizing that much of my long-term emotional unhappiness or imbalance, resulted from a deep-seated feeling I've had that something is wrong with me, or that I'm not good enough. I've been doing a lot of reflecting on this, and what's been coming up are memories of when, as a child, I was outcast for no good reason. Kids made fun of me for being smart, and I was always the last one picked to join a group or be on a team. No one wanted to be my partner. Who knows why kids are so cruel?

      "But, that really had a huge effect on my life. From that, I guess, stemmed an attachment to the idea that something was wrong with me, or that I was different and unworthy. I know none of these things are true, but unconsciously, I know I did believe them. Thus, I think a lot of the reason that for so long, I've not treated my body as my temple, is because deep down, there was always this feeling that I didn't deserve it; I didn't deserve success or being slender, because I wasn't worth it, and if I did achieve them, no one would like me.

      "So, I've been really working on these issues, and think they're at the core of my eating disorder. I'm now trying to finally release these feelings of unworthiness, and accept my place as a powerful part of the Universe, as equally deserving of success and supreme health as all other beings on this planet. Since you asked me to focus mainly on spiritual goals this fast, as they're at the root of my issues, I really wanted to share with you my epiphany and feelings. Thanks for listening. Love, Veronica"

[My response]: "THAT IS, VERONICA, a WONDERFUL breakthrough, and it's so good to hear you're doing this deep introspection at such a young age. . .so you can do the necessary self-metaprogramming for your life's remainder. Understanding your early, negative programming is half the solution. The other, as I've noted, is finally addressing your spiritual nature, where you'll eventually discover that there IS no 'separate, self-existing I' to have all such emotions, attachments. etc. That's the greatest illusion we ALL must eventually pierce the veil of, as it's also the source of all human suffering. Once you move beyond the ego's dualistic thinking of attachment to pleasure, gain and fame, and aversion to pain, loss and shame, you then realize the Oneness of all energy and consciousness, which is all any of 'us' ever is--before, during or after this particular incarnation."

      What follows is Student Doctor Biltmore's post-fast testimonial, which is her 'physician within' compassionately giving back to those still caught in similar suffering, which is what the Hippocratic Oath all physicians take at the beginning of their career is truly about. What makes her words powerful is that she's speaking from the experiential knowledge and distilled wisdom which come from repeated, prolonged fasting and deep introspection, intelligently taking advantage of the heightened clarity of consciousness and enhanced spirituality, just as has every great spiritual teacher our species has produced, along with all three Fathers of Western Medicine, as well--Hippocrates, Galen and Paracelsus (who diagnosed fasting as "the greatest remedy, the physician with")]:

      "What have I learned from this fast? I learned that I need to always take the time to take care of myself. If I don't first take care of myself, I will not be available to take care of others. I've learned that sometimes I need to put myself first, and that it's OK to feel that way. Taking care of myself is not being selfish. I was given a body as a vehicle for being on this planet, and I have a birthright to keep it as healthy as humanly possible.

      "During the course of this fast, I underwent so many changes. For instance, I managed to find the insight to realize that I was in a relationship not because it was what I truly wanted, but because I was making him happy. The fast not only gave me the clarity to realize this, but also the courage and strength to tell him my feelings, and that he deserved someone to love him the way that he loved me. Letting go of him, letting go of our history, letting go of the life we shared together, was not easy. I cried myself to sleep many nights. I cried when I was reminded of something we did together or something he once said to me, and I cried when I was alone at night. But, the sun kept on coming up every morning, and I kept on fasting. I knew the world would go on. I knew I had become a stronger person for not only realizing what it was I truly wanted, but also for allowing myself to let go of that which I did not.

      "It's funny. . .I'm 27 years old, but in all humbleness, I feel as if I've gained wisdom throughout the course of this fast. I'm more peaceful, more centered, and have this inner strength that allows me to know I can get through anything. It's interesting, to me, to realize how deep some old neural patterns run, and how this marvelous self-improvement technique can address so many issues. I originally entered this fast trying to resolve my compulsive eating and addictions to coffee and chocolate. Funny, though, after a few weeks, I realized that it wasn't about food at all. It never was. It was about me not addressing my wants, my needs. . .not taking care of myself in a healthful way. Formerly, I was always worrying about what other people thought of me, and always putting others' needs so far ahead of mine that I ended up losing sight of who I was as an individual on this planet. The fast allowed me to take care of myself--physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have learned how to satisfy my emotional and spiritual hunger. I feel as if I have rediscovered myself. Thank you, Dennis, for the clarity; thank you for being there with me every step of the way, and thank you for your unwavering faith in me.

      "For anyone considering this Program, the fact that you are considering it means you know, on some level, that you would benefit from it. A new body and a clearer outlook await. Please, as a medical professional, I urge you not to trust a fast/cleanse to anyone but Dennis Paulson. No fasting/cleansing program addresses cleansing to such a level as FCI's Program does. Also, no other program addresses any of the mental/emotional aspects involved. I do not even feel comfortable comparing other programs to the FCI Program, becasue the FCI Program is simply the best, no comparison. Dennis Paulson's superior, one-of-a-kind Program and personalized advice are the key to the success rate and amazing outcomes of all FCI's clients.

