In a world filled with clutter, noise and hustle, Lent is a good excuse to step back and rethink how we live. In a world of instant gratification, it's a chance to practice delayed gratification so that we can truly appreciate the blessings we have.

I love to eat and do not enjoy being hungry, but I have come to realize that there is a lot to be learned from fasting.

Jews can enjoy food and physical pleasure almost every other day of the year, and on this holy day, I just can't get that kugel out of my thoughts. Shame on me, right?

Members of the Baha'i Faith around the world begin a season of fasting March 2. Baha'is abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown during the Fast and recite especially revealed prayers.

Fasting is a non-rational abstinence. It is not the abstinence of the lactose intolerant, who forgoes milk because it will make her ill; it is the abstinence of the Hindu, who forgoes milk because it will damage his soul.

Although in America fasting is perhaps best associated with glucose-tests and Maple Syrup Diets, abstinence from food has a long and varied history in...