“Treat Yourself Good First: Lessons from the Sisters’ Circle in Durham”

Women in the community gathered to gain a deeper understanding of how to identify stress and bring more joy into their lives.

Ever since 1997, Sister Student Captain Nancy Muhammad and the MGT & GCC of Mosque No. 34 have been hosting Sister Circle gatherings to engage, inspire, and serve the women in their community. The Durham MGT & GCC, dressed in a beautiful array of colorful garments, formed a sacred space for sisters to reconnect—with themselves, with one another, and with God.

Saturday, October 4^th, was no different. The sisters of Muhammad’s Mosque #34 came together for another beautiful gathering entitled “A Sisters’ Circle: The Utility of Sound and Color in Managing Stress and Anxiety.” The event reminded every woman in attendance that peace is not just something we hope for—it is something we can intentionally cultivate.

As part of the interactive session, the sisters completed a reflective survey to identify what brings them stress, anxiety, or peace. The questions covered everyday experiences—relationships, work, finances, driving, flowers, and even the sound of the ocean. When Sister Nancy reviewed the results, she highlighted that while work and finances often bring stress, 100 percent of the women found joy in flowers and the sound of the ocean.

With grace and wisdom, Sister Nancy reminded the group of a simple yet powerful truth: “Treat yourself good first.” She explained that the way we treat ourselves sets the tone for how others treat us. When one sister mentioned she was waiting for her husband to buy her flowers, Sister Nancy gently encouraged her to buy them for herself—a beautiful metaphor for self-love and personal responsibility for our happiness.

Sisters examine the dainty bag of items to help make them more aware.

The afternoon unfolded as sisters shared their stories, laughter, and reflections. Just voicing their stressors became a healing act in itself. The event concluded with a colorful fruit cup refreshment—a sweet symbol of nourishment and the importance of “putting something good in your body to give your body peace.”

Through sound, color, and collective sisterhood, the women left refreshed, reminded that serenity is not distant—it begins with awareness, gratitude, and the loving care we offer ourselves.

(For more information on upcoming Sister Circles and other events, follow the Durham MGT on Instagram @durhammgtgcc)