ENDING THE WAR WITHIN

image: with thanks via Iraj Jahanshahi

One of the manifestations of separation (from the Divine Source) is multiplicity, division, contradiction and conflict. This is experienced inwardly as parts of the self that are in contradiction with and at war with each other. Each part is a psychic knot tied at a traumatic moment or through conditioning. Each knot has an energy, a vibration, voice, feeling and narrative. 

So, for instance, there may be a knot tied in early childhood related to the fear of abandonment or rejection. An unresolved separation from the mother/ parents – perhaps due to an emergency that was never explained to the child -- may have been experienced as abandonment by the child, never articulated and healed. The story of this part of the self could read like this: “It is not worth it to love anyone or depend on anyone. Anyone I love will disappoint me, hurt me, or leave me. I have to look after myself.”

As the child matures in perception and receives love and support from the parents, another part of it will develop an appreciation for strong, loving bonds and its story is more likely to be: “I am grateful to my parents who have cared for me and loved me. They have taught how to form strong relationships based on love and trust. It is worthwhile to love and trust people.”

The second part is more likely to be conscious and therefore heard. The former is likely to be unconscious and unheard. In the inward, the two will be at war with each other. In the outward this conflict will be manifest as contradictory relationships – those where the self experiences rejection, as well as those where the self experiences love and acceptance.

The purpose of spiritual work is to bring about unity and union within and without. Spiritual practice – which includes a foundation of wholesome (or what is often called moral) behaviour and may also include creative expression – begins to bring to the surface the voices and stories of negation from deep inside the unconscious. Practice can bring the conflict between the warring parts of the self to the surface of consciousness. 

All that is required at this point is to listen to what has been unheard. Unresolved pain only needs full acknowledgement and acceptance. And the mature self can grant itself that. It is important to witness but not indulge in any self pity or rage or fear that comes up. Shining the light of consciousness on these aspects of the shadow self is all that is required to melt the shadows and undo the knots.

May Allah grant us tawfiq.
And Allah knows best.
image: with thanks via Iraj Jahanshahi