Asceticism in Puerto Rico: A Journey to Simplicity and Self-Discovery Asceticism, at its core, is the practice of self-discipline and renunciation of worldly comforts in pursuit of spiritual or personal enlightenment. This school of thought has deep roots in philosophies like those of the ancient Cynics, Stoics, and even Buddhism. This definition of asceticism resonates deeply with my journey, though I did not arrive at it through books or formal teachings. I knew nothing of these philosophies when I first set foot on this path. Instead, here in Puerto Rico, surrounded by nature’s raw beauty, I found that I needed to discard my many layers of conformity and shed my…