There are three traditional spiritual practices for Lent: fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.  Over the next three days, we'll look at each of these in turn.  Even if you are not religious, these disciplines can be very helpful.

Today, we'll look at fasting.  Fasting can take many forms, from not eating at all on specific days (traditionally Fridays) to eating very limited, simple meals on those days (for example, soup and bread), to eating smaller quantities during meals or not eating between meals, by not eating out, or giving up a specific favorite food (or drink).  You can even fast from entertainment, possessions (such as gadgets), or habits.

The key to this discipline is to simplify and make do with less so as to be in solidarity with those who must do without and to have greater appreciation for what we have.  Sometimes, we have so much (food, entertainment, things, etc.) that we are overwhelmed.  We take things for granted and barely notice their presence.

By fasing, we become more intentional in our actions and our consumption.  By imposing a limit, we take more notice of what remains and we identify the hungers that food, possessions, and activity cannot satisfy.