The And She Thrived podcast on YouTube with Sumaya Jeeva is a faith focused resource to primarily support Muslim women who have experienced the trauma and tragedy of divorce, and aims to provide valuable counseling and content with coaches, counselors and content creators in the field.
I was recently interviewed by sister Sumaya with the focus of the conversation primarily on cultivating spiritual strength and resilience, particularly in light of the tragedy that is the ongoing genocide in Gaza, as we throughout the world watch in realtime the conscienceless destruction of a people and their capacity to live while the powers of the world remain complicit in the most egregious desecration of international law and of humanity in this century thus far.
And She Thrived Podcast with Sumaya Jeeva
In this necessary conversation, Sumaya and I discussed the particular importance of this moment in history as a vital opportunity for spiritual awakening and as a return to the foundations of our faith—specifically in cultivating a real connection with our Lord and Creator through faith-based and meditative spiritual practice.
I shared on the importance of cultivating and awakening essential and sacred attributes so as to both awaken our potential as deputies of Allah Almighty and draw nearer unto His Divine Presence, while also increasing our capacity for strength, success and effectiveness in the world so as to become capable of “enjoining good and preventing evil,” as we are commanded to do in the Holy Qur’an [9:112].
We also discussed the importance of seeking a balance in our consumption of news and information so as to remain informed, yet not succumb to overwhelm and incapacitation, for overconsumption of tragedy and terror can result in a persistent state of fight or flight, or tension, stress and anxiety that if not resolved, results in great detriment to us physically, psychologically and spiritually.
I shared how our consumption of content must be balanced with action—both practical and spiritual—and that this actually then leads to empowerment rather than disempowerment.
We also spoke on the importance of physical and spiritual or energetic practices and exercise so as to process the density of negative thoughts and emotions, and as vital means of cultivating and maintaining peak physical, psychological and spiritual health, and not succumbing to the darkness, disconnection and depression that would otherwise result.
One of the most valuable aspects of our conversation related to the importance of the breath and of conscious breathing within Islam as the key means of actually and experientially cultivating a state of presence and connectedness with the Divine Presence of God, and in remembering and rediscovering who we truly are and why we are here.
Regarding this, the Islamic Meditation Program dives into greater detail and instruction, and provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject to help the seeker rediscover the light, beauty and power of meditative spiritual practice within a traditional faith-based paradigm.
May Allah Almighty guide us to knowledge and wisdom that is of benefit, and to sincerity, strength and spiritual excellence.
Allahumma ameen.
To your divine and eternal strength.
