General

The Secret of Latif


Envision yourself being able to understand sound as a language. Understanding that the shifts of tone and pitch are much more profound than what the naked/untrained ear recognizes. Opening your spirit up to the idea that each octave can take you into a separate realm of its own. Imagine the experiences you would have and the insight you would obtain just by observing the movement of those sounds in the worlds where they dwell. It would undoubtedly bring to the surface many questions that would provide even greater insight into their mysteries. One of those questions we will ponder in this article is; if you possessed the ability to have a conversation with sound itself, what do you think it would teach you? 

In uncovering the science of Sufism in its authenticity, one will find that it is highly revered for its unique way of using sound to manipulate energetic algorithms, which affects the reality and experience of the practitioner. Driving reality through sound formulas is true alchemy because existence is based on different tone variations in frequency. These variations allow sound vibrations to speak to each other, weaving and connecting the threads of the universe to shape the world as we know it. These vibrational shifts are also apparent and shown in science as grains of sand or droplets of water are manipulated through Sound Harmonics and Cymatics as shown in studies like the Chladni Plate Experiments, affecting how those molecules appear in any given frequency. This level of sophisticated alchemy is also obtainable in Sufism through the power of Zikirs.

(Chladni Plate Experiments) 

I realize this level of alchemy may seem unrealistic or even mythical to some, but be mindful that even in the phrase “speaking things into existence” or the term “positive affirmation,” there is an innate awareness of power associated with the sounds one make. To understand what creates magic through sound one must first understand the concept of approaching the sound like a living, breathing being. If you take in the perception of exploring sound as a complex being with the ability to teach just as a human or deity is, one can take the word “Latif” and understand that the meaning is much deeper than the surface presentation of the sound.

If we look at the initial English translation and meaning of the word Latif it is defined as the “Subtle One.” But what exactly does subtlety mean, and how does one move in that frequency? How does one Zikir (or word) hold so much power that people are willing to chant it every day?

One of the most significant points of mysticism in Sufism is the ability to hide sorcery and secrets of the science within the sound of the Zikir itself. Only those who have completed the necessary formulas and rites can hear the underlying words and mysteries hidden in Latif. By remaining unseen and unheard, the secrets of the sound stay discreet. It also provides a very sophisticated way of guarding mysteries of the Zikir against those who have not completed the specific rights of clearance to have access to the powers of the sound. This energetic protection creates a treasure in Sufism for those who have earned initiation into this secret society. It also forms the beautiful and poetic irony of secrets hidden in plain sight, translating into subtlety. The act of being without trying and attracting what you want with the action (or inaction) of being in the frequency of what you want. However, this is not to say that laziness or procrastination is compensated in this science. This aspect references effortlessness and being unpretentious in chanting the Zikir. You would approach getting to know the Zikir just as you would a person, with genuine energy and without assumption or prejudice.

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To understand moving in subtlety, it’s also essential to comprehend refinement. Just as one would observe the grace of a powerful waterfall cascading over a mountainside starting as the subtle flow of a small stream. The power of subtlety lies in its ability to actively create an infinite amount of power with the least concerted effort because it understands the meditative rejuvenation of its own energy. Being able to gain more energy from the power of refinement, it never exerts more than it has to, making it infinite in its wisdom, strength, and endurance. This explanation is one of the most potent attributes of Latif, and although there are not enough words in the English language to accurately depict the weight of its power, this is adequate to scratch the surface.

Being able to uncover the secrets of Latif involves allowing yourself to be open and vulnerable enough to approach the sound with the intent to learn from it with no preconceived perceptions. By allowing its intelligence to speak to your spirit and guide you in the perfection of its frequency, one can unlock the limitless mysteries and powers of the sound. However, to tap into these things, one must be willing to allow a conversation to start with the Zikir first.

-Mercedes Desiree MD

in General / Guide / Meditation / Productivity

The Song of Birds: Nature’s Sound Bath

Imagine being outside in a park or even taking a nature hike in the beautiful sunlight of the day. The wind is gently blowing on your skin, you can see the birds flying in the sky, and you can hear them singing in the trees. You feel as though your energy is instantly calm and relaxed from the stress you have previously felt earlier in the day, but you’re not sure the details of why. However you continue to be at ease in your current environment and fall away from observing the exact components of what makes you feel euphoric. But what if you allowed yourself to be swept away into the realm of that curiosity? What would you find waiting for you? 

In taking the time to observe sound frequency and how it relates to the understanding of meditation, one can learn a lot about the environment as well as themselves. Peeling back the layers of what creates a frequency and tapping into the constant tone of vibration from sound aids in the realization of what heals your spirit, as well as what causes one stress or pain. In that observation of environmental frequency it can also be observed that in areas that reflect more nature (as well as the birds living in that nature) it is more likely that area will induce the euphoric energy that comes along with meditation versus more densely populated areas found in places like New York City, Chicago, etc. This is based upon my own experience living in New York and I’m sure a lot of people living in similar areas can attest to this being true at least part of time as well. But how does this observation of vibration evolving into frequency and influencing the energy of an environment connect to the language of sound translated by birds?

