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Assalaau'alaykum,
I think there’s an inherent mechanism within us that naturally orients us towards introspection as we step out of one Gregorian year, into another.
Personally, I don’t make it a “thing” to set New Year’s resolutions, but I guess as we revolve our days and weeks around this calendar, it seems expected that this yearly transition will hold some degree of significance and contemplations.
Looking back at 2023, I feel a mixture of emotions. On the one hand I’m bursting with gratitude to my Rabb (Lord) for all the incredible experiences He enabled for me, my family and my work, Alhamdulilah.
To name a few; we officially launched Awakened Hearts Academy, delivered our flagship programme - The Travellers… twice! I travelled to Bosnia as a partner instructor at a spiritual retreat, I witnessed the mesmerising skies of Iceland with my children, I’ve started working on my book and feel truly blessed for the company Allah SWT has surrounded me with.
On the other hand, we’ve just witnessed the collapse of humanity. We saw and continue to see the extreme persecution and injustice against our innocent brothers and sisters.
I think many would agree when I say we’re left broken, angered and disgusted by the lack of response and hypocrisy from world leaders. We feel quite helpless to stop the brutality that continues even to this day!
It’s hard to see anything beyond the ongoing genocide, yet it’s become even more crucial for each of us to delve deep, to introspect with an intense and sincere focus, in order to rectify our ways as individuals.
Today, I would like to share a lesson I personally reflected on…
Looking back over the last year, I see moments where I was rushing, pushing, scrambling – why was I doing this? At the time, it felt like I was “tying my camel” but in retrospect, these actions brought about considerable stress, anxiety, and health issues.
If I’m being completely honest, I see those moments partially driven by actions rooted in fear…
Perhaps the fear of loss, the fear of being stuck, the fear of uncertainty.
In the secular world of coaching, they say to lean into your fears. To set your compass in the direction of your fears as they’re an indication of what your heart truly desires.
From a spiritual perspective, I would add that where you sense fear, it's essential to slow down and honestly reflect on the depth of your reliance on Allah SWT in those particular matters.
These reflections offer opportunities to infuse more tawakkul (trust in Allah) in places where we might be falling short.
To turn every fear into a heartfelt duaa (supplication) and be open to the possibility that the fear might be a way in which Allah SWT is exposing our weaker connection spots with Him.
And He’s calling us back to Him, SubhanAllah.
Looking back, I know these moments are all necessary and written, they’re part of my path. A path that I pray leads me towards a deeper more meaningful relationship with my Rabb.
I recognise it’s easy to assume that our beliefs and reliance upon Allah span across every inch of our lives. But it’s not enough to just assume. With sincerity, we must intentionally scour every corner of our life - every word, every action and every desire - to assess what’s fuelling them.
To evaluate the depth of our trust in Allah and consciously surrender all outcomes to His will.
From my reflections, this was my most powerful lesson and reminder:
Never assume that Tawakkul is always present in every thought and action. In every pursuit, make it a practice to set aside time regularly for quiet reflection, creating honest moments between yourself and your Rabb. Release your fears to Him, surrendering entirely to His will with every fiber of your being!
Oh, the sweet liberation found in that is unrivalled to any worldly antidote for stress, anxiety or fear!
Hasbunallah wa ni’mal-Wakil
‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.’
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