Latifa Practice

The Latifa prayer or meditation has its origins in Sufism; a mystical movement of over 2,500 years old. The prayer guides your attention to deep inner knowing and can be practiced by anyone who has the desire to live a more conscious life. The longer you practice Latifa, the deeper and more subtle you sense your originality and the clearer your meditation or prayer becomes. Regular reflection helps you gain confidence in the path you are (on).

Subtle

My teacher Marcel Derkse (Sheikh in the Mevlevi tradition (founded by the followers of Rumi) speaks of this practice in his book "Uit vrije wil" (Free Will) as "awakening the quality and knowledge that lies dormant within us and inextricably connects us to the Qualities as mentioned in the universal field of knowledge." Latifa means subtle; it is a subtle practice for a subtle person. The more a person is in touch with their originality, the greater the refinement.

The Exercise

Normally, the exercise is performed seated, with your hands placed on various parts of your body. Your left hand guides your right hand. The exercise can take ten minutes or an hour, depending on your available time and the depth you're seeking.

Acknowledgement
Longing
Hope
Faith
Surrender
Love
Will (being prepared)

Step by step

Like many exercises, meditations, and prayers, the Latifa prayer is just one way to help you achieve self-realisation. The beauty of this technique, however, is that you can grow within it. While initially only very earthly and physical needs and desires are discovered, the inner knowledge from the source increasingly gains a voice. Step by step, you discover what you truly need to do and become prepared to embark on the Path.

Transformation

To achieve lasting change and growth, people "journey" through various phases of awareness, experience, and processing. In the Latifa prayer, you guide your hands to seven different places on the body, each representing a phase in that process, beginning with Acknowledgement and ending with Will. A powerful and clear response from within your core can thus be formed. The seven windows of the Latifa recur in every transformation process. Sometimes in small things several times a day, but also in the seasons or during the different stages of life.

Dedication

It is sometimes necessary to devote more time and attention to specific windows, for instance the window of Hope or Longing, when you feel that it is hard for you to fully connect with this quality. This can be done through specific meditations, prayers, art, creative expression, reading stories, watching films, listening to music, or simply by giving it time while being mindful.

Practicing Daily

The art lies in the practice. One day you will notice that your practice creates art for living, and that you will approach challenges in your life differently, with greater wisdom and inner strength. It's interesting to vary it and sometimes touch the places on your body in silence, without words, just to feel what happens. It's also helpful to let a sound arise within you with each window, thus listening to "the path" within yourself and exploring it from all sides.

Duration

The practice can take 20-45 minutes, depending on how much time you spend in the different zones. It's helpful to have a notebook and pen handy so you can write something down. Ensure you have a quiet, undisturbed environment and light a candle or do another small ritual to begin. You can also (very well) do the latifa outdoors in nature. You can sit or walk somewhere, choosing a new spot with each step. (Roots to Rise also offers a latifa walk that takes you an entire morning or afternoon, spending about half an hour on each step.) Find the variety and setting that feels most comfortable for you.

Respect

Remember that the Latifa is a sacred prayer and was unknown outside of Sufi schools for many years. Use the prayer with respect.

More information or book a guided meditation by Suzanne: info@taodeepecology.org