Those of us who have taken up the work of healing are responsible to offer whatever we can to help heal and revitalize ourselves and others, especially in times that might be roundly described as difficult. Perhaps the first duty is to keep up our own spirits. It may happen on some days that we feel small, discouraged, alone and insignificant. It is then that we remember that Murshid said that his smallest work on the inner planes was worth more than all that he accomplished in the outer life. When we gather together with others, we strengthen our commitment and our resolve. Including healing practices in our daily routine keeps us conscious of and alert to our work. Through our everyday life, we remember that there is a larger spiritual context that extends beyond our perceptions. Murshid points this out in the following quote:
“Therefore it is necessary for every initiate to understand that our soul’s aim in our esoteric studies and practices is to become acquainted with the life which is living as a running current through the circle of eternity.” Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, Sangatha II, Tasawwuf
This one sentence is rich with layers of meaning. We are directed to consider our soul’s aim, distinct from our ego or the thoughts that direct our waking consciousness. Our soul’s aim is cosmic; it addresses life eternal, a golden thread moving through infinity. We toggle between meeting the needs of our body, mind and emotions, and the awareness of our angelic and spiritual counterparts. With this awareness, we garner our skills as healers for ourselves, others and the planet, perhaps even the Universe.
Here are some approaches you might like to try:
The Prayer Nayaz: Beloved Lord, Almighty God, Through the rays of the sun, through the waves of the air, through the all-pervading life in space, purify and revivify me and I pray, heal my body, heart and soul. Amen
A Clearing Practice to release stress and negative impressions:
Think of what you wish to clear, without judgement or analysis
Ya Afuww, Ya Tawwab, Ya Ghafur 33x
Ya Jabbar 33x (with the sense of setting things straights)
Ya Wahhab 33x (to offer a healing balm over the situation)
Close with a simple phrase to seal the practice
Perform the Healing Service
Join the Healing Service for the World activity (contact karimagebel@icloud.org)
Ya Shaffee, Ya Khaffee, Ya Muaffee (The Healer, The All-Sufficient, The Essence of Healing)
Ya Hayy, Ya Haqq (O Life, O Truth!)
Ya Hayyo, Ya Qayyum (The Life Everlasting)
The Buddhist Practice of The Four Immeasurables:
With the thought of Love, let me contemplate the world, and may this Love extend to the four horizons, and with the thought of Love increasing beyond measure, let me encompass the whole universe up to its confines.
With the thought of Compassion, let me contemplate the world, and may this Compassion extend to the four horizons, and with the thought of Compassion increasing beyond measure, let me encompass the whole universe up to its confines.
With the thought of Joy, let me contemplate the world, and may this Joy extend to the four horizons, and with the thought of Joy increasing beyond measure, let me encompass the whole universe up to its confines.
With the thought of Peace, let me contemplate the world, and may this Peace extend to the four horizons, and with the thought of Peace increasing beyond measure, let me encompass the whole universe up to its confines.
Focus on balance between activity and repose
Look for inspiration every day – in teachings, in relationships, in service
“We people who care must be attractive, must be filled with joy, so that others recognize that caring, that helping and being generous are not a burden, they are a joy.” Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Song Refrain
“Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav used to say: Friends do not despair, for a difficult time has come upon us, joy must fill the air! We must not lose our faith in living, we must not despair, For a difficult time’s upon us, our joy must fill the air.” (Nathan and Joseph, singing rabbis)
– Zaynab FitzPatrick, Shafayat