Jews fast 24 hours but just once a month (on average), once a week for some. Ramadan has always impressed me for the inclusion of increased charity in combination with fasting. It is so easy to become grouchy and uncharitable while feeling deprivation. Expressing gratitude through charity - awesome.
I have found similar reflections during Lent before but I absolutely loved reading these.The disciplines religion gives us provides the inner changes that transform us into becoming better human beings. I wish you and your family Eid Mubarak and I love the Incision.
Appreciate this “story” about Ramadan. I am unknowing about it all. Enjoyed your explanation..but have some concern about your caffeine intake, truly..☹️☺️ And just a personal message-I voted for you!
Thank you, Abdul. I have a much deeper understanding of the Ramadan fast now than I did before. Your commentary on “radical non-consumption” takes Dr. King’s warning against “extreme materialism” further and in a very useful direction. I’m also reminded of my hero Henry David Thoreau’s statement that “a man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to leave alone.”
Excellent column and lots of food for thought for me. As Kathie Lou mentioned, I am Christian and "celebrate" Lent. I am goiing to print this and reread it next year.
Very insightful about how we survive with our purpose to our religion and faith. I have done something of a fast for three days that ended with a hike to the woods where I was able to find some sense of spiritual balance.
So it is very important to take it upon ourselves to hold ourselves steady and honest to appreciate and never forget the struggle to improve.
Jews fast 24 hours but just once a month (on average), once a week for some. Ramadan has always impressed me for the inclusion of increased charity in combination with fasting. It is so easy to become grouchy and uncharitable while feeling deprivation. Expressing gratitude through charity - awesome.
I have found similar reflections during Lent before but I absolutely loved reading these.The disciplines religion gives us provides the inner changes that transform us into becoming better human beings. I wish you and your family Eid Mubarak and I love the Incision.
Thanks for that reflection, Kathie! And thanks for reading.
Wonderful, thoughtful comments about consumption. So important, including for our solving the climate crisis.
absolutely, Jan. At the end of the day, we have to reckon with the fact that producers produce because we consume.
Appreciate this “story” about Ramadan. I am unknowing about it all. Enjoyed your explanation..but have some concern about your caffeine intake, truly..☹️☺️ And just a personal message-I voted for you!
appreciate you, Berta!
Thank you, Abdul. I have a much deeper understanding of the Ramadan fast now than I did before. Your commentary on “radical non-consumption” takes Dr. King’s warning against “extreme materialism” further and in a very useful direction. I’m also reminded of my hero Henry David Thoreau’s statement that “a man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to leave alone.”
That's a really insightful quote, Steve. Thanks!
Excellent column and lots of food for thought for me. As Kathie Lou mentioned, I am Christian and "celebrate" Lent. I am goiing to print this and reread it next year.
Eid Mubarak
Very insightful about how we survive with our purpose to our religion and faith. I have done something of a fast for three days that ended with a hike to the woods where I was able to find some sense of spiritual balance.
So it is very important to take it upon ourselves to hold ourselves steady and honest to appreciate and never forget the struggle to improve.
Absolutely--though we may find our spiritual selves differently, we must seek to find them.
Well said! I love the marathoner analogy.
Wish I could share this article with friends who are not Incision subscribers.
Glad it resonated--and you can share!
As-Salaam-Alaikum
wa alaikum as salam, Gene!!