One of the great things about living in a multicultural metropolis like the GTA is that cultural experiences different from what you may be used to are never far from your doorstep. Last week marked the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, for Muslims the world over. Ramadan is most commonly known as a time when those who are able abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, but like most things, there’s more to it than the obvious. As a child, when I first began fasting, the hardest part was definitely not being able to eat during the day, but as I grew older it was the mental challenges of fasting that became more difficult. Here are just a few of the goals, and principles that fasting upholds: spirituality, self-control in a world of self-indulgence, controlling your thoughts, holding your tongue, sacrifice and compassion for those less fortunate, gratitude, patience, forgiveness, and discipline.
What I remember most about fasting when I was growing up were the amazing meals my mom would prepare and that we would as a family eat dinner together everyday regardless of our busy schedules. As my sisters and I got older, and life took us along many different paths we weren’t always able to celebrate these traditions, but I’m glad I’m able to treasure the memories of Ramadans past and it’s such a privilege to pass on these traditions and create new memories with a new generation!
Whether you’re Muslim or not, there’s definitely something about Ramadan everyone can identify with. If you’re fasting this month, Ramadan Kareem, and if you’re not I encourage you to try a mental fast if nothing else; it’s quite the experience!
Do Good, Feel Good, Live Good
-Team thinkGood.