The Barefoot Barakah Walk

10 Rajab, 1445

Peace and Blessings!

So, I decided this weekend that one of my 2024 goals will be a return to writing (after a 12 year hiatus–the last blog series was “John in a Big Rig” about my trials and tribulations traversing the 48 Contiguous United States on 18 wheels–fitted with a mobile library and a microwave).??

I haven’t yet come up with a name for this series, but my plan is to write a weekly reflection every Monday here on LinkedIn–likely touching on the topics of Spirituality, Education, and Awe & Wonder.???

For this first post, I’m going to share a practice I developed called “The Barefoot Barakah Walk”. Recently, Abdur-Rahman Syed shared with me that one of the things he is currently curious about is how to produce the optimal conditions to generate creativity.? Well, this is one way I found–The Barefoot Barakah Walk!

This is how it works:

Phase 1: Pre-Barefoot Walk (this phase is optional but highly recommended!)

• Wake up before Fajr and pray Tahajjud –Walk to the mosque (shoes are fine, but leave all technology at home–e.g. phone/watch/headphones) and recite the Du’a of Light for walking to the mosque(one of my favorites!)
• Stay in the mosque and pray Salat-ul-Ishraq (which has the reward of Hajj and Umrah!)

You are now primed for the Barefoot Barakah Walk!??

Phase 2: The Barefoot Barakah Walk

• Find a long stretch of grass/sand/dirt&soil (I usually opt for grass) where you can walk back and forth(one lap)
• Remove your shoes and socks
• Begin with Bismillah and start your walk

–Lap 1: Connect. Focus on your breath and the feeling of connecting to the earth and the enviornment around you(some people call this ? “grounding” or “earthing”--see here). ?

–Lap 2: Gratitude.? For this lap, list off as many things as you can think of for which you are grateful–big and small.

?–Lap 3: Adhkar.? Choose some words of dhikr and repeat them for this lap (orally or in your?heart).

?–Lap 4 (5+6+...): Creative Reflection.? Choose a topic for reflection or just be open to whatever comes…and let the creative juices flow!? This can be extended for any number of laps (I usually do 2-3 laps of creative reflection).??

–Final Lap.? Reconnect. Same as Lap 1.? End with Al-humdulliah.? Say your Salams to the birds, the trees, the flowers and any passerbys that may be looking at you with slight suspicion (just smile and say "Have a great day!").

So, that’s it!? Give it a try and let me know how it goes.? What might you add to this practice? Do you have a different practice to generate barakah or creative ideas??If so, please share!

Have a blessed Monday!? And remember to give thanks for your Many Blessings!??

Was-Salam,

Yahya

P.S. I’m looking forward to getting more ideas and inspiration from Mohammed A. Faris ' new book “The Barakah Effect” (pre-order it now!). And stay-tuned for the release of my interview with him on the NGS School Podcast.