We are presently experiencing the worst drought in decades and it is at times like this when nature switches off the urge to reproduce and turns its attention to survival instead. All animals exhibit adaptive responses to the lack of food. When deprived of nourishment, animals employ various mechanisms to reduce metabolism. This prolongs the period in which energy reserves can last. Science seems convinced that we still have these thrifty genes and that intermittent fasting may be both a smart and smartening way to live as it could increase health and strengthen brain functions. But it is one thing to say that fasting has benefit to spirit, mind and body but it’s quite another matter making sense of starvation and suffering, and how suffering can lead to higher states of consciousness.
