What is asceticism, and is it limited to wearing patched clothes, fasting, and seclusion?

"Praise be to Allah.

Asceticism is not in wearing patched clothes or isolating from people or fasting for a lifetime; the Prophet, peace be upon him, was the master of the ascetics and he used to dress well, adorn himself, and mingle with people. True asceticism is abstaining from the unlawful, avoiding excess in worldly pleasures, engaging in acts of obedience, and preparing for the Hereafter. The best example of this is the practical life of the Prophet, peace be upon him."