A time to introspect
Ramadan 2022 is almost here, and as always, we welcome the holy month as a time for fasting, repentance and alms-giving. It is also a time for discipline and self-reflection. By gaining control over our physical needs, and by making the time to go inwards we seek a deeper connection with the Almighty.
Ramadan is a time to atone for all the ways in which we might have fallen short of our higher ideals. Through fasting, self-denial, prayers and acts of charity, practitioners grow closer to God and to their fellow human beings too, in this month of kindness, mercy and compassion.
Preparing the mind and body for Ramadan
Start fasting before Ramadan
Fasting is an age-old method of purifying the body. It’s an excellent way of detoxing the system, and often makes us feel lighter and more energetic. Fasting is also a mode of disciplining oneself by gaining control over one’s basic physical needs.
It’s a good idea to start preparing the body for the month-long fast by reducing one’s food intake in the days leading up to it. It’s advisable to fast for a few hours too, before beginning the obligatory month-long fast.
Praying
Although prayer is a year-long commitment, giving us strength and support to face life’s joys and sorrows with equanimity, Ramadan invites everyone to go deeper into their prayer lives. One way of doing this is by making more time daily to read the Quran and recite its verses.
Repentance
The more time spent in prayer, reflection and reading the Quran will naturally lead to a better understanding of one’s nature and all those areas where we tend to commit sins in word, thought and deed. While fasting helps in cleansing the body, our minds too need to be cleansed. This will help us in re-focusing on all those things that truly matter in life. This is an ideal time for self-correction and discipline and good habits.
Charity
The Quran teaches us that God blesses abundantly those who give generously in charity. It is also a path to gain the Almighty’s forgiveness. So, spend some time deciding on the causes you would like to support with your money and possibly your time too.
In the UAE, Ramadan is due to start on April 2, 2022.
Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center Dubai would like to support everyone, particularly all those fasting, with unique workshops on Sound Meditation, Yoga Nidra, deep breathing, and Reflexology.
The workshops will have more focus on meditation and deep breathing, creating an atmosphere conducive towards preserving one’s strength as one enters the final stages of fasting every day. To find out more and to register, call 050-395-5613.
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