How to pause and look inward.
When our hearts and minds are perpetually occupied, we can feel like we are juggling so much yet the balls are dropping in the most fundamental areas of our lives. I noticed this as a challenge for myself because of … all the things … this past week but I had a few strategies to help me pause and look inward.
Slowing down: Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours happen so quickly that we hardly have a moment to assess what’s really going on before the situation escalates again. Slowing down can look like doing some deep breathing, noticing a few things around you with all your senses, or saying a name of Allah (swa) that is especially dear to you in a slow and intentional way. I was more inclined to slowing down with everything I did today and my daughter thought something was strange lol. I read her books more slowly with her, did each activity spending more time than normal, and even talking and walking more slowly. It was naturally a more calmer day with far less chances for cortisol increase.
Solitude: One of my favourite places to pray in my home is my closet. I love my closet. Ever since childhood, my closet has been a safe haven and a place I retreat to for solitude, reflection, and a break from everything outside of my control. Find a calming space and allow yourself to think of nothing for a few minutes. Choose the thoughts you want to have next, and bring awareness to your experience by tuning into your body. Even if our bodies are in solitude, sometimes our mind carries on operating so it’s especially important to notice the thoughts and let them float away while you are in seclusion. If we don’t let them float away, they will likely pull us in and demand some kind of action, which will interrupt your intention for peace and quiet.
Minimizing Social Distractions: My beloved sister Ayesha recently sent up a gift package (bless her!) and in it she gifted me a copy of The Fiqh of Social Media by Omar Usman and it is a fantastic read for our times. Although I use social apps for my work on this space, I rely on extensions such as the “Newsfeed Eradicator” for Facebook and habits such as deleting certain apps every so often. This is a constant area for improvement given how quickly these platforms evolve.
Self-Reflection Guide: Sometimes all we need is a quick guided check-in to see how we are doing beneath the surface, which is why I created this 1-page printable for anyone who can benefit. I found this especially helpful to have on had and check-in with anytime I feel out of sorts and it helps me to get back on track by focusing on healthy ways to occupy my time and my mind.
Till next time, may Allah (swa) bless you and raise your ranks. May Allah (swa) ease your struggles and lift your spirits, and grant you goodness in this life and the next, Ameen.
-Asma
