Sufi practices for contemporary living

For those who feel a sense of overwhelm and chaos, mystic Sufi practices provide a pathway to connect deeply with oneself and the divine

Do you find yourself caught in a web of thoughts, unable to connect with the moment? This disconnection leads to a sense of unease and longing for inner peace. I've found that the mystic school of Sufism offers practices that can guide us back to our true nature. Sufism invites us to embrace our imperfections and find the divine within. It teaches us that the journey to inner peace begins with acceptance and the willingness to delve into our inner world.

One with the Divine

Consider the story of a water carrier who carried two pots of water, one perfect, the other cracked. Each day, he delivered water to his master's house, with the cracked pot losing water along the way. Feeling ashamed, the cracked pot confessed its flaw to the water carrier. In response, the carrier asked the pot to notice the flowers blooming along its side of the path. These flowers thrived because of the water it spilled. This Sufi story shows that our perceived flaws can bring unexpected beauty and gifts to the world. In my podcast on the topic, Manjari Chaturvedi, a Delhi-based cultural academic and Director, Sufi Kathak Centre, enlightened me and my audience on mystic Sufi practices such as Zikr, Raqs and Sama. “A fundamental principle in Sufism is surrender to the divine will, which involves letting go of the ego and trusting in a higher power. By embracing this principle, we learn to flow with life rather than resist it,” she said.

The sounds of Sama and Zikr

Sama or spiritual listening often involves music and poetry. This practice transcends the ordinary and touches the soul. Manjari recommends listening to Qawwali, which is a form of devotional music with powerful rhythms and poignant lyrics.

Manjari says, “For five minutes in the day, play the music that you like, and just let yourself go; dance, sit, move your head, or do whatever comes to you in those five minutes. If you learn to do that with yourself, you’ve learnt the first important aspect of letting go and not sitting in judgement of your own self. Replay the song for the next 10 minutes or more, and just let yourself flow with it. Gradually you will start to go inwards and you won’t, perhaps, need that song anymore. The moment you go inwards, you heal faster!” Sama teaches us to be present with the music, allowing it to resonate within us and guide us toward a state of equanimity. For those who are constantly bombarded by external stimuli, Sama offers a sanctuary of stillness and reflection.

Another foundational Sufi practice is Zikr, which refers to the chanting of sacred phrases to remember God. This practice quiets the mind and aligns the heart with the divine presence. The rhythmic recitation becomes a beacon, guiding us back to our centre and reminding us of our inherent divinity. Monisha Charan, wellness coach and founder of dance school Izaara, agrees with Chaturvedi. “Music is a powerful tool to reduce anxiety, stress and various disorders. Listening to music stimulates our limbic system that controls our emotions, reduces our stress levels and regulates our response to outer stimulants,” she said, adding that ancient Sufi practices are being used by wellness and transformative coaches like her today since they assist in bringing clients into a “safe healing space”.

Movement and Meditation

Raqs is the dance that the famous whirling dervishes perform. Raqs is essentially a form of moving meditation that symbolises the spiritual journey. The act of spinning mirrors the movement of the planets and stars, in turn creating a harmonious connection with the universe. “Sufi whirling has woven its way into the healing and emotional wellness space. Using the principles of Merkaba (light body) spinning, assisted by soulful music, I've used Sufi whirling to heal trauma, depression or just as an emotional release tool. It is immersive and catalytic. The impassioned swirling motion stimulates our energy fields which assist in aligning the mind and body to achieve a state of calm and wellbeing,” Charan told me.

Contemplation and introspection are other essential practices of Sufism. Through journaling, silent meditation, or engaging with spiritual texts, you can look inward and in tune with your soul. To integrate these Sufi practices into modern life, we can begin with small, consistent steps. Set aside time each day for Zikr, repeating a sacred phrase that resonates with you. Create a peaceful environment to listen to Sufi music or poetry, allowing the sounds to transport you to a state of inner tranquility. Practice Raqs by finding a spacious area to spin and connect with the rhythm of the universe.

Sufism teaches us that true peace is found within, and by integrating these ancient practices into our daily lives, you can navigate the complexities of modern life with a sense of grace and serenity.