Grit

Ramadan Mubarak

My favorite word in the Arabic language is a term called

صبر

Transliterated Sabr

Pronounced “sub•er”

It's a very complex word in Arabic that takes on many meanings. But the simplest definition in English would be patience. But in reality, there are a number of other definitions that are applicable:

Perseverance

Abstemiousness

Content

Striving with action

Discipline

I could go on. But the one word that I think really encapsulates the true meaning (to me) is Grit. Angela Duckworth defines grit as passion + perseverance. Not the ability to do hard things, but the ability to do them for sustained periods of time.

If you know anyone observing during the month of Ramadan, they are engaging in the ultimate practice of Sabr.

They are obviously fighting physical urges, but the real essence of Sabr is accepting each day for what it is - a struggle - and being at peace with it. They're eating less, sleeping less, socializing less, and devoting time to prayer, worship and devotion more. There are folks doing back breaking work , young athletes playing sports, mothers and fathers going to work expending tons of energy and then devoting their time to the home life all on no food or drink. Within all of this, there's a certain level of serenity achieved.

The goal isn't to be more disciplined or more gritty. That's certainly a intended benefit. The real goal, however, is to be at peace. To be so connected to your present moment, eschewing all other urges, so that you're left with nothing but gratitude for the breath and life you've been given.

It's humility.

It's surrendering.

It's peace.

That's how I interpret Sabr.

Ramadan Mubarak.