Over the span of a year, many people tend to lead fast-paced lives. They become focused on always moving towards the next goal, sometimes easily forgetting to appreciate the little things in life that bring happiness. Ramadan, to many, is a month in which life slows down and gratitude is placed at the front and center. Aspects of life that may have been in the background in other days start to become the focus during this month. Thoughts begin to circulate about the purpose of life, spiritual connection, patience, giving, and the blessings of food, water, and loved ones.
Gratitude and Ramadan
Gratitude helps people realize just how much they have. It is often with this realization that it becomes clear how much others may lack. The month of Ramadan disciplines people to let go of greed. It puts an emphasis on the idea of the community and coming together to build it on a strong foundation. Because of this, Ramadan encourages people to help and give to those who need it with the intention of supporting them. In other words, it reminds people to put good out into the world in order to receive good in their lives. Ultimately, it comes down to this: the success of the internal and ethical growth that people go through in Ramadan is measured by empathy and gratitude as outcomes.
Happiness may not seem so far and complex anymore. Pieces of happiness begin to be found in what matters the most: the increased connection with the higher power, the appreciation of one’s physical and mental health, the company of friends and family, and even that first sip of water or bite of food at iftar. Happiness starts to carry much more value than any materialistic item does, making it more meaningful and humbler. It hits on a deeper level, where acceptance and appreciation come naturally.
During other months of the year, many are driven to work towards attaining what they do not have. When they do reach it, they quickly look for the next thing that they lack in order to, again, work towards attaining it. It can become an overwhelming and tiring cycle to constantly go through. However, Ramadan gives people a month to slow down and restart. It gives 30 much-needed days to reconnect spiritually, reflect on blessings, and rewire the mind and body to be thankful for the little things and, in turn, give back.