“When a thing disturbs the peace of your heart give it up.” Prophet Muhammad
During March, I have been focusing on joy at the core of the spiritual life. But again, not as something we can fabricate--not a pretense. Rather, joy is a discovery. Admittedly, it is difficult to get past meanings, translations and definitions that vary in different languages and cultures; but whatever we name it, this aspect of life takes us beyond drudgery, suffering, burdens and sadness, to a lightness and affection for Creation--a smile and great gratitude for daily life.
This Wednesday, the Holy month of Ramadan begins for Muslims. It is a time to strengthen and deepen the connection to Allah, through spiritual practices and prayers. including a daily fast from sunrise to sundown. The month of Ramadan ends (sundown, April 21, 2023) with Eid-al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, that commemorates the cornerstone of Islam: Allah's revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Because the religious calendar is based on the moon, rather than solar cycle, the month of Ramadan varies each year. This year it overlaps with the Christian season of Lent, which began in February but continues for 6 and a half weeks, ending at sundown on April 6, 2023. This is the 40 day season of prayer, fasting, abstinence and giving that is the preparation for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the cornerstone of Christianity.
I am reminding you that there are quite likely well over a billion people, who are in a deeply spiritual (as well as cultural) process this month, focused on moving beyond the self. Even if we are independent spirits who do not identify with formal religion, we can honor their practice and open our minds and hearts to the Great Good that guides their way.
One further thought: how does the practice of fasting and other forms of self-denial as spiritual practice, relate to Joy? On a physical level, fasting is a reset for the body. That reset undoubtedly impacts us emotionally and mentally. This is not the intensity of a hunger strike; this is a movement that can restore balance between the things that please and nourish us in the outer world, and that which sustains us in our inner life. And through such practice we can begin to understand the Prophet Muhammad's words above. We discover we really can give up things which as individuals, "disturb the peace" of our hearts and block our Joy. (Susan Nettleton)
For thoughts on what might block your Joy, follow the links:
https://hillsidesource.com/.../2018/3/24/fasting-from-worry
https://hillsidesource.com/daily.../2018/6/17/surrender