As humans there’s a pull that we feel, an attraction towards the divine. Some days it’s not just strong but also strengthens and you can reach higher levels of understanding. And some days and just questionable.

The month of Ramadan is a special month to focus on spiritual development, and while each year it’s not the same for me, I know the soul has seasons. And it’s always the ugly feeling of feeling guilty on not capitalising on the blessed month. I for one for the past 4 years have not been able to give my best, or just got exhausted because working and taking care of kids and responsibilites can be incredibly draining of energy. The energy that one would utilise on contemplation, or zikr, or recitation or memorisation of prayers etc.

But what does one do? Each year I’m fearful if I will be able to even make it till the month of Ramadan. And then if I do, will I waste it? And well perfection is not possible, but at times life and the surface level issues can distract us. Even good days, tasks, to-do lists, jobs can distract us from making the most of the month.

Here are few things I try to do.
1. I try to force myself to read about something, take up a project or a social work task wherein I am forced to read and increase my knowledge. Basically volunteer work, community service.
2. I pick up dua that I already love reciting, or know the meaning of , or like to listen to and just dwell on that
3. Think about my current spiritual situation, and Allah to guide me and open the Quran and pick a random verse and read about it, and understand it.
4. Listen to lectures (series of just one off lectures) by speakers I know I enjoy
5. Find videos that talk about the benefits of the month of Ramadan so that I am reminded, or get to know about its significance a little better. Knowledge is everything
6. I try to think about why Allah created me, and what does He want from me, and where is my delivery,

Needless to say, not all work all the time, not all are needed every time. But these are my go-to force myself into the rhythm things. I have loved picking up an ayah and totally adapting it to my life, memorising it, any verse that hits you deep. Those ayahs become your way of life, the last verse of Surah Ankaboot hit me solid two Ramadans ago, it took me time to memorise it, but since then I have shared it with others to whom it may be a source of inspiration. We will listen to lectures, or read up books, but it will be one quote, one concept, one word or phrase that will strike the heart. I have been looking for a new one….If you have suggestions do share!

So what’s the point of this post? It’s just a reminder that our soul has seasons, like the seasons of the earth. And some phases are low and some are more, but the idea is to keep tied to the rope of the Creator and ensure we have the right people around us that remind us of what we want.

Let your soul take the lead, it was created to move towards God.