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Fasting the Mind: Spiritual Exercises for Psychic Detox
Combines cognitive psychology with Zen, Taoist, and Vedic practices to empty the mind• Explains how eliminating external stimulation can alleviate stress and anxiety for a calmer state of mind• Details meditation practices, such as open-awareness meditation, contemplation of Zen koans, and Vipassana meditation, and explores methods of digital detox • Draws on classical yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism as well as cognitive science to explain how and why to fast the mindStop planning, stop comparing, stop competing, stop thinking, and just breathe deeply for a minute . . . Our undivided attention is something we are rarely able to give for reasons ranging from digital overload to the cultural conditioning of equating busyness with purpose. Just as you might choose a fast from eating to detoxify the body, the best way to overcome this modern mental overload is to periodically fast the mind.Drawing on the spiritual philosophies and meditative practices of classical yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, Jason Gregory explains how fasting the mind directly impacts your habits and way of being in the world to create peace and calmness in your life as well as allow you to build a firm psychological defense against the increasing bombardment of distractions in our world. Applying psychology and cognitive science to samsara--the cycle of suffering created by our attachment to the impermanent--he explains how overreliance on the rational mind causes imbalances in the autonomic nervous system and suppresses our natural spontaneity, feelings, and intuition. When we are unable to relax the mind deeply, we enter a destabilizing state of stress and anxiety and are unable to liberate the true Self from the impermanence and limitations of the material world. Sharing Zen, Taoist, and Vedic practices to help you empty your mind and gradually restore your natural rhythms, the author shows how to give the mind time to truly relax from stimulation so it can repair itself and come back into equilibrium. He details simple meditation practices that are easy to implement in daily life, such as open-awareness meditation and contemplation of Zen koans, as well as the advanced techniques of Vipassana, a Theravadic Buddhist discipline centered on seclusion from all worldly stimuli. He also offers methods for digital detox and ensuring a good night’s sleep, a major support for healing cognitive impairment and restoring a state of equanimity.By fasting the mind we strip away the distractions and stresses of modern life and return to our original nature as it exists deep within. We become more consciously awake in every moment, allowing us to feel the real beauty of the world and, in turn, to live life more fully, authentically, and peacefully.
- GenresNonfiction
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
47 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Jason Gregory
8 books90 followersJason Gregory is an author, philosopher, and teacher with expertise primarily in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, with a deep-rooted background in Western philosophy, comparative religion, psychology, cognitive science, metaphysics, and ancient cultures, as he seamlessly bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding.
With over 15 years of dedicated teaching, Jason has enriched countless lives by sharing the wisdom gained from his immersive journeys to the remote corners of Asia, resulting in numerous published works. He is the author of several books, including Spiritual Freedom in the Digital Age, Emotional Intuition for Peak Performance, Effortless Living, Fasting the Mind, Enlightenment Now, and The Science and Practice of Humility. Moreover, he is the creator behind several enlightening documentaries, including The Art of Effortless Living, Effortless Action: The Art of Spontaneity, The Yugas: The Great Time Cycles of the Universe, The Art of Letting Go, and The Art of Synchronicity.
At the heart of Jason’s endeavors lies a deep and enduring connection with the spiritual traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. He has delved into the roots of these traditions for almost two decades, immersing himself in their meditative practices and gleaning insights that defy conventional understanding. These experiences have not only enriched his personal journey but have also become the cornerstone of his teachings. His YouTube channel serves as a digital sanctuary where seekers can partake in his enlightening lectures on spirituality, and his podcast with his wife and co-host Gayoung, The Jason Gregory Podcast, opens up dialogues that traverse the realms of consciousness, self-realization, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
With his multidimensional approach, Jason Gregory has become a transformative force for individuals seeking to explore the uncharted territories of their own consciousness. His teachings resonate with the timeless echoes of ancient wisdom while addressing the unique challenges of our modern era. By fusing profound insights with practical guidance, he empowers individuals to embody the essence of Eastern philosophy and cultivate lives of authenticity, purpose, and inner peace.
With over 15 years of dedicated teaching, Jason has enriched countless lives by sharing the wisdom gained from his immersive journeys to the remote corners of Asia, resulting in numerous published works. He is the author of several books, including Spiritual Freedom in the Digital Age, Emotional Intuition for Peak Performance, Effortless Living, Fasting the Mind, Enlightenment Now, and The Science and Practice of Humility. Moreover, he is the creator behind several enlightening documentaries, including The Art of Effortless Living, Effortless Action: The Art of Spontaneity, The Yugas: The Great Time Cycles of the Universe, The Art of Letting Go, and The Art of Synchronicity.
