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| source : edition.cnn.com |
I’ll be honest, holidays used to just be about food and days off for me. I’d show up for the gathering, eat too much, maybe post something nice on Instagram, and then go back to my usual scroll-scroll-scroll lifestyle.
But something shifted this year as I read more about Eid-al-Adha, a holiday deeply rooted in sacrifice, faith, and giving, and I realized, this isn’t just a spiritual tradition. It’s also a beautiful, real-world blueprint for living more mindfully.
And no, you don’t have to be Muslim to learn something here. At its core, Eid is about being present, connected, and purpose-driven, which is exactly what mindfulness is all about.
Let’s break it down.
Mindfulness in the Story of Sacrifice
Eid-al-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (or Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son out of complete trust in God. At the last moment, he was stopped and a ram was offered instead, symbolizing faith, surrender, and divine mercy.
It’s a story you might’ve heard in different religious traditions, but what hit me this time is how this kind of surrender requires serious mindfulness.
Letting go. Trusting the process. Doing the hard thing, even when you don’t see the outcome.
Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting quietly, sometimes, it’s about acting with clarity and intention, even when everything feels uncertain.
🌱 Finding the Silver Lining in Tough Times
Dr. Gabriel Reynolds, a scholar of Islamic studies, says that one of the biggest takeaways from Islamic spirituality is the value of patience and faith through trials.
Let’s be real: modern life isn’t short on stress. But when you train your mind to search for meaning or growth, even in hard moments, that’s mindfulness in action.
And no, this isn’t toxic positivity. It’s about choosing resilience.
Not denying your struggle, but refusing to let it define your mindset.
Trusting the Process (Even If You Don’t See the Ending Yet)
Another part of the Eid story? Ibrahim’s wife, Hajar, left alone in the desert with her baby, desperately searching for water.
She didn’t just sit there hoping for a miracle. She ran, between two hills, seven times. And eventually, a spring of water (Zamzam) gushed from the ground.
What I take from this? Do the work. Hustle if you must. But at the same time, trust that life has a way of meeting your effort with reward.
That kind of surrender mixed with action? It’s grounding. It’s mindful. It’s powerful.
Giving Isn’t Just Charity, It’s a Soul Cleanse
One of my favorite parts of Eid is the act of qurbani, sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and those in need.
Even if you’re not into the idea of meat-sharing, the heart of this act is generosity.
And research backs this up: giving, whether your time, money, or presence, improves your mood, lowers stress, even helps your heart health.
Psychologist Dr. Yasmine Saad calls it “feeding the soul.” And honestly, she’s right.
Volunteering at a soup kitchen, cooking for a sick friend, donating without expecting recognition, these acts anchor you to a sense of meaning.
And in a world that often feels scattered and empty, that sense of “I matter to someone” is pure medicine.
You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone
Eid is celebrated over three full days. That’s three days of calls, prayers, hugs, meals, and connection. It’s not a rush-in, rush-out kind of holiday.
Psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel says humans survive by forming communities, and the science backs it up: people with strong social networks tend to have lower stress levels and longer lifespans.
So whether it’s reaching out to old friends or making space for people in your life who fill your cup, it’s not just nice. It’s necessary.
Fill Your Cup with What Fulfills You
Now not everyone can take a spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca. But you can still go on a “mini-pilgrimage” that fuels your spirit.
It could be a hike in the woods. A deep conversation over tea. Journaling, yoga, prayer, or just a quiet moment under the stars.
The goal? To reconnect with your “why.”
Dr. Rania Awaad of Stanford puts it beautifully: when you nourish your soul, you show up more grounded, not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.
Final Thoughts: Mindfulness Is Already in Your Life, You Just Need to Notice It
Eid reminded me that mindfulness isn’t about being perfectly zen or meditating on a mountaintop.
It’s about showing up fully, in joy, in struggle, in generosity, and in faith.
It’s hugging your people tighter. Giving when no one’s watching. Trusting when things feel out of control. And yes, it’s letting yourself be part of something bigger than just your own worries.
So no matter your faith, culture, or background, I hope you find your own moments of mindful celebration this season.
Even if it’s just one breath, one act of kindness, or one shared meal, that’s enough.