Embracing Moments of Depression

There are times in life when we feel the urge to retreat and hide, moments when we are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy. It's as if life holds up a mirror, reflecting back all the ways we feel we aren't good enough—whether in our relationships, our careers, or even in our spiritual practices.

I spoke about this in one of my previous newsletters, where we explored the Pathway of Constriction.

In these moments, it's easy to feel diminished, as though we're falling short of who we want to be. But perhaps there is a hidden wisdom in these experiences. A Sufi guide once said, "Sometimes your worst is good enough." This reminds me of moments with my children at home. I often feel exhausted, yet all they see is their dad, present and spending time with them. In their eyes, even when I'm not at my best, I'm enough.

The same holds true in our relationship with Allah. There are days when our prayers feel hollow, and our acts of worship seem insufficient. Yet, this "divine diminishment" could be Allah's gentle nudge, guiding us to seek His light more earnestly, to find deeper connection beyond the surface. In these times, continuing our worship with introspection and patience journeys us to strength.

Acknowledging these feelings rather than hiding from them can be a profound way to honor our faith and ourselves. We must be willing to explore the unknown corners of our self, much like Mullah Nasruddin's famous story. He searched under a streetlight for his lost keys, even though he knew he had lost them elsewhere. Often, we look for what we've lost in familiar places instead of venturing into new territories of growth and understanding.

Perhaps life is calling you to recognize the voice within that feels diminished by illness, pain, or loss. These feelings do not define your worth. Instead, they invite you to explore new paths and possibilities, to rediscover your inherent strength and resilience.

THIS WEEK: Remember, sometimes your worst is good enough, not only in the eyes of those we love but also in the sight of Allah. Let us embrace our moments of diminishment as opportunities for growth and deeper connection.