At the heart of Jason’s endeavors lies a deep and enduring connection with the spiritual traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. He has delved into the roots of these traditions for almost two decades, immersing himself in their meditative practices and gleaning insights that defy conventional understanding. These experiences have not only enriched his personal journey but have also become the cornerstone of his teachings. His YouTube channel serves as a digital sanctuary where seekers can partake in his enlightening lectures on spirituality, and his podcast with his wife and co-host Gayoung, The Jason Gregory Podcast, opens up dialogues that traverse the realms of consciousness, self-realization, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
With his multidimensional approach, Jason Gregory has become a transformative force for individuals seeking to explore the uncharted territories of their own consciousness. His teachings resonate with the timeless echoes of ancient wisdom while addressing the unique challenges of our modern era. By fusing profound insights with practical guidance, he empowers individuals to embody the essence of Eastern philosophy and cultivate lives of authenticity, purpose, and inner peace.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 25, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Jason's book on humility and Fasting the Mind is a big leap from that book. I like how its practical and at the same time deep. Jason has a knack for making a book accessible for anyone. It was a breathe of fresh air to read a book on the East and modern science that is academic with no wishy washy stuff. I have started to incorporate the ideas in Fasting the Mind to my lifestyle and I am reaping the rewards so far. I'm keeping it as simple as possible and it is having a direct impact in my life. This is my favorite book this year and I highly recommend it for anyone of any age. Now its time to read his book on enlightenment which I've been avoiding for a while.
February 1, 2018
Must Read We All Need
We all know that meditation is the key to inner peace yet, we ignore that fact and continue to allow ourselves to be bombarded by the chaos this digital world so generously offers us each-and-every day. It is no wonder we experience overwhelm, stress, anxiety, exhaustion and illness. Seeking peace is not a new concept. The answers to finding peace are not new either and they are rather simple. Jason takes us on an historical journey in his succinct and informative book: Fasting the Mind. If you are truly looking for fulfillment, if you are seeking peace and purpose in life, if you want to get rid of the chatter in your mind and turn off the outside world, then this is the book for you. Overall well-being: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual will come together, in balance. You will notice you’re much calmer, less reactionary, able to maintain stability, and when you feel the corners of your eyes and mouth begin to turn upward – AH, yes . . . THAT! We already are what we are striving so desperately to become – all we need is a little help in getting out from under the cloak we’ve each created for ourselves. Fasting the Mind is the key. Read and Do.
We all know that meditation is the key to inner peace yet, we ignore that fact and continue to allow ourselves to be bombarded by the chaos this digital world so generously offers us each-and-every day. It is no wonder we experience overwhelm, stress, anxiety, exhaustion and illness. Seeking peace is not a new concept. The answers to finding peace are not new either and they are rather simple. Jason takes us on an historical journey in his succinct and informative book: Fasting the Mind. If you are truly looking for fulfillment, if you are seeking peace and purpose in life, if you want to get rid of the chatter in your mind and turn off the outside world, then this is the book for you. Overall well-being: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual will come together, in balance. You will notice you’re much calmer, less reactionary, able to maintain stability, and when you feel the corners of your eyes and mouth begin to turn upward – AH, yes . . . THAT! We already are what we are striving so desperately to become – all we need is a little help in getting out from under the cloak we’ve each created for ourselves. Fasting the Mind is the key. Read and Do.
September 9, 2017
This book is absolutely amazing, got you really thinking about things that was really already within you! So much great inspiration and information to help you embrace tranquility in this material world, and find zen within❣️💜🕉☮️☯️ love love love this book❣️Ñâmâśtę 🙏🏽
February 24, 2018
I have been getting into the practical aspects of Zen and this book helped my practice a lot. It revealed the things in my lifestyle that I had to change to have a more zen mind in meditation, like my bad phone habit and watching too much tv. I'm becoming more distraction free and this book is something I'll come back to if I fall off the wagon.
April 14, 2018
I've been looking for a book that can both explain the theory and practice behind meditation and how it can benefit me in the modern world. This is just that book. Some of the knowledge is deep and will take time for me to absorb but I have found that it has impacted my life more than any other book on meditation.
April 4, 2023
It starts off really well, and then proceeds to explain fasting the mind using various terms from Eastern philosophies and spirituality. Instead of unpacking the how, I feel that the author gets immersed in the what, the book overexplains itself instead of giving practical advice and solutions into the practice of fasting the mind.
