Jamal Rahman

An excess of unpleasant feelings bruises the soul, especially if these feelings flow from what Sufis call negative imaginary scenarios in the landscape of our minds and hearts.  If through our fertile imagination we continuously play out these negative scenarios internally, they manifest on some level of reality.  The subconscious cannot distinguish between real and imagined scenarios, so it absorbs and reacts to the negativity as if it were real, triggering a downward spiral of depression and hopelessness.  Thus it is critical to become aware of these negative imaginary scenarios swirling in our minds and to intervene immediately.  Sufis say, “Tauba! Tauba!” the moment they recognize this is happening.  The word tauba implies the intention to turn to God for help. Buddhist practitioners reject the scenario altogether, saying, “Neti Neti” or “Not real! Not real!”  The cyber savvy may bridge the two approaches, acknowledging the scenario but turning away from it by saying, “Cancel! Cancel!” or “Delete! Delete!”  When used along with Sacred Naming, any of these spiritual interventions will break the pattern and, by the grace of God, allow space for beautiful patterns of thoughts and feelings to take root. Always remember to be compassionate with yourself during these spiritual interventions.