      "Physically, my dandruff has cleared up. My skin is fresh and acne-free. I am at my ideal body weight. My last pap smear, taken during the last week of my fast, was normal. This is the first time my pap smear has been normal in 11 months. I do not know if the fast definitely 'cured' my cervical dysplasia, but I do know that my lab results, which were abnormal before the fast, are now normal. I am more than ecstatic! So again, Dennis, you have my thanks which, at this point, do not seem like enough for all you and your Program have given me. Take care my good friend. Veronica Biltmore

[FCI NOTE: Upon seeing her testimonial and FCI's editorial lead-in immortalized here in Cyberspace, Veronica emailed the following, reflecting how it feels to finally transcend one's long-term eating disorder]: "Wow! I love it! The testimonial is absolutely perfect. You are such an amazing human being, Dennis. I mean, you constantly brighten my life. You have actually given me a whole new life! For example, just recently, I thought about being lazy and not doing something I had to do, but then I gave myself that ole quarter-turn and said, 'Come on, Veronica, are you really procrastinating completing this presentation or whatever?', and it's becomes, as you say, a no-brainer.

      "I'm also doing things I've haven't done in years. I went to the rock-climbing gym for the first time in years. I'm making plans to climb Mt. Kilamanjaro (if my schedule allows), but I really think I have the inner strength to do something like that, now. So, I am LIVING! Do you know how absolutely freeing it is not to be weighed down by my previous food obsession?!. . .that constant agony of what to eat, what not to eat, how much to eat, which diet plan to follow, the guilt of failing at another diet, the self-hatred? It's gone; it's all gone. I am a free spirit! Thank you for wishing me a good life; it seems like such a goodbye. In all honesty, it makes me a little sad that our healing partnership has ended. I want you to know that I consider you a friend for life. Much love, Veronica

[My response]: SAME, VERONICA! During my 14-month sabbatical through 55 countries, I did week-long safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, passing by Kilimanjaro but electing not to take the time to trek up that highest peak in Africa, as I was more focused on seeing what's left of the great herds. . .before they're gone. Google it and you'll see there are two routes--one for serious climbers and another for trekkers. I'd taken Malika and Atisha up Mt. Fuji--one of the world's 10 tallest--in 1987, to toughen them up for going up onto the world's roof in Tibet (knowing we'd come back down overland, into Nepal, having to hike a bit through mountainous regions where monsoons had repeatedly washed out the road), as well as hiked part of the Inca Trail in 2003 to Machu Pichu, after doing some Level 3 and 4 white-water rafting and kayaking in the Peruvian Andes.

      I'm just a simple human being, Dear, just like you. If I can do these things, so can you. Know you'll do fine. Trust me, and make that decade-old Nike mantra your own now, applying it to anything you put your mind and heart into (just as you have med school, your three magnificent FCI fasts, etc.): "Just DO it!"

      Go on out there now and ENJOY your shiny new vehicle, along with your mind's new freedom from deleterious behaviors. As I've told my own children from the time they were old enough to logic, follow your passion, your bliss, what truly lights your fire in life, and you'll find yourself among that fortunate 5% or less of human beings who actually love what they do (as I so long have). Particularly in your chosen field of the healing arts, you'll discover that true happiness comes from cherishing others, particularly helping to end their unnecessary suffering. What more noble calling is there in this enigmatic journey we all call Life? Big Love; your humble and admiring friend and Olympic Marathon coach, Dennis


[Over a month later, Veronica would add]: "Hi, Dennis: I have some great news. My little sister has been staying with me since the beginning of this month, and says she's noticed such a change in me. She said I seem lighter and happier than she's ever seen me before. She wanted to know what California has done to me! I tried explaining to her that it wasn't being in California (well . . .I love the sun), but it's because of the last fast I did with FCI. She always sort of brushed off my fasting (like when I was East with her and the rest of my family during the holidays), but over the last few weeks, she's been more and more inquisitive. I tried to answer a lot of her questions, and directed her to your website.

      "Long story short, she wants to do it! I told her I would write you to 'introduce' her to you, since you and I have been friends for awhile. :) I also told her that I'd be here to help her through it (well, you would help her through, mainly); I just mean I would be totally 100% supportive of her, and she'll be here with me till the end of the summer.

      "Anyway, I received a tuition refund of close to $1,000 last week (the Universe is amazing, isn't it?!), so I told her if she really wants to do this and will commit herself to it, I'll gift her with a Program. I just know how much this Program has changed my life, and my wish is that she will experience all the joy, wonder, and abundance of it all for herself. So, with that introduction, I shall step aside and let you two get busy! She has your email, and will be in touch. Lots of love, Veronica."

