Ryan, I really enjoyed this piece. Today is the 5th Sunday of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Old Calendar tradition. We fast from meat, dairy, wine, olive oil, fish (except shellfish) and most importantly from sins and passions (these are more difficult) for a total of 180 days throughout the year. After doing this for over 12 years now, I find the discipline of these fasts extends itself to other things in life. You may be interested in reading about "fools for Christ" in Russia. Asceticism is alive and well in many spiritual traditions for those who choose to follow them.