05/12/2021
My perspective of Ramadan, Eid, and Mindfulness By Syed Murtaza, Life Mentor at PsychAssets
"Writing about the self-study model, mindfulness, social advocacy, identity, and authenticity, I feel it's important to share my own journey of self-study. I want to recognize the difficulty many of us face being our authentic-self and write this in hopes that we move closer to loving ourselves more. Every year, Ramadan brings about a mixed bag of emotions for me; excitement for the traditions, customs, and celebrations. Anxiety for admitting I haven't been fasting or praying. Mainly feeling inadequate, feeling that I can't justify celebrating, that I'm not Muslim enough to be considered Muslim."
"I've had my own identity erased many times because of what I do or don't believe, but I also recognize the harm I may have caused for judging my Muslim brothers and sisters. I feel that we carry a litmus test, deciding who is religious enough to be Muslim in our eyes. My reflections have led me to the realization that I cannot gatekeep an identity from someone or shame them out of their identity for not believing what I believe."
"My responsibility is to foster and encourage reflection, and to facilitate self-acceptance. As I've gotten the opportunity to hear about the experiences of others and the pride they carry with their identities, I've been able to recognize that I am free to be who I am and be proud."
" I challenge us all take the time to reflect on impacts and contributions we have played in each others lives, striving to elevate every individual to the best they can be. I wish everyone Eid Mubarak."
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