Ramadan and Easter: Caring for the body and soul of another

Last weekend at the No Kings rallies, one of the themes shared by the speakers was caring for our neighbors and community. This is something that Minnesotans are good at.  We love to bring a hot dish or shovel a sidewalk. We show up for the physical care of one another. But we can’t forget the spiritual care for ourselves and our communities. Focusing on our spiritual practices, if you will.

During the occupation I had the honor of keeping watch outside of a local mosque during Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and strengthening community ties. Several times over the course of the Islamic religious period, I would stand outside and always with another neighbor to keep watch, as an observer, for the mosque. We welcomed congregants gathering for evening prayer, while keeping a watchful eye on the vehicles driving past.

On my second night, my fellow observer remarked that it was a spiritual practice to watch out for your fellow neighbor. I was surprised at first, since I hadn’t considered it that way, but he was correct; what we were doing absolutely was a spiritual practice. We were intentionally standing silent—keeping vigil over our neighbors as they engaged in sacred practices—while reflecting on connection and relationship.

The care we were providing for our neighbors is similar to the Easter story in Christian traditions: caring for the body and soul of another during a time of need. We can all find ways to care for each other in big and small ways. And maybe some of these physical acts of care, with intention, can also turn into spiritual practices.

As we enter this next season (false spring, but soon to be real spring), I encourage us all to reflect on what our own spiritual practice might be in areas we hadn’t considered before. Maybe it’s washing the dishes. Maybe it’s walking the dog. Maybe it’s self regulating so you can co-regulate children. Whatever it might be for you, I welcome you to consider your connection to the greater community and what that means for you.

In Gratitude,

Clare Tralle, Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program Coordinator

P.S. If you’re looking for human connection as part of your spiritual practice this season, this Saturday, April 4, there are several Circle Suppers happening around town—RSVP here to share a meal with other First U congregants. Also, this Sunday, April 5, beginning at 2 p.m., “Connecting with meaning in uncertain times,” a small group hosted by First U congregant Rachel Bialostosky, will have their first gathering. Learn more and RSVP here.