 

One has to ask themselves the question, what if the sounds we hear with human ears in nature, are just an imitation of greater sound frequencies that are in repetition throughout the universe? In paying close attention to the language of birds one can begin to decipher a pattern in their communication with each other as well as with nature. In each of those patterns lies the repetition of vibration sending out sound signals in a consistent form into the atmosphere that then becomes frequency. Because they live mostly in trees and fly higher in the air, they are more in tune with those galactic sounds of the universe (found in the imitative sound of rustling leaves, wind, rain drops etc) and are able to then communicate back into the earth with those same sounds. In other words answering back to the those sounds as if in conversation. As they speak with the music of the wind, the trees, and the beings that resides in between those realms that remain hidden to naked eyes, there has to be a distinct connection that is made in order for all of those things to coexist.

 

Even in observing the meditative stance that birds take in their sleep while being perched on a branch one can observe the extended meditative energy they are in which would then reflect in the sounds they make. The specific chemistry of their bodies to sleep as soon as darkness approaches and to wake (or be reborn) upon the rising of the sun goes to show the close connection they have with flowing effortlessly back into the realm of absolution (cosmic darkness). Upon resting and residing in that realm they can then come back alive to transmit those lessons learned from primordial blackness through the melody of their sound frequency. That vibration then communicates back with the other sounds of nature creating a soothing energy to the human and animal spirit. Aligning with most ancient ritualistic practices and beliefs that held an importance of all life as well as their interconnection to worlds seen and unseen. This becomes a recipe for the stress free environment created by those sounds in nature that is so healing and relaxing to us.

 

It’s easy to under appreciate the significance of a creature that at times can be so forgettable to the memory because of their lives lived in the world above us. However, if there can be a conscious acknowledgment of nature and it’s gift of song to us sung by the birds, one can realize how thin the realm is of the seen and unseen, which then reflects in our mental health and feelings. So the next time you happen to be sitting or walking amongst the trees as a way to decompress, pay attention to the melodic sounds of graceful birds. For in recognizing their ability to heal with the sound frequency they hold, the mysticism of their magic will open up to you. 

– Mercedes Desiree MD

in General / Meditation / Productivity

The Power of Silence

Have you ever wondered why silence is so frightening to a lot of us? Why is it so difficult for our minds to be still and for us to sit with our own energy for extended periods of time? In the observation of western society and the conditioning that is present in craving instant gratification to appease ones ego, it leaves the average person hating the idea of stillness. One becomes unable to sit in the energy of silence because there is an innate fear of letting go of distractions that plague the mind. These distractions then becomes so powerful in its parasitic connection to our psyche, that it demands our attention in any given moment and makes it almost impossible to break free of its influence. In a sense, this creates a birthplace to ones own monster that enforces limitations on the knowledge and insight one can tap into. But what is it that holds someone in that capsule of addiction to those distractions? 

The refinement of silence goes beyond just being able to meditate. It carries over into all aspects of everyday life and connecting to ones essence. It is the foundation for being able to see beyond illusions that are placed in our life to keep us in the cycle of reincarnation to this realm. It also teaches one discernment in the ability to respond to a situation as opposed to reacting. Resulting in more mastery of self in being able to control the urge of impulsion, which almost never results in an outcome we find favorable. When we go into true solitude with no electronics, no one to verbally converse with, and with no method of stopping the mind to travel deeper into its own labyrinth, we discover the powers that lie within silence and the initiation into its understanding.

 

In my experience of silent meditation and of being in a temple away from society,  I’ve come to realize that the sound of silence comes alive if you can allow yourself to be open to connecting with it. It is a source that forces you to confront your mind in all aspects, that makes you dig deeper into your insecurities, your flaws, and holds you accountable for the part you play in your own unhappiness. It holds no bias and it holds no emotion. It’s a force you cannot lie to and it leaves you no choice but to trust in its ability to teach. Silence has the power to heal and to welcome you into its realm of wholeness and absolution.

The only reason why we find it so difficult to allow our minds to go ‘blank”  is because we are conditioned to living in a constant array of sounds that always keeps us at a safe distance from what lurks beyond. We have become complacent in our ability to distract ourselves from what silence is trying to teach us. You will come to find that a lot of issues that may plague your understanding as well as your energy leaving you in stagnancy can be solved with the simple practice of sitting in silent meditation. 

Its interesting because even looking into any aspect of spirituality as a practice,  it begins as well as end with the ability to meditate. Now while there are various techniques that have different benefits and purposes, nothing can take the place of sitting in silent meditation. It is the quintessential foundation for any type of spiritual work across this world as well as others, and that is a strong testament into the power of what silence has to offer.

