Finding Peace in a Directionless Direction
It was a quiet Sunday night in the UAE when I found myself settling into yet another hotel for work. After closing my laptop at 10:00 PM, I wandered through the hotel lobby, seeking something—a sense of peace, perhaps, or a sign to help me understand how I’d arrived at this exact moment in my life.
Recently, life had thrown a whirlwind of changes at me, both personally and professionally, leaving me with a lingering feeling of being lost. Lost in my relationships, in my purpose, and in my sense of direction. It’s a feeling many of us have faced at some point—a disorienting sense of being unmoored.
As I aimlessly roamed the lobby, I found myself sinking into a couch positioned in the waiting area. It was as if it was placed there for moments of reflection like this. My eyes drifted upward, landing on a piece of art on the wall.
At first glance, it seemed like a random collection of shapes, all moving aimlessly. But as I looked closer, I noticed something profound: all the elements, though scattered and chaotic, were circulating around a single, central focal point.
That moment shifted my perspective entirely.
The Concept of a Directionless Direction
The artwork reminded me of life itself. There are times when we feel like we’re moving in all directions, far from any semblance of purpose. Yet, whether we are near or far, we’re still revolving around one constant: our connection to Allah.
This concept, which I like to call a Directionless Direction, is a powerful reminder.
Sometimes, life feels like a straight path; other times, it’s more like circumambulation—circling without apparent aim. However, if we shift our perspective, we realize that as long as our lives revolve around Allah as our focal point, we are exactly where we are meant to be.
Dealing with the Feeling of Being Lost
We all face periods of uncertainty, whether in our careers, relationships, or personal lives. It’s natural to question why we’re in a particular situation and long for clarity or change. In those moments, it’s easy to feel distant from Allah and worry that we’re off course.
But instead of viewing life as a series of parallel paths, consider it as a continuous orbit around Allah. Whether we’re close to the center or at the outer edges, the key is to stay in motion, anchored by the focal point of His presence.
Reflect and Reconnect
If you’re feeling lost or dissatisfied this week, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:
- Is my life still revolving around Allah?
- Am I maintaining my connection to Him, even if I feel far away?
Remember, what truly matters is not where you are on the orbit, but that you remain steadfastly centered on Allah as your guide.
May we all find peace and direction in our journey.