April 3, 2022
Welcome, and Happy April! We are truly into Spring – how wonderful that is!
We are at the beginning of Ramadan, the month-long holiday that represents the holiest time of the year for millions of Muslims worldwide. This year, Ramadan began at sunset on April 1 and lasts until sunset on May 1. As a time of reflection and examination, Ramadan represents so well our April theme of Review and Renew. We are looking forward to our gathering on April 10, 2022, when Kemal Korucu (well known to us from years past!) will speak to us on the spiritual meaning of Ramadan.
Ramadan represents the period in which the Prophet Mohammed received the first visitation from the archangel Gabriel, delivering the revelations later compiled in the Muslim holy scripture, the Qu’ran. Every year in the month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. It’s a time of examination, purification, and reflection. Many Muslims make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca during this period, enacting physically the spiritual journey they take internally.
What a gift it is to have a period of time, whether it’s thirty days as in Ramadan, forty days as in Lent, or any other period of time, set aside to remind us of the need to go within, reflect and assess. Are we showing up as we would like? Where have we grown, and where might we need to focus more? Are we living the values we espouse, and, if not, can we start?
Do you have time in your busy life to stop, and reflect? Can you give yourself this gift – working in a time, every day, to remind yourself of the greater truths – who you are, why you are here, how you wish to live. Let’s give ourselves that time and that space – celebrating new life, new awakenings in this holy season.
Love to all,
Melanie
