With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan beginning at sundown, this is a great time to contemplate the value of fasting. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating from dawn until dusk to remember the less fortunate and reinforce gratitude.

Intermittent fasting has become quite popular for weight loss and cleansing. Can you dedicate part of the day to consciously fast from something? It doesn’t have to be food. It could be fasting from social media, television, shopping, or news media. By consciously abstaining from these things, you will cultivate an awareness of those less fortunate, intense gratitude for what you have access to, and an understanding of what you consume daily (and sometimes mindlessly).