Why Therapy?
Laila Khan, AMFT
Why Therapy? Therapy feels like a loaded word. A word that is not often used in our social circles, or if it is, it’s used
Practicing Presence in Prayer
Our souls are not meant to be on autopilot, they are meant to be present and in control. One way to be in control of ourselves and our emotions is to practice presence.
In many cultures and religions, even in the field of psychology, we see this push towards meditation and mindfulness.
Allah (swt) has given us 5 chances throughout our day to connect with Him (swt) and to be completely present.
This is not an easy task, but a highly beneficial one.
Allah (swt) the Creator of our souls has provided us with opportunities to elevate our soul to benefit us in this world and the next.
We are given five chances to practice presence throughout our day. Through our five daily prayers, we are able to stop our day and be present with Allah (swt). To be in the moment requires a lot of control over your thoughts.
Recognizing the Benefits: The Impact of Being Present in Prayer
The benefits of practicing presence are as follows:
- You’re in control of your being:
What does this mean?
This means you are not letting your body and thoughts control you.
Instead, you are taking a step back, and being the observer. You then make an informed decision on how to proceed. - You understand your being:
Sometimes things trigger us, or they make us act a certain way. Sometimes we may even be confused as to why we are feeling irritated or why we reacted so strongly.
Being present can allow you to understand your being, your emotions and triggers. - It promotes health:
It also helps promote health, which can lead to healthier relationships. You’re able to think more clearly, which leads to being less anxious, not as burnt out, better sleep, and more.
Nurturing Your Connection: Tips for Cultivating Presence in Prayer
Prayer in its essence is a chance to slow down and be still with God. It is difficult. Like other religions or secular spiritual individuals that practice yoga or meditation, ṣalāh, prayer and presence is already ingrained in our day and our faith.
So, how do you do it?
- Give yourself ample time to pray. Make sure your other tasks are complete, for example if you have children make sure they are fed and busy so you don’t have to rush through prayers.
- Create an atmosphere. It is recommended to put on perfume, and dress up a little for prayer, this also creates intention. For women this can also mean to wear a necklace or rings. Find a nice corner of your home to pray without any distractions.
- Find enjoyment in being with God. Slow down your mind and take some cleansing breaths before you begin your prayer to center yourself. Make a clear intention and stay with it. Remember whose presence you are in.
Reflecting on prayer and presence can bring a new perspective and calmness!
Dive into another insightful blog post by Laila Khan!