[FCI NOTE: Eating-disordered clients at FCI do more repeat Programs than any others, primarily because it's more difficult to resolve addictions--which I believe, as Founder/Director these past 35 years FCI has been blessed as the global leader in our field, can not be resolved with psychological or pharmacological intervention, because their cause is spiritual angst. . .trying to achieve an inner wholeness or peace, in all the wrong ways. After completing her first two, long Programs at FCI, Veronica Biltmore, now a student-physician, returned a year later at age 27 to purposefully re-gain the heightened clarity of consciousness she'd earlier used successfully on her previous fasts, before and during major, year-end exams. Thus, she once again lifted herself into the stratosphere of human potential and sailed through both her M.D. and D.O. Board exams. What follows is what she also discovered vis a vis her continuing effort to finally resolve her spirit's longtime dissatisfaction. . .here speaking on the 49th fasting day of her third, prolonged Program with FCI over the past three-year period, emailed while visiting her physician-father and step-mother back in Virginia]:

      "Hello, my friend! Wow, there are so many things I want to share with you. Thanks for the links to the article, as well as the book recommendations. I went a little crazy at Borders bookstore the other day. I bought Bob Cooley's book on flexibility, and it's really informative--lots of great pictures. . .brought my yoga mat back East in my suitcase, along with my new Juiceman Jr., for that matter. I also found a book called "Medicine and Compassion: A Tibetan Lama's Guidance for Caregivers." I love it, and think I am going to order a few copies from Amazon and give them to my friends as presents when we all graduate from Med School in June. I finished my personal statement and applied to 50, yes 50, different internal-medicine programs, from L.A. to San Fran, San Diego to Florida to Virginia. I even applied to the Cottage Hospital program in Santa Barbara. Know anything about it? Maybe if I interview there, I could take you out for lunch :-) Anyway, thank goodness for my Pops, who put down the $700 for me to apply. I am truly blessed to have a Dad who cares so much about me and my future, and has supported me from the day I was born.

      "Part of me doesn't want to dive off from my current cloud up in the stratosphere, back down onto ground earth, but it's funny. . .I know that I will never be the same again, so that ground earth will be different, because my perception has changed. I hope this makes sense, but I have had so many epiphanies these last few weeks. For instance, I'vw realized that my entire life, I have been putting myself down. I realized this as I was talking to someone in a long line at a store, and we just got to chatting. Anyway, she's a nurse, so I started telling her I was going to be a doctor. During our conversation, I kept putting myself down, saying, 'Oh, I really don't know too much.' I mean, I was saying all these bad things about myself, while I kept extolling her and her profession.

      "As I was leaving the store and driving away, I realized that my entire life, I have been putting myself down, somehow thinking that by doing so, it would make other people feel better about themselves. I quickly realized that this thinking was illogical, at best, and self-abusive, at worst. You see, I have always had what some people would call 'it all'--a wealthy upbringing, a private-school education, kindness and intelligence, all wrapped up in a pretty face. I guess, on some level, I have felt guilty about that, and have also tried to make myself 'less,' in order so that others who aren't as blessed as I could seem to be 'more.'

      "What a realization! I thought deeply about how this was holding me back in life. . .an unconscious, self-sabotaging mechanism. I also came to the conclusion that no, I am NOT easing other's suffering by 'dumbing down.' In fact, I am adding to their suffering, by not being all I can be. I choose to be all I can be and, thus, a shining example to others, hopefully inspiringÊthem to be all they can be. I choose to be a role-model, and no longer a self-inflicted punching bag. I choose to be successful, and know I will still be humble.

      "Thank you, Dennis, for all of your words on karma; they have shown me that I can accept my blessings humbly and gratefully. I have reaped what I have sown. Yes, as you say, you are a simple human being, but just look at all the good you do for so many. . .at how much suffering you have helped end. We are all just simple human beings, but we also have so much potential to effect positive change, if we cut the roots of suffering, like you say. I feel as though you HAVE helped me cut some of the roots of my suffering, by realizing all of this. And now, in turn, I finally CAN be all that I can be, in helping others with their suffering. I feel as though there is so much to be done, and I'm so glad I am cleaned out and renewed, because I have lots of work to do!

      "Anyway, I have gone on for much too long tonight, but I wanted to let you know some of the stuff that this amazing, fasting clarity has been allowing me to see. I feel like I've cut through this thick fog of limiting beliefs, and now can see the brilliant potential of my future on this planet. If that's not enough, I also feel like I have been in such a state of synchronous flow: examples, getting on an earlier flight back home to Virginia and sitting next to the nicest person on the plane; all my friends giving me useful advice on my residency applications; my Dad offering to pay the fee; just being able to do a rotation with my father in his own medical practice. So much love to you tonight. Thanks for bringing me to this place of being. I am forever grateful. Veronica."

Please come back soon for new additions to FCI's online, archived FASTING JOURNAL!

Any questions, email or phone FCI. Email: FastMaster@fasting.com; phone: 818-590-2536 (know that the best time to catch Founder/Director Dennis Paulson, himself, with the least interruption, is between 10-4, California time). For the Fasting Center International home page, click here: www.fasting.com

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