Have you ever wanted to be a different religion than you currently are? I don’t mean like converting. I mean it in the sense of having a different life; perhaps even literally being born into a different family and culture, such that your whole belief system is completely different from what it is now. Well, anyway, I have (which, I suppose, was already rather obvious, seeing as I’ve brought it up and all…).
Growing up, and even still nowadays, I found myself occasionally longing to be a member of a culture similar to that of Islam’s culture. I realize there are many concerns that have arisen in recent history regarding the religion. However, that is not the point here. The point is their beautiful dedication to their religion.
Whenever I pass the Prayer & Meditation Room in hospitals and comparable establishments, known to be filled with people of varying cultures and belief systems, I usually double back and go inside the room. When inside, I see the prayer books, and sometimes even the mats for prayer and the compass-perfect layout of the room (for those who pray in a certain direction), and I feel a sort of longing. From something deep inside, I feel an attachment to these strong religious practices.
Praying so many times a day, at certain times of day, using specific prayers and motions…, you really have to plan ahead in your day. We have a soccer tournament today, so we’ll take a break between these games and these games… do you have the mats? Just a normal Saturday, right? Your religion ends up on the forefront of your mind from the moment you wake up, to the last prayer before sleep. (Plus, with the Hijab for a woman, it is even more prevalent in one’s day. (Actually, I regularly wear a head covering for yoga, and sometimes even just life, and I wish it were more accepted, such that I could really wear one whenever I wanted.))
Perhaps it is simply that the practicers of Islam seem to have such extreme dedication, that it is as though they ‘have it all together’ or something. That I experience their dedication as a sort of clarity and true love in their lives…, and I want that clarity and love in my life, too. Perhaps it is that it just seems so special to me, their religious practices, and I therefore want to be part of the something special. I think it is just that I find beauty in it all – the practice, the dedication, the thought-out-ness of implementing it in life -, and I want that beauty. I want beauty to abound in my life, and this is just one other way that I could bring beauty into my life…
I know there is so much more I could say, and so many better ways in which I could say what I’ve already said (although it is all writing, as opposed to actual speaking), but I think that up there gives a somewhat accurate portrayal of my thoughts and sentiment on the matter… somewhat. ;P
hannah ananas 