Tuesday, August 17th will be the 7th day of Ramadan. We are nearly one fourth of the way through the month. It has been an uplifting process of renewal. This year, with the growth of social media, one hears Ramadan stories and lectures from various parts of the world and feels a connection to many people so far away. I like to listen to holistic teachers as that is the way I connect to people. I also enjoy reading inner journey blogs by Muslim counselors who can help in my own self evaluation.

For two years, I followed a blog by Jeewan Chanicka, a convert to Islam since the age of 11. I liked his Ramadan reflection series as he is a counselor who has helped many Muslims dealing with social problems and his reflections touch on his experience in those areas. His reflections take the reader on a journey within - a self evaluation of our thoughts, goals, intentions and sincerity. I enjoyed reading one reflection blog titled, "We are better, aren't we?" which discusses how we overlook all the help we have gotten to arrive at success and look down at those who are in need of a helping hand. We assume we got to where we are at by our own hard work. Jeewan asks the self: "Well, Who allowed us the ability to worked hard? Gave us the capabilities? Provided us the opportunities? If things were changed, would we be 'there' today?"

In this self reflection journey, Jeewan further asks the self the following questions regarding our interaction with others:

1) How does this person/these people reflect me?

2) What is it about ME that I need to change in order for the situation to change?

3) What does Allah want me to learn in life by placing me here?

4) If it is an issue that needs to be addressed: How can I address a concern while maintaining the dignity of the person I am speaking to (not about)

You can follow Jeewan in his inner journey at his Ramadan Reflections blog.

I will share other voices in the days to come.