March 18, 2018
Wow!!! This book blew me away. Its made me reconsider my digital use. Should I throw my phone away, maybe in time. This has been my favorite book on how to combat digital bombardment and also the best book I've read on meditation.
April 14, 2022
There are a bunch of fake accounts/reviewers, promoting/5 starring the author’s books. Don’t know if they’re associated with them. But it sure is gross. Buyer, reader be aware..
Still reading the book, it’s alright so far.
Still reading the book, it’s alright so far.
February 16, 2021
This was my second Jason Gregory book. Both were excellent but I preferred Effortless Living {Book on Wu Wei}. Really enjoyed the bit on Forrest Gump in the last chapter, so true! Look forward to practicing some mind fasting and healthy wu wei livin'! 🙏
May 2, 2022
I find it awkward reviewing nonfiction so I'll just keep it short.
This book was very informative but I feel like it might not be the best for a beginner. The way it's written is a little off-putting. I just feel like it could've been edited for clarity a bit better but maybe it's just me and my short attention span. Maybe if I fast my mind I could focus better. I'd like to reread it at some point.
It explains a lot about how to fast your mind and the numerous benefits of doing so. It describes different meditation techniques, lifestyle changes, diet changes, etc that help with fasting the mind. The book explores some Buddhist and Taoist meditation practices and beliefs. It explains a lot about how your mind works, how brains evolved and how the body and mind are connected. Some of it is very basic but I learned a lot of new things. I realized how bad some of my habits are and it made me think about which habits I have that are contributing to anxiety, sleep problems, lack of mental clarity and focus etc.
It's a short book so not very in depth but I found it helpful.
This book was very informative but I feel like it might not be the best for a beginner. The way it's written is a little off-putting. I just feel like it could've been edited for clarity a bit better but maybe it's just me and my short attention span. Maybe if I fast my mind I could focus better. I'd like to reread it at some point.
It explains a lot about how to fast your mind and the numerous benefits of doing so. It describes different meditation techniques, lifestyle changes, diet changes, etc that help with fasting the mind. The book explores some Buddhist and Taoist meditation practices and beliefs. It explains a lot about how your mind works, how brains evolved and how the body and mind are connected. Some of it is very basic but I learned a lot of new things. I realized how bad some of my habits are and it made me think about which habits I have that are contributing to anxiety, sleep problems, lack of mental clarity and focus etc.
It's a short book so not very in depth but I found it helpful.
April 19, 2022
I had big expectations because of the reviews of this book. I put two stars because, if this is your first book ever on spirituality combined with some scientific info, you can get some interesting ideas from it. If not, it is a waste of time, i kept on reading it till the end hoping to get something new, nothing...
May 4, 2022
great zen introduction
It was fun reading and gained lots knowledge about eastern traditions and how to apply in day to day life. Author has craft-fully explained the fasting the mind methods and worth reading.
It was fun reading and gained lots knowledge about eastern traditions and how to apply in day to day life. Author has craft-fully explained the fasting the mind methods and worth reading.
October 2, 2023
I don't recommend this book. The first 2 chapters were great. Then it just went on and on and on and when it got to the point, it was just simple ideas that a million other books and articles recommend. Save your time and read something more meaningful.
July 16, 2022
A must read! I wish everyone could read this book
October 11, 2024
Mental Detox
Mental detox or fasting the mind is so important. I have realized this the hard way (and perhaps the only way). For a big part of my life I have been engaged in soaking more and more knowledge, reading more and more books and diving deeper and deeper, trying to absorb it all until I have collapsed mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Right now, I am finishing whatever books I have in my library and giving them all away. I am barely connecting to social media and do not spend time chitchatting with other people. I don't read the news even though there is a war in my country as of writing this review, and I am not really interested in having arguements or debates with people. Just peace, stillness, enjoying what I love doing and being the Magick in this world.
This also applies to the sort of food I take. I don't consume artificial sugar at all and it becoming more and more difficult for me to consume meat.
I do wish that Mr. Jason Gregory would dedicate a larger part to the practicality and how to do the methods described throughout the book.
Mental detox or fasting the mind is so important. I have realized this the hard way (and perhaps the only way). For a big part of my life I have been engaged in soaking more and more knowledge, reading more and more books and diving deeper and deeper, trying to absorb it all until I have collapsed mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Right now, I am finishing whatever books I have in my library and giving them all away. I am barely connecting to social media and do not spend time chitchatting with other people. I don't read the news even though there is a war in my country as of writing this review, and I am not really interested in having arguements or debates with people. Just peace, stillness, enjoying what I love doing and being the Magick in this world.