If one can begin to connect and appreciate the power and language of sound itself, then one can also see the juxtaposition of silence pulling from a different angle of the same source. Just as love and hate share the same core essence, so does the language of sound and silence. If one allows it to speak you can learn a lot about yourself as well as humanity in general. In fact one can even begin to understand that sound frequency and silence can act on one accord as the same mechanism. The power of silence is infinite, however its secrets only reveal itself to those disciplined enough to tap into it. 

– MD

in General / Guide / Meditation

When the Mirror Speaks Back

What if every person that you’ve encountered in your life was a reflection of you? The positive compassionate individuals who are so etched into your memory that just the thought of them puts a smile on your face. As well as every tragedy at the hands of someone else in your life. Every person you’ve ever had an issue with being aspects of yourself that you try to keep hidden. What would that reality look like for you?

If we go into the concept of transcending ego and evolving into creating your own reality, then we must also look at how these external individuals make up that reality you project into existence. This can be difficult for some people to acknowledge and it is easier to run away from this understanding, because it takes away any internal accountability you may have for your circumstances. However, if you have the goal of becoming the conscious source of manifestation in your life then that responsibility also comes with the harsh truth that any unfortunate experience you may encounter falls into your own doing as well. 

What insecurities are you holding onto? What is it your spirit is trying to show you about your energy by attracting the same people into your life? If we take the intuitive ability to pay attention to our life we will notice a pattern in the type of people we attract to us. Whether its in the aspect of a romantic relationship or even the type of friends/associates we interact with, the same patterns tend to emerge around us externally especially in certain transitional periods of life. 

If you want to also include family members in this analysis we must look at why we may find ourselves drawn to or so put off by the personality of that relative. Is there an underlying trauma that was experienced at the hand of that person and if so where does taking the intuition to heal and grow from that experience come into play as we become adults?

This isn’t to undermine or be dismissive to anyone that has experienced abuse as a child or an adult. These thoughts are merely written to bring to fruition the ability to take control and responsibility as an adult to manifest the reality/peace you want in this incarnation. In looking at your interaction with others from this perspective you will learn more about yourself beyond the surface of the day to day perception of who you are. There is also the added benefit of then being able to see others with more humanity and connect to them in a more sincere way because you see them as an extension of you. It also opens your mind up to the intricate detail of shadow work by consistently challenging and evolving your psyche. As well as healing from the dangers of holding on to ego and/or self hate. 

In the journey of loving yourself you can become so intoxicated in self love that everyone around you then becomes a reflection of that love, because anything other than that is outside of you. Anyone that is toxic or that doesn’t fit the reality of what you are commanding will leave your life naturally. However in order to evolve to that point one must accept the work of not only looking at your spirit in the mirror but allowing it to speak back.

 

– MD

in General / Guide / Meditation / Productivity

Entertaining the Essence Within

What if you were able to be free of all of the constraints of society and your mind, who would you be? Letting go of all the titles and pressures placed upon you from work, your spouse, family, and yourself. What keeps you in the illusion that you have to restrict who you are to please everyone else? And given the opportunity to break away from all those things do you sabotage your success? 

For a long time I held onto the pattern of basing my decisions on things that seemed rational and secure for the fear of being labeled as what society calls a failure. I’ve worked in jobs that I hated and Ive made financial mistakes trying to prove that I didn’t need help. Although I had resources available to me, because of pride I allowed myself to be a martyr to my own stubbornness. Most importantly, in those impulsive decisions I created a cycle of holding myself back from living by going into a day to day cycle of just existing. 

As Ive grown and challenged the way I think and respond to obstacles as they arise in my life, Ive realized that the only limitations we have are the those we have placed on ourselves. I also accept that I play a huge part in the unhappiness I’ve experienced in the past based upon my attitude, my need to compare myself to others, and ultimately not trusting myself enough to just be. Energetically I placed myself in a time capsule where my life stood still and everything I wanted seemed just out of reach. However that was the reality I created based on my fear to not accept who and what Im evolving into. And once I realized that key concept through attracting the same dilemmas and situations to myself, I was able to see the bigger picture as it relates to my life.  When I decided to drown out the voice of my spirit and my inner child I gave way for society to turn me into a caricature of myself. I was fortunate enough to be able to see the limitations I allowed my psyche to place on myself and I went through  intense initiations in order to rewire misconceptions/miseducation I developed in my ignorance.  

My ultimate goal is to be able to help others not only find peace and solace within themselves, but to also learn how to navigate through external factors in their environment that may cause a setback in the progress they’re making in learning themselves. Sometimes it is not enough to want change. In the journey of self awareness we must hold ourselves accountable for every mishap and every roadblock that occurs and a lot of times we are afraid to do that because we fear holding a mirror to our imperfections and toxic patterns. The attachment of ego holds us stagnant and confined into the molded image we’ve allowed society to create for us. However once we can recognize this defect from the root cause, we can then move forward and inward to truly live in the essence of who we are supposed be.

– Mercedes Desiree MD

in General / Guide / Productivity
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