Like most Muslims beginning Ramadan in 2022, I've been pondering on the reasons I fast and participate in Ramadan. I hope to at least write some of these down here.
April 2nd, 2022
After the first fast, I was immediatly reminded of how life can become so monotonous and routine in the most unintentional ways. There is something about eating breakfast, lunch and dinner that often defines my entire day. There is joy in these meals (and obvious sustenance) eaten with family and friends; even the preparation of them is a largely enjoyable part of life.
However, I am reminded of the way my day can just be moving from one of these to the next rather than being present for every moment. This can often extend to things beyond meals that people more obviously reflect on -- the 9-5 work schedule, the scheduled classes, your planned night outs.
This realization is particularly humbling given that this type of thing creeps up on you even if you are "in control" of the minituae of living a modern life. I hope to focus during this Ramadan on finding a routine that isn't so defined by scheduled events and rather more deliberate about the things that I truly enjoy.
April 30th, 2022
As Ramadan ends, I was thinking back to how it reminds me more of how useful it is to have those people you love and love you around you. Particularly, how holidays all remind you of that. In 2023, I hope to focus more on the spirtual side, but I think in 2022 I was really enjoying the communcal aspect.