This also applies to the sort of food I take. I don't consume artificial sugar at all and it becoming more and more difficult for me to consume meat.
I do wish that Mr. Jason Gregory would dedicate a larger part to the practicality and how to do the methods described throughout the book.
December 23, 2025
This is an example of when "attacking" the author's personality is not an ad hominem fallacy. As the type of person the messenger is can undercut the message they're spreading.
The way he speaks about modern music and musicians, calling their work garbage and they "not real musicians". As well as his general attitude and denigrating of western people, culture, and ideas while fetishizing everything eastern, calling Eastern beliefs more mature, makes one suspect whether the information and practices he's sharing are of any use when they either created or couldn't change the type of person he is.
"Because of analytical thinking those in the west divide the world into opposites that are separate and isolated. God and humanity are opposites, likewise black and white. Female and male, and so on. This way of thinking is completely opposite to that of the east and many indigenous cultures." -The author, without any hint of irony to the fact that he's talking about the difference between western and eastern people and their views, perceptions, and beliefs.
The way he speaks about modern music and musicians, calling their work garbage and they "not real musicians". As well as his general attitude and denigrating of western people, culture, and ideas while fetishizing everything eastern, calling Eastern beliefs more mature, makes one suspect whether the information and practices he's sharing are of any use when they either created or couldn't change the type of person he is.
"Because of analytical thinking those in the west divide the world into opposites that are separate and isolated. God and humanity are opposites, likewise black and white. Female and male, and so on. This way of thinking is completely opposite to that of the east and many indigenous cultures." -The author, without any hint of irony to the fact that he's talking about the difference between western and eastern people and their views, perceptions, and beliefs.
January 7, 2024
Throughout the book, Jason demonstrates a profound understanding of both western psychology and the knowledge of the many ancient "explorers of consciousness" who wrote about these matters millennia ago. He effectively shares this invaluable knowledge in a way that is easily applicable to the contemporary world, easily digestible, and resonates deeply.
February 9, 2024
Brilliant book. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Straight to the point & discusses too many perspectives without trying to impose any and also allowing the readers to make sense of it all. Very well researched but without jargon. Everyone on the path should read it at least once. However, I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back to it as a reference again.
April 15, 2025
To Fast the mind and get back to your original nature of emptiness, where the divine presence of the universe moves through you.
You have a choice. Know yourself and chose for yourself, or others will do it for you and to you.
You have a choice. Know yourself and chose for yourself, or others will do it for you and to you.
November 16, 2025
"stop planning, stop competing, stop thinking and just breathe deeply..."
The book blurb was written by a marketing team but the content doesn't necessarily mesh.
Very dense, so I read just bits at a time. Covers a lot of ground for a slim volume. Skims and skirts around a lot of very profound concepts.
Talks about the parallels between Buddhism and Hinduism, the development of Taosim and Confucianism, Chang Tzu, the practice/benefit of retreating from society to fast for just a period in time vs. decades. Links between the ancient concepts of samskara and hot and cold cognition. Similarities between Plato's charioteer and the Chinese water manager metaphor. Lots to contemplate!
It's a bit rambly. The bibliography added hugely to my reading list
- Joseph Campbell: The Power of Myth
- Owen Flanagan: The Bodhisattva's Brain
- Tenzin Gyatso: on the meaning of OM MANI PADME HUM www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tib/omph.htm
-Thich Nat Hanh: Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise
- Alan Watts: Tao; + The Way of Zen
The book blurb was written by a marketing team but the content doesn't necessarily mesh.
Very dense, so I read just bits at a time. Covers a lot of ground for a slim volume. Skims and skirts around a lot of very profound concepts.
Talks about the parallels between Buddhism and Hinduism, the development of Taosim and Confucianism, Chang Tzu, the practice/benefit of retreating from society to fast for just a period in time vs. decades. Links between the ancient concepts of samskara and hot and cold cognition. Similarities between Plato's charioteer and the Chinese water manager metaphor. Lots to contemplate!
It's a bit rambly. The bibliography added hugely to my reading list
- Joseph Campbell: The Power of Myth
- Owen Flanagan: The Bodhisattva's Brain
- Tenzin Gyatso: on the meaning of OM MANI PADME HUM www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tib/omph.htm
-Thich Nat Hanh: Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise
- Alan Watts: Tao; + The Way of Zen
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews