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Ramadan 2024 is closing out and I cannot be more thankful. Not for my eating schedule to go back to normal or even my sleep routine, but for the clarity Ramadan brings most Muslims during the holy month; it feels like a gift from God every year.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan serves as a period of fasting from dawn until sunset, from not only food and drink but also from negative thoughts, actions and behaviors. This practice creates discipline, self-control and empathy, a deeper connection with your faith as well as awareness of the less fortunate. Through the physical act of fasting, you are reminded of the spiritual essence and the importance of gratitude, humility and compassion.
Gratitude >< Ramadan
Sometimes we go through our daily lives not realizing how blessed we are. No matter what your current circumstances are, you’re blessed. My cousin always tells me, “As you go, it goes.” When you are happy and filled with gratitude, your days are golden. Once you let negative thoughts creep in, you go with them. What does this have to do with Ramadan? During this month we gather with loved ones, pray, laugh and talk about what we are grateful for, and you can just feel the positivity once you enter the room. I’ve been also very fortunate to have non-Muslim friends, co-workers and mentors participate in fasting. The amount of peace they feel during this time is unmatched.
From our good friends over at Elev8:
One of the key ways gratitude enhances our well-being is by shifting our focus from what is lacking to what is present. We live in a world often dominated by a scarcity mindset, so acknowledging and appreciating the abundance in our lives can bring about a profound shift in perspective. It’s important to note that this shift is not about ignoring our challenges or the troubles of the world, but about recognizing the positive aspects that coexist with difficulties. Therefore, gratitude can help us cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, and by making gratitude a consistent part of our daily routines, we can foster a positive mindset that contributes to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
SEE ALSO: How Gratitude Can Optimize Your Well-Being—And 4 Simple Ways to Practice It
I’d like to leave you with some reminders of what you should be thankful for during Ramadan and beyond!
- The Opportunity for Spiritual Renewal
- Community and Fellowship
- Acts of Charity and Generosity
- Health and Well-being
- Culture and Traditions
SEE ALSO:
Ramadan In Gaza: What Meaning Can Holy Month’s Fast Have For Those With Nothing To Eat?
Ramadan: How Public Schools Are Recognizing The Sacred Islamic Month
Eid Mubarak! What To Be Thankful For This Holy Month Of Ramadan was originally published on elev8.com
