You are the Solution

In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Kindest

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

I recently uncovered an insidious belief, which is “I am the problem.” When something goes wrong, when things fall apart it must be my fault. I am responsible. Many of the beliefs we hold (consciously or unconsciously) contain lies, half-truths, or cognitive distortions that do not serve us. I am the problem and I am the solution. We are all the solution to our own problems. 

And sometimes it isn’t your fault. Things fall apart that’s just the nature of life. If you did your best, if you gave your utmost to the Highest, if you sincerely tried and the outcome wasn’t what you imagined or hoped for then that may have nothing to do with you. It may be the result of innumerable other factors that were part of the process. Whatever the reason, it is all for the best.

Being able to take responsibility and admit mistakes is commendable, but it is detrimental to habitually blame oneself. Remember: You are the solution, not the problem. Hazrat Inayat Khan has two Silver Rules that go hand in hand: “Meet your shortcomings with a sword of self-respect,” and “let not your spirit be humbled in adversity.” These beautiful statements honor a positive sense of self that is neither inferior nor superior to anyone else. Essentially, he is saying don’t cut yourself down, while being mindful of your mistakes. Do not allow adversity to belittle you, i.e. to lower your inherent dignity and self-worth. 

Do you have any default assumptions about yourself or life that are restricting your growth and happiness? Maybe you believe reality is fixed, and a fixed mindset is preventing you from trying new things. Maybe you are too focused on your problems. If you see debt piling up, then you may fret over it or chase money instead of allowing money to come into your life. We can block the flow of Divine blessings by what we believe about ourselves, our Lord, and the World. 

Do you minimize your accomplishments or keep putting off what you want to do because “you’re not ready” or “the timing isn’t right” or “you need someone’s permission?” What’s holding you back?

Hazrat Inayat Khan says that the spiritual guide cannot give anything to the student because the student already has it. The student only needs to discover it for him or herself. Permit yourself to do what you love and want. In Seeking the Simurgh, Pir Zia sagaciously said: “Whatever it is you are interested in, there’s something behind it, it has a source, it has a goal, it has an essence. Wheresoever you turn, there is God’s face. So we may not yet understand the destination, we can all only see so far, but we are all making our way toward the same great mystery.”

You are the Compass. You are your own True North. You are the Solution. Every time you shine that light shines on everyone! Everything is waiting for you, “and your Lord is most generous” (Quran, 96:3). 

With lots of love,

Your sister,

m

PS. Upcoming newsletters will focus more on transformation from a spiritual and worldly perspective. Topics under discussion will include personal and environmental health, fitness, happiness, and self-purification (aka personal development).

PPS. Those interested in guided meditations may enjoy the current and forthcoming content at Sound Cloud! Insha’Allah, soon it will include Quranic recitation in Arabic and English as well!

Poetry in Motion

There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?

By Erin Hanson