Day 5 of Ramadan’s Suhur was great! A protein shake, fresh fruit, God & I, the sunrise. I proceeded to get ready for my day of work, as it so happened my students were back in the classroom because the summer term had started.

The teacher I work under unpackaged to my students what the summer term would look like, and I already see that it’s going to be a great time of learning and having fun! One of the things I appreciate doing with my students outside of the classroom apart from the usual basketball / softball, and as of late Frisbee, is walking. It’s very enjoyable to go outside with my students to walk. Sometimes our walking is done over talking; they like to pick my mind, I like to listen, they like to find out more about me, and I like to find out more about them and their dreams and aspirations beyond school.

It so happened that one of my students wanted to go walking, and I was more than willing to go on a walk with him. Our conversations were sparse, he wanted to get out and be and I admit, so did I. But there’s something to be said about non-verbal communication and presence; it’s very important and can be very helpful ton one’s self to delve into one’s own psyche for a while.

I know I will have more opportunities to walk with my students, and sometimes it’ll be like the other day where it was quiet for the most part, but there will be days when the conversation is verbal and continuous. I embrace it all and celebrate in the fact that I am among the living, doing what I can to be the best version of me and being present mind / body / soul in a job in the field that I am. It isn’t always easy, but I know God will sustain me as I help others out to the best of my abililty.

So with all that being said, walking was my keyword on the 5th day of Ramadan. Thanks me to God for being present as we walk through this life. For we are all interconnected to God inasmuch as we are interconnected with one another. May we learn to walk through this life together in solidarity with one another.

Salaam alaikum be yours now and always,

Nathanael