The Nine-Sided Circle, the Sufi school which I co-founded several years ago, has developed quite a following. I've been reluctant to step into my natural role of authority within the space—until now.
This is awesome, reminds me much of myself... The whole knowing I am a leader, but not leaning into It and leaving so much on the table... I am glad you have found an additional avenue to express your gifts.
I had a thought today actually that the reason I may have some many intrusive debilitating thoughts may be a result of not maximizing my potential...
So I hope to soon find my way as well. Shall we journey together... (skips away lol)
I know we both already know it's all mechanical fear and dread holding us back - right? And yet, even knowing that to be true, trying to focus up on the desire to be an ethics-driven, skillful leader through that anxious noise has been one of the toughest things I've ever done. Epiphanies come, but the actual progress is a cumulative effort for the most part. Every day you can do something leader-y (lol) that stretches you just the slightest bit (not too little and not too much) beyond what was comfortable the day before. I'm telling you, we are totally journeying together in this! Thanks for being here, Be Be!
When what you read confirms your reality, and allows you to really witness parts of your-self, and brings you closer to becoming more Real on your own personal path of realisation, and opens space for you to perceive your own voice and hear your own thoughts, while at the same time gives you the privilege to witness the unique existence, priceless value and beautiful works of the Author, then naturally you sing Nooroon Álàà Noor 🎵
Noor, I started this reply with highlighting areas that stood out for me and realized that I would have almost the whole thing highlighted. Wisdom of the ages is a 'mantel you carry' , I can tell. Thank you for this.
There's still time to finish the year strong; exactly 12% of it to go! I know you're sitting on drafts ready to see the light of day – be it a poem, short story, a full on narrative, or a how-to run a 21st century Digital Zawya, let your voice be heard and your future self and subscribers will probably thank you for it.
(I know a thing or two about the "Substack dread", and wish I can follow my own advice ... :)
I loved this comment. Thank you, Zak, for the commiseration and encouragement. You're right, there are drafts and ideas kicking around! With all these troubling things going on in the world that are heavy on my heart and mind, I'm currently giving myself some grace around not making it to 12 posts this year. But it may be worth motivating myself to get one or two pieces out before the year closes. Next year is a fresh opportunity too. No undue pressure, but now that the secret is out that you also have a Substack, I look forward to reading your present work, along with cheering you on toward any new stuff you're able to set free!
While I am not a Sufi and will probably never be a Sufi (I have certain beliefs which are irreconcilable with Islam), I like to read the Sufi point of view on things. If and when you come back to this substack, I will enjoy reading it.
As for a topic, since this is still early in the blog, a brief overview of "What being a Sufi means to me" might be a good early subject.
Excellent suggestion, and one I'll be giving some thought to in terms of how I would approach it. I appreciate your taking time to read all these months later. Means a lot, James. Peace and wellbeing to you as well.
This is awesome, reminds me much of myself... The whole knowing I am a leader, but not leaning into It and leaving so much on the table... I am glad you have found an additional avenue to express your gifts.
I had a thought today actually that the reason I may have some many intrusive debilitating thoughts may be a result of not maximizing my potential...
So I hope to soon find my way as well. Shall we journey together... (skips away lol)
Looking forward to more essays to come.
I know we both already know it's all mechanical fear and dread holding us back - right? And yet, even knowing that to be true, trying to focus up on the desire to be an ethics-driven, skillful leader through that anxious noise has been one of the toughest things I've ever done. Epiphanies come, but the actual progress is a cumulative effort for the most part. Every day you can do something leader-y (lol) that stretches you just the slightest bit (not too little and not too much) beyond what was comfortable the day before. I'm telling you, we are totally journeying together in this! Thanks for being here, Be Be!
Keep it up, Noor!
Your thoughts are always of interest between these ears.
I can always count on your cheerings-on, Roger! Thank you!
That's a fact, I'll always cheer you on. 👍👍❤️
Nooroon-Âlâ-Noor! (Light upon Light)!!!
When what you read confirms your reality, and allows you to really witness parts of your-self, and brings you closer to becoming more Real on your own personal path of realisation, and opens space for you to perceive your own voice and hear your own thoughts, while at the same time gives you the privilege to witness the unique existence, priceless value and beautiful works of the Author, then naturally you sing Nooroon Álàà Noor 🎵
Noor, I started this reply with highlighting areas that stood out for me and realized that I would have almost the whole thing highlighted. Wisdom of the ages is a 'mantel you carry' , I can tell. Thank you for this.
I'm humbled, Cindy. Thanks for saying that.
I am so grateful to start my day with such “words of truth” that adds light to my day’s light🙏 Thank you
Knowing I've added light to your morning has added warmth to my evening. Thanks, Atheer.
There's still time to finish the year strong; exactly 12% of it to go! I know you're sitting on drafts ready to see the light of day – be it a poem, short story, a full on narrative, or a how-to run a 21st century Digital Zawya, let your voice be heard and your future self and subscribers will probably thank you for it.
(I know a thing or two about the "Substack dread", and wish I can follow my own advice ... :)
I loved this comment. Thank you, Zak, for the commiseration and encouragement. You're right, there are drafts and ideas kicking around! With all these troubling things going on in the world that are heavy on my heart and mind, I'm currently giving myself some grace around not making it to 12 posts this year. But it may be worth motivating myself to get one or two pieces out before the year closes. Next year is a fresh opportunity too. No undue pressure, but now that the secret is out that you also have a Substack, I look forward to reading your present work, along with cheering you on toward any new stuff you're able to set free!
While I am not a Sufi and will probably never be a Sufi (I have certain beliefs which are irreconcilable with Islam), I like to read the Sufi point of view on things. If and when you come back to this substack, I will enjoy reading it.
As for a topic, since this is still early in the blog, a brief overview of "What being a Sufi means to me" might be a good early subject.
Peace and health.
Excellent suggestion, and one I'll be giving some thought to in terms of how I would approach it. I appreciate your taking time to read all these months later. Means a lot, James. Peace and wellbeing to you as well.