emphasize the importance of adhering to a keepable fasting rule — finding a sustainable rhythm that you can increase or modify over time. It may be tempting to go full-on “Jesus in the Wilderness” from Day 1, but wisdom requires knowing your limits.

You don’t want to stress yourself to the breaking point — like certain monastic orders of the Middle Ages did — and exit your safe “hormetic zone.” Past a certain threshold, the negative stress of fasting can outweigh the beneficial “hormetic” stress. There is also a risk of succumbing to spiritual pride if you set your aims too high, and puff yourself up for achieving them.

Learn more and get The Benedict Challenge: Finding Your Rhythm of Spiritual Intermittent Fasting on Gumroad: https://chdeist.gumroad.com/l/ShrVxR