Recently I was teaching about the Sufi saint Rabi’a of Basra in the Sufi Zawiya (zow-wee-ya) I convene monthly, and, as usual with this saint, tears came up and we were deeply moved.
Although the Zawiya teaching isn’t quite right for today, I was remembering that I had made a video of a different, but related, lesson from Rabi’a, and I think it bears repeating because it’s a trend or a habit I see out in the world of business. It has to do with how hard we make it for ourselves, and I got a specific lens on this through what I’ve learned of the life of Rabi’a.
I think this topic is particularly worth listening to. I see people just making things way too hard for themselves, without really meaning to. It’s not to say that developing is a business isn’t legitimately challenging at times, because it is.
But, if you watch this video, maybe you can get a sense if this is operating in your own relationship with your business, and whether more joy and ease is available to you.
When you look at your own relationship to your business, and any stones you may be trying to sleep on, what do you notice?
with love,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.
Zawiya, not just for Sufis.
Over the years I’ve been asked if I’m willing to hold a space that is just spiritual teachings, not connected to business. I had never felt the guidance in my heart to do that until a year ago.
Since then, I’ve been holding the Sufi Zawiya monthly, as a way to help us anchor our hearts in love, without bypassing, so we can face and respond to the injustice and cruelty in the world at this time.
It’s not just for Sufis. Those who attend make up a motley, rag-tag group of spiritual weirdos from many different paths. We all just know that love, justice, compassion, and care is so important in this moment in time, and we all want to anchor more deeply, in the face of everything…
There’s a no-cost version and there’s a low-cost version. If you’re drawn, please join us:
Leading Groups in Your Business
I believe that joy, kindness, and gentleness are deeply needed in business. And, very often, they aren’t prioritized.
All three are very present in the upcoming Leading Groups course, which starts July 30. In it, I offer up 30 years of experience in leading various kinds of groups, classes, and retreats, to offer insights and healing for some of the most challenging parts.
I want your groups to run smoothly. And, if you aren’t running groups yet but want to, I want that for you also, including a really compassionate entrance into it, avoiding some of the unnecessary painful missteps so many encounter.
Priced at pay from the heart. Deeply kind. Immediately practical:
