Mindfulness thoughts to reflect upon this Ramadan (Part 1)

Ramadan is a time of many special traditions for Muslims that includes mainly fasting for the entire month. The beginning of the month always brings beautiful feelings of internal peace and increased spirituality. But as the days pass, we can easily get carried away, forgetting the positive aspects of fasting and start feeling frustrated.

On that occasion, I would like to invite non Muslims to join the Muslim community during this holy month in practising mindfulness in their daily lives. The practise of mindfulness is one that is common to all religions and spiritual schools in the world. It is one that connects us together and helps us ground ourselves.

Simply put, mindfulness is a practice that helps clear our minds of modern clutter and become thankful for what we have instead of obsessing over what we don’t.

Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, wrote: “As soon as you honour the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolves, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love – even the simplest action,”.

How to spend a mindful Ramadan?

Thought 1: Hunger is not a choice for some

It is a harsh reality to face when we are confronted with poverty and starvation. Most of us go on with our lives without meeting any extremely poor of starving beings. That doesn’t mean they are not around, in places where we do go looking. Hunger is not a choice for some but a daily struggle.

Giving any time of the year and especially during Ramadan to the less fortunate is a small act of kindness that goes a long way.

Thought 2: The power of our words

Many of us are not mindful of how we speak to others and ourselves. We are quick to say what is on our mind and respond to others, not thinking of how our words are perceived by the person in front of us. Words are extremely powerful. Positive words can be uplifting and inspiring, while negative words can be destructive and hurtful

Fasting during Ramadan is a lot more than not eating and drinking. Let’s try fasting from gossiping, lying and condescension. It is important that we become more mindful of what we say and how we speak given the impact these words have on the person in front of us.

Applying mindfulness to our modern day life can truly help us manage our emotions whether during fasting or for the rest of the year. We encourage you to practice it and share with us how this technique has impacted your life, thoughts and relationships.

Have a blessed Ramadan.

Resources:

http://www.stateofformation.org/2014/07/ramadan-and-mindfulness/

Picture References:

http://paradise4kids.org/should-christians-give-to-the-poor/