Ramadan 2013

So here concludes the first day of fasting of Ramadan this year (well, about 30 minutes at time of post until breaking of the fast).


This year, I'm fasting in honor of and in favor of a few things:

1. The people of Syria. 
2. Peace in Cairo.
3. Help to the poor in America.
4. A few personal reasons.

(Perhaps I'll elaborate on 1-3 throughout the next month, who knows?)


This is something like my fourth or fifth year of observing Ramadan, but in the past I've always focused on the inward. I've spent my time and energy fasting and reflecting upon myself and my soul. While this definitely isn't a bad thing and has worked very well for me in the past, I wanted to add to that this year.

I've never really been a praying man. I always felt sort of sheepish doing it, so I would just close my eyes and peek occasionally to see if anyone else was finished praying. This year, I've decided that before Iftar and before sleeping, I'm going to try praying. I can't say it'll make me comfortable with it, but if nothing else I'll at least throw my energy towards good, I suppose.

I've also decided that I want to take on charity this year. Yes, I'm working for an organization that does good work, but I also want to make sure I am helping on a personal level those around me. In order to do this, I'm going to be giving away a granola bar/power bar/fruit bar/pop-tart every day to a homeless person I see on the way back from work (the bar/tart given away will be my "emergency" bar for the day - one I take with me just in case I feel too weak to fast).

Ramadan is not only a time for spiritual purity, but one to remind us of how hungry our neighbors may be. Fasting makes this empathy physical, as many will feel hungry during the day before finally eating that evening.

One last thing I want to add this year - I want to paint one watercolor every day. I have been teaching myself how to paint with watercolors, and my father was gracious enough to buy me quite the stock of supplies this past weekend. I want to make sure I appreciate the gifts I've been given, and use them to make myself better. Symbolic as it may be, I want to make an example to myself that self-discipline and small work can definitely pay off.


Edit: I realize there's been dispute over the start of Ramadan, but I set in my phone's calendar two months prior the start date google displays. (Sorta ironic and silly, but whatever!)