In our house, this is a special moment. We are fasting for Ramadan this month.
The way that fasting itself makes us rise for 5am morning
meals and prayer and the way it brings us together again for iftars (meals to
break the fast) are beautiful. Seeing the children making efforts to observe
the fast inspires Shannon and me as parents.
Ramadan is a chance to step back from the normal, taking
away food and drink, to help de-clutter the rest of our lives. It is beautiful
in its simplicity. It is strong medicine that works as a spiritual laxative, cleaning us out.
As a family, we also reflect on how our observance ties in
with others.
Today in the Jewish calendar is Purim, a joyous Jewish
holiday celebrating the rescue of the Persian Jewish community from a genocide
plot, as told in the Book of Esther. Like Ramadan, charity is a focus of the
holiday.
Meanwhile, we are in the 13th day of Lent, a time
for increased prayer, fasting and charity in the Catholic tradition that runs
for 40 days, ending in Easter.
The Baha’i community has entered their Holy Month of Ala as
of March 1st with a 19-day fast that leads them to Naw-Ruz, the Baha’i
New Year. Giving to others is again emphasized, particularly in the days before
the fast begins.
Many of our Indigenous communities also observe periods of
fasting and ceremony at this time of the year.
Add to that the lunar eclipse of this morning and you can’t
help but feel that this is a blessed moment.
I invite you to step back today, taking a few moments/minutes/hours
to breathe in the collective focus, wisdom and intention from these traditions:
Prayer and seeking
guidance from Creator
Giving to others,
caring for those around us
Suffering in small
ways to help us see our blessings more clearly
Decluttering our
lives, so that we can focus on things most important
Blessings to each and every one of you!
