“Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.”  —Bahá’u’lláh

 

I’ve received many emails on this matter. People who suffer from Eating Disorders often lose the ability to pray. I think this may have a link to impaired cognitive functioning and depression. ED decreases ability to concentrate and focus, to listen and process information. I remember several years back, I prayed, but there was no focus, no concentration. I just prayed automatically and then I would go to bed. Praying was my saving grace, if it wasn’t for prayer/salat, I would have simply remained in bed all day all night long.

 

I agree you do get Eating Disorder Voices that tell you, ‘your prayers lack conviction, they are imperfect and you are better off not praying, you don’t deserve to pray, etc…’

 

A prayer walk was recommended to me by a friend.  This is a very effective way of praying, your not only praying, your also walking for your health, for your wellbeing.  Keep repeating these small actions and you’ll see prayer seeping into your body, mind and soul.  Repeat these actions at least twice a day—morning and night. These small steps will lead you towards a healthy, happy life InshAllah.

 

I have tried prayer walk. At one time, I really deteriorated, I was waiting for some help to become available. In those times, I took prayer walks. This was indeed powerful. For the first time in my life, I realized how much beauty I was surrounded with, I couldn’t believe it. As I absorbed the greenery around me, my mind opened up and peace prevailed over my soul, body and mind. I still do this, I  go to New Lands Corner, watch the sky line and pray and do light Dhikr. I  come home when I  feel lightness in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. For me this is one of the best therapies  ever to beat depression and negative thoughts in your mind.

 

الْحَمْدُللّهِ – Alhamdulilah (All Praise is for Allah) 

 

 

A Healing Prayer  Walks

 

Before Taking a Prayer walk: Pray Over your schedule

We often feel apprehensive over an upcoming event,  everyday activities can overwhelm us and we often dread our schedule. Pray for peace of mind. Just simple act of lifting your hands and asking God to make everything OK for you. Don’t forget that you’re not likely to get something unless you ask for it.

 

 

Below are few suggestions for the walks you can take.

 

 

Walk in Forest

If you can, organize a hike in a forest preserve, on a mountain and praise Allah for his beautiful creation. This is very powerful very soothing and very healing.

 

 

A friend in Germany organized a hike in forest preserve with friends. She said it was highly therapeutic being this close to solitude and nature. They engaged in simple Dhikr and had a very good time. When she came back from her day trip, she was all fresh and ready to deal with anything. Please try that.

Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “Shall I tell you the words that Allah loves the most?” I said: “Yes, tell me, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “The words dearest to Allah are:

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ

– SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and Praise Him).

 

Walk by the Sea.

If you live by the sea, each morning rise up early and go for a gentle walk by the sea. Be silent and listen to the sounds sea makes. Engage in silent prayer in your heart.  Water has healing properties. You’ll come back feeling energized.

 

Note: I tried this in Malaga, when I was suffering from post winter blues (Urgh). It was an amazing experience. I hate walking, but this turned out to be an amazing experience. I felt my mind was engaged and I had no other thoughts in my mind.

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ ، سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ الْعَظِيمِ – SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi, Subhan-Allahi ‘l-`adheem (Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme)

Silent Walk

‘Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.’ Rumi —

 

 

 

Prophet Muhammad said: “Two words are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, they are loved by the Most Merciful One.”

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ – SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

 

Walk AnyWhere

 

Go for a short 15 minute-20 minute walk every day, twice a day. Appreciate the beauty around you, your surroundings, the people you see, God’s nature. Do the Dhikr along the way.

 

 This Dhikr is very light and very light on the tongue.

SubhanAllah or SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi (“I praise Allah (or All praise if to Allah) above all attributes that do not suit His Majesty.”)

Alhamdulillah (“All praise is for Allah.”)

La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (“There is no power or might except (by) Allah.”)

 

 

Walk around your Neighborhood

 

And pray for the family in each home you pass. Pray for their well being and pray for peace in your neighbourhood.

 

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ ، والْحَمْدُللّهِ ، وَ لا اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ ، وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ –  SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar, wa la Hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, There is no might or any power Except with Allah)

Walk on the sidewalk around your school, work place or college.

 

There’s no limit. You can walk anywhere. But walk with the intent to pray. It will engage your heart and will shift focus in your brain.

 

 

 لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ– La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah (There is no Might or Power except with Allah)

The above is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise

 

Walking Dhikr App

Why Not Download this App and set it on timer, it will gently remind you it’s time to do Dhikr when you are out walking.

Dhikr Reminder

 

I love these words of Rebecca Brooks: Dozens of thoughts pass through your mind daily. You daydream. You may think bad or gossipy thoughts. Turn those daydreams and not-so-great thoughts into prayers. Ask God to help a person hurt by gossip. Ask him to forgive you for thoughts that take your mind places it shouldn’t go. Turn daydreams and other passing thoughts into moments to recognize God’s presence in your life. As you learn to keep a prayer on your lips, you’ll come a little closer to understanding what it means to “pray continually” InshAllah.