I've watched this TED talk a couple of times, and each time there is a point at which I am moved to tears. It was the same moment, when she describes how she felt as she surrendered to possible death.
It reminded me of when I did a 21 day fast, and ended the 21 days by attempting to do a 3 day total fast. By the time I got to 48 hours with no food or liquid I thought I was going to die.
After 24 hours all of my movements had slowed right down, and actions id taken for granted, such as lifting an arm, blinking and even breathing, felt like I now had to actively participate in them taking place. It was one of the most powerful and extreme experiences I've had on my quest so far, and not one I want to repeat any time too soon.
At 48 hours with no food or liquid, when I too thought I was going to die. I had just had a bath, the water had been too hot and I could feel my heart racing as it pumped my thick blood through my system. I managed to get out of the bath, and onto my bed and passed out for a while. It wasn't long, but I recall thinking that maybe I was going to die. And it felt ok.
I hadn't quite accomplished everything I'd hoped for, but I wasn't afraid of death, becaue I know there is no such thing. I felt at peace, and very heavy.
As you can tell, I didn't die, but I will always remember that experience. I feel a deeper connection with God since, and my body feels like it has been taken back to zero. My digestive system, taste buds, even my skin feels renewed. Fasting is an awesome thing to do, although I wouldn't recommend doing a total fast unless you're completely prepared and have done a lot of research into safe ways of doing it.
After the near death experience I started drinking water for the final 24 hours, and at the point I write this, am two weeks back to eating again, and struggling to get back to normal eating three meals a day.
Watch Jill's TED talk and share it. The insights she gained becaue of the part of her brain she lost make it a talk rich with Ideas Worth Sharing.
Leave comments below, feel free to share any similar experiences you've had. I'd love to hear what you learnt and how it has impacted your life since.