Last night I attended the Interfaith Women’s Ramadan Iftar hosted by Brigid’s Place and Christ Church Cathedral. This was a wonderful dinner in which a variety of women came together to share a meal and discuss both commonalities and differences.

It began with a short program in the church. Opening remarks were made by Muffie Moroney, the representative from Christ Church Cathedral. This was followed by a short history of the iftar presented by  Maida Asofsky.  She shared how the tradition began as a Seder with Jewish women heading each table and in the past few years the iftar was added. Kafah Bachari Manna added her perspective with a beautiful speech regarding the misconceptions about the subservience (or not!) of Muslim women and a tribute to her mother, grandmothers and aunts who came before her. And finally Dr. Elora Shehabuddin of Rice University gave a talk on misconceptions about Islam and Muslim women in particular. This was followed by the sound of a cannon and the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer.

We then went into the hall to break the fast with dates and chai, this was followed by the evening or Maghreb prayer. Then we went to assigned tables where there were at least two Muslim women. The idea was that these women would head the table and lead the table in discussions around their unique life experiences. Our table actually discussed everything from the weather, to the best places to live, to our individual careers and interests – just like any other group of women geting together for the first time! The favorite topic, however, was the incredible food. This was a feast full of food representing typical Ramadan foods from all over the world. Lentil soup, rose-infused juice/tea, nuts, rice, chicken, kebab, dolma, salad, eggplant, two types of bread, sweets, etc. We were ready to pop by the end of it!

At the end of it this was a beautiful evening that I would highly recommend in which “women of all faiths will unite to celebrate and honor Muslim women’s contributions to the arts, sciences, religious and academic scholarship, politics and everyday life.” Ramadan Mubarak!!

Today I am working busily on the final touches for my workshop this weekend entitled: Ritual – Bringing the Sacred to Your Everyday Life. It is going to be full of information, exercises, creating your own rituals and lots of fun making new friends. I can hardly wait!

There are so many little things that have to get done before then: Type up the outline, pick out some supporting stories, poems, etc., create the handouts, create the parting gifts (oh, yes – fun stuff!), and purchase supplies…I’m sure there’s more, but no need to bore you with the details!

If you are in the Houston area on Saturday, I encourage you to join us. The cost is only $45 and it lasts from 1 PM until 5 PM – giving you plenty of time for morning errands and evening fun!

We will be going over:

• What is ritual? It may not be what you think!
• Who does it? Everyone at some point or another!
• Why do they do it? Different and varied reasons
• When should you do it? You tell me!
• Where should you do it? Anywhere and everywhere! Oh dear, how does that work??
• And last, but not least, how??? Well, come on over and find out!

If you feel like your days have become meaningless and unfocused, bringing the sacred into your everyday life will certainly bump things up a notch! Click here to register: http://theblissfulsoul.com/events/ritual-bringing-the-sacred-to-everyday-life/

See you there!

Rev. Trish

August 21, 2010 1 – 5 PM Central

Location: Spectrum Center, Houston, TX

Cost: $45

Ritual is a universal language that brings substance, meaning and peace to our lives. It is important to honor the significant moments in our lives: both happy and challenging. Whether you’re releasing fear, bringing deeper meaning to a family or community gathering or celebrating an important event, rituals can enhance daily routines, enrich milestones, and guide us through difficult transitions.

Do you want more peace in your life?

Are you going through a transition period?

Are you facing a challenge?

Do you feel stuck in your business or personal life?

Ritual is the cornerstone of not only religious traditions, but also of our daily lives. It brings us back to ourselves, to our center and to the Divine. This in turn helps us create lives of peace, nurturing, honor, joy and abundance.

Learn:

•    How to incorporate Ritual into your everyday life without effort
•    How to create your own ritual
•    About the elements of ritual
•    When you should use ritual