Benedictine Monk Anselm Grün: Fasting Heightens Sensitivity

As the Christian community prepares for Lent, Benedictine monk Anselm Grün emphasizes that fasting can be a positive experience, encouraging individuals to embrace the practice with joy rather than as a form of punishment. In a recent interview, Grün shared an unconventional fasting exercise that encourages refraining from discussing others, even in thought, for a week.

Grün believes that this approach can promote mindfulness and enhance one's sensory experiences, allowing individuals to better appreciate their surroundings, such as the feel of the sun or the breeze during a walk. He asserts that fasting should not be viewed as a negative endeavor but rather as an opportunity for personal growth and freedom.

The monk, who resides in the Benedictine Abbey of Münsterschwarzach in Bavaria, reflects on the teachings of St. Benedict, who advocated for a joyful approach to fasting in anticipation of Easter. According to Grün, the mindset surrounding fasting is crucial; approaching it with a sense of punishment for indulgence leads to ineffective results. Instead, he posits that fasting should foster a sense of inner freedom and self-awareness.

Grün also highlights the importance of self-control and the ability to abstain from immediate gratification, citing the words of Sigmund Freud, who suggested that the ability to forgo desires is essential for developing a strong sense of self. He warns that succumbing to every impulse can lead to dependency, suggesting that true living comes from mastering one's desires rather than being governed by them.

As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, Grün's reflections serve as a reminder of the spiritual and communal dimensions of this period, encouraging individuals to view fasting as a transformative process rather than a mere act of self-denial.