John Corrigan, professor in American religious studies, says that these are the five Christian practices or ideals that lead to a feeling of emptiness.

1. Fasting: emptying the stomach symbolizes emptying the self.

2. Bloodletting: draining oneself to be renewed.

3. Tears: weeping shows a willingness to be filled, thus one must be empty.

4. Work: Sweating is seen as a form of emptying oneself, and more recently, as a religious experience.

5. Sex: Emptying oneself into another person.