Perhaps you've heard that the journey to one's self is not all smooth sailing, and can be a bit of a bumpy ride and even a painful experience.
If I were to say that the parable of embarking on a healing journey was like the parable of peeling away at onion layers - with the tears and all, could you imagine room for peace in the picture? Do you think it could be something feasible, perhaps?
What just sprang to mind, is a chapter in the Holy Qur'an titled 'Inshirah', verse 6 that says:
[Holy Quran 94:6]
إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرٗا
Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
Some have translated this verse to say that 'after' difficulty there is ease. That may be true, and sounds very logical as nothing stays the same, right? I went along with that meaning of the verse for the longest time, despite knowing the meaning of the aforementioned preposition 'ma'a' (مع) to literally mean => 'with' and not 'after'. Until I was invited by something someone had said in a lecture which brought my attention to the meaning of the preposition mentioned in the above verse.
What a difference, though, don't you think? Whilst I realise that this difference in the preposition is small, it has a significant change in understanding the meaning and therefore has the ability to influence our mindset when facing discomfort in a healing journey.
For if we were to always feel that when we experience suffering nothing good accompanies it (notice: 'accompany' and not 'follow'), the experience is void of blessings, protection or prevention we could be less inclined to even set foot on a life-changing experience much less see it to through till the end.
I'm not sure about you, but I've noticed that finding a sense of peace has proven to be quite an increasingly growing hype in various venues with people of both religious & non-religious backgrounds and for various age groups. It seems to be an ongoing topic of discussion that manifests itself through different outlets such as:
- well-being workshops,
- workplaces (understanding the importance of mental health and thus including it in their benefit packages)
- schools (incorporating art in the name of reducing anxiety in students)
- special needs professionals adopting art therapy and or play therapy into their sessions.
- resorting to religion and or spirituality
- mindfulness awareness (through art, yoga, breathwork, sound therapy e.t.c)
Recently, I've been reminded not only of how important it is to understand and recognise your own 'calm' but to also protect it. Sometimes people come into your life, situations happen, you're in certain places and you may feel a little disturbed, out of sync, feel misplaced and you're perhaps not even fully aware, until you've removed yourself, given yourself time and suddenly it dawns on you: 'this is my calm'. This is my reference point from which I can emerge from a healthy space.
I've come to realise, whilst on this journey that the more easy it is to recognise my 'calm' and regulate it the more easier it is to recognise those who amplify it, resonate with it and those who diminish it and show a confusing energy ( all smiles doing all the right stuff, but you feel in your gut something isn't quite right). You can then recognise those who truly appreciate you, celebrate you and may be of a similar essence as you. You can then better understand what defines your safe space that pours into you and accepts all of you. Hopefully, you can be the first person to be your own safe space.
So here's a take-away task for journaling lovers:
What's a symbol, colour, picture or shape that reminds you of calm (mine is the lavender flower)? Draw it/ cut and stick it in your journal and quickly jot down activities, people, places that help you find your 'calm'. If nothing springs to mind, I find this therapeutic colouring of one of Allah's attributes 'The Giver of Peace' (السلامُ) - A'Salamu - helpful to me in calling on 'calm'. You can get it here.
On an adjacent page think of a colour, shape, picture or symbol that disturbs your sense of feeling grounded and at peace. Then also jot down whatever pops up for you.
I'd love to know how it goes. Let's hear you in the comments, sis.
A peaceful sailing on your healing journey!
Ma'salama! (!مع السلامة)
[That's 'with' and not 'after' peace ;-) ]