The Human Cohesion Project — 27 Mar 2024

(Originally published at https://medium.com/rukmini-iyer/the-human-cohesion-project-27-mar-2024-6b20fbc9f7a9)

In The Belly of The Whale

Dear Descendant,

In Abrahamic mythology, the story of Prophet Yunus (Jonah in the Bible), engulfed by the whale, transcends its historical and spiritual dimensions, delving into profound psychological territory. This narrative embodies the journey into the depths of one’s soul, facing the darkness within, and emerging transformed by the ordeal.

Yunus was sent to preach to the people of Nineveh, but was rejected by its people. Disheartened, he impulsively decided to return, without consulting his inner voice. On the way back, a storm ravaged his ship and eventually a whale swallowed him whole and carried him into the depths of the ocean.

Within the belly of the whale — a metaphor for the darkest corners of our psyche — Yunus experienced isolation, despair, and deep introspection. This symbolic descent into darkness (ocean as a symbol of our collective unconscious) mirrors the periods in our lives when we are forced to confront our fears, failures, and the aspects of ourselves that we often flee from. It is in these moments of utter vulnerability that true self-reflection occurs, where the ego is dismantled, and the soul cries out for guidance and redemption.

Yunus’s prayer, a profound admission of his shortcomings and a plea for mercy, marks the turning point of his psychological and spiritual journey. It symbolises the moment of surrender, where acceptance replaces denial, and humility supersedes arrogance. This act of turning towards the divine, our life force, in complete trust and submission is emblematic of the healing process — where acknowledgement of one’s imperfections paves the way for growth and renewal.

The emergence of Yunus from the whale is a powerful metaphor for overcoming the trials that envelop us, armed with newfound wisdom and a deeper connection to our essence and purpose. Within the belly of our greatest trials lie the seeds of our transformation. In my lifetime, dear Descendent, it feels like humanity is collectively in the belly of the whale. But are we saying the right prayer there?

Ramadan Kareem. May we discover the joy in surrendering to our highest potential.

#RukminiIyer #ExultSolutions #peacebuilding #interfaith #Ramadan #Islam