Whether or not we’ve already figured out what we’re “giving up” for Lent, we can always do a little more, can’t we? Please understand. I don’t mean we should overdo or multiply Lenten projects. Just the opposite. If we’re “giving up” or “fasting” from something, that means we’re doing less not more, and we can always do a little “less,” but perhaps in diversified areas, not just regarding food.

Food fasting can take various forms (besides those regulated by the liturgical year): only consuming bread and water on particular days; abstaining from our favourite foods, sweets and treats; taking smaller portions; skipping meals or snacks. Fasting for spiritual and sacrificial reasons should not be confused with fasting for health or weight loss—they are distinct and separate disciplines.   

Jesus gave us the example of fasting, and spoke about it more than once in the Gospels. He assumes that his contemporaries are punctuating their spiritual lives with fasts: “When you fast, you are not to look glum as they hypocrites do…” (Matthew 6:16). Note that Jesus says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” When those around Our Lord didn’t think He did enough fasting, He simply replied “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day” (Mark 2:19-27). When Jesus is no longer on earth, His followers will resume regular fasting customs. Self-denial should be a mainstay of every Christian’s life (Matthew 16:24). The spiritual benefits of our fasting do great good beyond ourselves. During a particularly difficult case of demonic possession, Jesus told His disciples: “This kind can only be cast out by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29).

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Without taking the focus off the importance of plain old physical fasting from food (something we Catholics really need to get back to periodically all year round), I suggest also “media fasting.” In the Media Literacy community, we talk a lot about maintaining a “media diet.” No one plays sports, eats, sleeps or works 24/7. Nor should we use media 24/7. Widespread use of media 24/7 only became a possibility (transistor radios excepted) with the advent of portable Internet-enabled media devices in the 00’s, and has profoundly altered individuals, families, interpersonal communications, culture, and even brain development.

For those of us blessed (yes, blessed) enough to have grown up without ubiquitous media devices: Are we being a good example to the younger generations of unplugging, moderation, non-addictive behaviour, reading physical books, being a good listener, conversationalist, and storyteller?

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Unless we have already done a personal media history and a soul-searching personal media use inventory and adjustment, Lent would be a perfect time to tackle this elephant in the room aspect of our lives. Who uses media even close to what/when/why/where/how they feel they should? Most of us don’t have a plan at all. 

I recommend a new book to fill the bill: “Media Fasting—Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ,” by Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP. It provides guidance for much-needed reflection on our personal media choices, as well as prayers, pertinent Scriptures, to-do items, journaling ideas, an appendix of resources, addiction and recovery helps, and even an “Examination of Conscience for My Online Life.” If you’d like to start using media in a healthier, holier way, join this “Media Fast Challenge”.

Some people have a habit of not giving anything up for Lent, but rather doing something, taking on something extra. More often than not it will be a certain act of charity, volunteering, or an additional prayer practice. Perhaps this “Media Fast Challenge” is the positive action you’ve been looking for.

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We can feel guilty for our constant use of our favourite social media, apps, news outlets, etc., even at inappropriate times, but have we stopped to create a simple plan to corral, reduce, silence, power down our devices and replace them with alternatives such as more prayer, more family time, more friendship building, more nature walks, more exercise, more creativity, more daydreaming?

Sometimes less is more.