With New Perspective Comes New Possibilities

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're facing a loss, and everything seems bleak?

Yet, someone right next to you, facing the same circumstances, sees it as an opportunity.

Why is there such a stark difference?

We all live in two worlds simultaneously. There's the outer, objective world of things, objects, and events.

But we also have an inner, subjective world that takes in information and interprets what's happening outside.

This is why we can have vastly different experiences of the same event.

The experience of pain or pleasure, joy or misery happens inside you.

We might use external situations as stimuli or triggers, but the real source of our experience always comes from within.

How can we change our inner experience? Let’s take a look at this Sufi Comic:

Art by Charbak Dipta

The Power of Interpretation

Our spirit has an incredible ability to interpret situations. The pain we see in this world is actually an opportunity for us to recognize this power and reinterpret our circumstances.

Think about it: when we're in pain, it shakes us to our core. It forces us to ask "why?" This inquiry awakens what we might call the "eyes of the heart" - our deeper, spiritual perception.

In that awakening, we gain the power to choose how to interpret the situation in a way that aligns with our higher understanding.

The Quran articulates this wisdom in the verse:

"Indeed, God will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Quran 13:11)

A Simple Example: Who Gets to Sit in the Front?

Let's make this more tangible with an everyday example. As a parent of two kids, I often witness them fighting over seemingly trivial things - like who gets to sit in the front seat of the car.

• Both can't sit there at the same time

• One or both have to compromise

• There's often pain for the one who doesn't get their way

As a parent, I try to explain why they can't always sit in the front - maybe it's not their turn, or it's not safe. I assure them they'll get a chance next time.

In the heat of the moment, none of these explanations make sense to them. All they feel is the pain of not getting what they want.

But over time, something changes. They experience that:

• It's not so bad to take turns

• Sitting in the back can be fun too

• Sharing time is fair

They become familiar with these ideas and start to reinterpret the situation of sitting in the front seat.

Seeing with New Eyes

When life throws challenges our way, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you're facing a job loss, difficultly in your relationships or a health issue.

In the moment of difficultly recognize you're not 'broken' or 'wrong' for struggling. You're a whole being experiencing life's fullness. Your challenges don't diminish your worth.

Remind yourself, you have an incredible power within you - the ability to reflect and reinterpret the situation.

When faced with loss or disappointment, try this:

• When ready, ask yourself:

  • “Who am I in this moment that is experiencing the suffering?”

  • "How might this challenge invite me to grow?"

  • “What qualities can I express here?”

• Consider how you might reframe the situation in a way that honors your experience and points towards growth.

For example:

• After job loss, possible reframe: "God is the ultimate provider. While this situation is painful, my skills and passion remain as gifts from Him. I seek His guidance to explore new ways to use these blessings, perhaps in a related field. Here’s an opportunity to deepen my reliance on God."

• Dealing with a difficult relationship, possible reframe: "This challenging relationship is an opportunity to practice the patience and understanding that God teaches us. As I face these difficulties, I'm growing closer to Him and learning about myself and other people."

• Facing health challenges, possible reframe: "My body is an amanah (trust) from God. While this health challenge is severely impacting my life, I can explore various ways to care for this trust and seek support, always remembering that true healing comes from Him."

Reinterpretation isn't about forcing positivity. It's about aligning our understanding with the spiritual insights we've gained through reflection.

You are whole and perfect as you are. Your ability to reflect and reinterpret is a sign to your inner wisdom.

Be patient with yourself as you cultivate this practice.

Your inner world holds the key to reframing your experiences - and finding peace, even in the face of loss.