In a recent coaching session with a client whom we will call “Nadia” for the purpose of this article, I had the privilege of delving into her profound experiences and challenges on her spiritual journey. Nadia, a medical professional by trade, has been exploring deeper dimensions of mindfulness and spiritual presence, seeking to connect with the Divine in a more profound way. This article aims to encapsulate her experiences and the insights shared during our conversation, offering a narrative that resonates with many on similar paths.
The Blossoming of Stillness
Nadia’s journey towards inner peace began with a simple yet powerful practice: finding stillness. In our previous sessions, I encouraged her to spend five minutes each day in complete stillness, attempting to clear her mind and simply exist in the present moment. This practice, which may seem deceptively simple, can be quite challenging. However, it holds the potential for profound transformation.
On a particular Friday, Nadia experienced what she described as one of the best days she had in a long time. The stillness practice seemed to come easily to her that day. She found herself resonating on a different frequency, one that brought about a sense of deep peace and contentment. This state of being allowed her to see the world and the people around her with fresh eyes. She saw everyone and everything as a manifestation of God’s creation, leading her to a heightened state of awareness and appreciation.
A Glimpse of Bliss
Nadia’s description of her experience was akin to a state of bliss. She felt an enduring sense of peace, contentment, and love. This wasn’t a fleeting moment of joy or happiness but a deeper, more profound state of being. It was as if she was living in the present moment with an acute awareness of the Divine in everything around her.
This experience, while brief, offered Nadia a glimpse of what is possible. It reminded her of the state of the awliya, or the “friends of God” who are mentioned throughout the Qur’an, who live in a perpetual state of divine presence and love. However, she acknowledged that maintaining this state is a journey that requires persistence, perseverance, and continual learning.
The Challenge of Consistency
The days following that transformative Friday were not as easy. Nadia found it increasingly difficult to recapture the same sense of stillness and peace. This is a common experience for many on the spiritual path. The initial glimpse of divine presence can be a gift, a taste of what is possible, but the real work lies in striving to make it a permanent state.
Nadia’s perseverance was commendable. Despite the challenges, she continued to practice, reminding herself of the importance of persistence. She drew inspiration from the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who is the absolute model and example of faith and perseverance. Nadia also found solace in repeating recommended affirmations and reminders of God’s love, which helped her navigate through the more challenging days.
The Role of Spiritual Guidance and the Power of Association
One of the key insights from our session was the importance of spiritual guidance. Nadia mentioned her experiences with her late Shaykh and the difficulty she had in connecting with his appointed successor. This is a crucial aspect of the spiritual journey. A living teacher can provide invaluable support and guidance, helping the seeker navigate the complexities of the path.
I shared my own experiences of how being in the presence of my Shaykh on a recent visit to Istanbul, albeit but briefly during a single Fajr prayer, had a significant impact on my spiritual state and internal alignment. This highlights the importance of seeking and maintaining connections with those who are further along the spiritual path that we are. Their state and presence can elevate and guide us, helping us to progress more swiftly and effectively.
Embracing the Journey
I did what you told me about entering into stillness and after our last session, I had one of the best days I’ve had for a long, long time. I can’t even explain what I was actually feeling. I don’t know what it was. I just felt like I was resonating in a different mode and I just felt so good. I could live forever like that.
When I looked at the people around me, I was seeing everyone as Allah’s creation. I thought to myself that this might be a taste of what paradise might be like. Whatever negative emotions I would have otherwise had were just not coming up.
Nadia
Nadia’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of mindfulness, persistence, and spiritual guidance. Her experiences highlight the importance of finding stillness, persevering through challenges, and seeking guidance from those who have walked the path before us. While the journey is not always easy, the glimpses of divine presence and the states of bliss and peace make it all worthwhile.
For those on similar paths, Nadia’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration. It reminds us that the journey to spiritual awakening is a gradual process, requiring patience, perseverance, and continual learning. By embracing these principles, we can hope to achieve a deeper connection with the Divine and experience the profound peace and love that comes with it.
For those who are interested in learning more about the power of coaching and exploring options for personalized 1:1 mentoring, please see Personal Coaching, which can be a vital and valuable tool in developing the self-awareness necessary to make accelerated progress upon your path of spiritual growth and personal development so as to move beyond persistent challenges that otherwise keep us stuck and diminish our quality of life.
