Eid Awaits: How Fasting for Ramadan Teaches US to Slow Down, Reconnect, and Find Joy in Simple Pleasures

Let me tell you a story. Right now, as I write this, we’re in the middle of Ramadan, the month of fasting, reflection, and renewal. Ten days have already passed, which means we’re a third of the way through. Ten days of early mornings, late nights, and the quiet discipline of abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Ten days of pushing through the hunger, the fatigue, and the occasional temptation to give in. But here’s the thing: even in the midst of the challenge, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
For me, that light is Eid.
Eid isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reward. It’s the promise of three days filled with joy, connection, and the simple pleasure of slowing down. Three days to reset, to recharge, and to remind myself why I embarked on this journey in the first place. And that anticipation? It’s powerful. It’s what keeps me going when the days feel long and the nights feel short. It’s the reminder that, after the discipline, there is joy.
I can already picture it: the morning of Eid, waking up to the sound of laughter and the smell of sweet dishes filling the air. The excitement of putting on new clothes, the warmth of hugs from loved ones, the shared gratitude for making it through another Ramadan. And then, the moment I look forward to most, sitting outside, barefoot on the grass, a cup of tea in my hands. The sun is warm, the breeze is gentle, and for the first time in weeks, I feel... still. Not just physically, but mentally. My mind, which has been racing with prayers, reflections, and to-do lists, finally quiets. I’m not thinking about what comes next or what I have to do. I’m just there, present, soaking in the moment.
And that’s when it hits me: this is the reward. Not the food, not the gifts, not even the celebration itself, but the permission to slow down, to reconnect, to let go. It’s as if my body and mind are reminding me of something I’d forgotten: that joy isn’t something you earn or achieve. It’s something you allow.
Science tells us that moments like these, moments of rest, connection, and simple pleasure, flood our brains with dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. They recharge us, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. They remind us that life isn’t just about the grind; it’s about the pauses, the breaths, the small, beautiful moments in between.
So, as I sit here now, halfway through Ramadan, I’m already looking forward to those three days of Eid. Not just for the celebration, but for the reset. For the chance to step outside, feel the grass beneath my feet, and breathe in the air. For the laughter, the hugs, and the quiet moments of gratitude. For the reminder that, even in the midst of chaos, there is always a way to slow down, to reconnect, and to find joy in the simplest of things.
And here’s my invitation to you: Whatever your version of Eid is, whatever your celebration, your pause, your moment of reconnection, give yourself permission to embrace it. Step outside. Feel the earth beneath your feet. Breathe in the air. Let yourself laugh, rest, and simply be.
Because here’s the truth: Life isn’t just about the big wins or the grand gestures. It’s about the small, quiet moments that remind us why we’re here. It’s about the joy of recharging, the beauty of slowing down, and the power of simple pleasures.
And that’s a celebration we all deserve. 🌙✨