In the name of ALLAH, The MOST BENEFICIENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Welcome once again to our self-care program which has been designed to support you in establishing and maintaining a positive approach to self- care that fits with your unique life circumstances, strength, challenges and needs.
Before we go further I just want to just gently remind you to keep going at your pace.
The important thing is to keep showing up and giving yourself the gift of small and sometimes big movements towards honouring yourself InshaALLAH
In our previous edition we covered benefits of self-care, what to pack for your Self care journey (intention,patience,commitment in the form of a contract , and A space to practice your rituals) and of course a guideline on creating your own Self care plan (step 1 writing your wish list )
In this edition we are covering Step 2
Creating space to practice silence
1. Create a personal space just for you in your home, you might already have a corner in your bedroom where you often read, write, meditate or create. Most importantly it should be a quiet place where you will not be disturbed
2. Assemble your essentials like a cushion or a chair , a blanket or shawl for your shoulders and remember to have a clock or a timer.
3. Use this space to gather the things you value in your life
4. If you consider nature to be a part of your space you can gather items like flowers, rocks and shells etc.
5. You can also make use of a cd player for a guided meditation
Or A tasbeeh (prayer beads) for touch while meditating
6. I also suggest a meaningful picture or item that inspires you
7. A glass of water or tea is also a nice addition
8. The focus is more on creating a space where you can be reminded to take a deep breath , connect to your source/creator, find balance and feel grounded in your life.
Select what works for you and don’t be afraid to try different things during different times of the year or parts of your life.
Step 2 b
Practicing gratitude
“Faith has two halves, one half is patience and one half is gratitude(Nabi Muhammad s.a.w)
From today start taking time out between your different roles to notice your blessings using your 5 senses and what you already know
Write a letter of gratitude in your notebook/journal starting with..OH,ALLAH,,thank you for blessing us with a beautiful day….
When we refuse to acknowledge that all power belongs to ALLAH we inhibit the flow
Of blessings and cut ourselves from his grace and bounty
I know that it might not be easy for some of us to follow the above steps but
Remember that you have to fill your own cup first before you can fill anyone else’s
Cup InshaALLAH
Your Sister in Service of our Creator
Faiza Sasman