Chadwick, Western Asceticism.
Feeley-Harnik, The Lord’s Table.
Grimm, From Feasting to Fasting.
Hill, Eating to Excess.
Shaw, Burden of the Flesh.
Fasting Exercise
This is an odd thing to try at home, but trying it can have very interesting
results. If you fast for very long periods, you will feel lightheaded and may
even hallucinate. This may very well be the source of some early ascetic’s
visions. Even a short fast can be a challenge as well as a way to expand your
sensory perception. In many respects, our taste buds, like all of our senses,
are dulled by overstimulation. Think of this as a temporary deprivation
chamber to reawaken your taste buds. As a purely gastronomic exercise, go
an entire 24 hours without any food or water. Prepare a food you normally
eat for dinner, and consume it slowly and mindfully. Did you appreciate the
taste more than you normally would? Does it taste different—perhaps more
intense? Which particular fl avors do you notice as standing out?
Suggested Reading
Culinary Activity