Hey folks!
I will be updating my blog about my experience with the fasting that occurs with Ramadan. For those that are not familiar I will be fasting from food and beverage from sun rise to sunset. Not only do you fast from food you will also fast from other normal behaviors and trying to be good and gracious person for the whole month. For me all of this is a tall order!!! But I will try. It is important to say it not required for people with medical conditions, nursing mothers or women on their menses to fast. I just chose to do so even though I am Type 2. I have participated in the fast for the past 7-8 years before my health condition changed. So for me it is mainly an issue of mind over matter. Believe me if I feel that I am struggling or I am about to be hypoglycemic I will look for have orange juice with me at all time. I will take several big sips. I have 2 big rolls of fat on me so I know I won’t be starving anytime soon.
A friend of mine that is Muslim told me that Americans are slaves to their appetite. I sat and thought about and I had to agree with him. Normally if we don’t get what we want in 2 seconds we are ready to scream and cry. Not eating food all the time is another way to teach patience is a virtue. I am not suggesting that one should starve themselves. I am questioning do we need to eat and graze on food each and everything we put it into our months? Are we hungry for the right reasons or because we didn’t feed ourselves properly? It is also about will power. I know if I am able to accomplish – even if it is for 2 weeks- then I should be able to try and do other things. It is not only a challenge for the body but it is a challenge for the mind. I am not asking people to understand and agree with everything I say. If you have an opinion I would love to hear it too.
The 3rd time I participated in the fast taught me a few lessons. Since I knew I wasn’t going to eat till after sunset this made me think of other ways to utilize my mind. I read books, I went to the movies, I meditate, I got manicures, and pedicures done etc… It allowed me to focus on the million other things I could be doing with my time besides grazing on food continuously.
I am open to hearing any comments and opinions. I would like to create a dialogue. If you are Muslim what are some tips you have used to get through the fast.
Regards,
C
Posted in 
