God says in His Holy Book "When you remember Me, I remember you".

Many forms of meditation expand us up and outward. Remembrance takes us downward and inward. Returning us back to our sacredness. Bringing our attention to that part of our being that has never lost connection with the Divine. Remembrance expands on this connection. Doing the Remembrance practice helps us return and Taste the Truth of who we really are.

Remembrance is a practice of returning, reconnecting and Receiving. There is no receiving without returning and there is no life without receiving.

What are we receiving when we Remember? Divine Light, Divine Love, Divine Mercy and much much more. This Light/Love/Mercy that we draw into our beings when we Remember is like "mothers milk" for the body the heart and the soul. Everything we actually need is in this Milk.

"Light has dominion over darkness."

As the Light is received into your being, all forms of darkness begin to break up and get discharged. That which is false can not persist in the Light of Truth. If we are caught by an image, emotion, picture or belief that is not true, then the remembrance will break up these misconceptions and reveal what is actually true.

When doing the Remembrance practice it is important to be grounded and completely in your body. Remembrance is not about escaping, it's about purifying and "beautification" of the heart. It is recommended that you be in an upright seated position. Making sure that feet and butt are anchored and solid. If possible allow for your back and head to feel supported also. Before you begin, scan your body from head to toe and make sure your whole being as grounded, supported and soft and relaxed. Note any areas of constriction and attempt to soften and loosen up those areas. If you find a place of constriction that is resistant then accept it as it is and be merciful with it. As you do the practice you will come back to those areas and focus the Receiving directly into those areas.

Once you are comfortable grounded and fully in your body, then you are ready to begin.

Eyes closed and turned inward with a soft and compassionate gaze. Place one hand upon your upper chest, just a few inches below the collar bone and centered on your chest. If you know the Opening prayer (Fatiha) you may begin by saying it first or you can make any personal prayer (dua) that feels right for you. Then set your "intention" to return, connect and Receive directly from the Divine through this Remembrance practice. Setting your intention is very important.

In our Sufi Way we do the Remembrance by repeating the Name "Allah" or the phrase "la illa ha ill allah". It is recommended that in the beginning you practice with just the Name "Allah". The Name Allah is the not a human created name. It is the revealed Name that God declared for Himself. In the Arabic language the word "Allah" literally means "the God". Arabic speaking Jews, Christians or Muslims use the name "Allah" when they refer to God. The Name itself predates all the formalized monotheistic traditions and was commonly used in the earliest languages . What is important about using this Name when doing Remembrance is the sonic resonance of the the Name "Allah". The "Ahhh" sound opens and expands the heart/chest and the "laa" sound pulls the Divine Light into that expanded space.

Start by saying the Name softly yet loud enough so you can hear it. Repeat the Name softly and rhythmically, feeling for a pace and tone that feels natural and gentle for you. While you are saying the Name be aware of your "intention" to return, connect and most importantly to Receive.

If you are dealing with any strong negative voices or other distractions, try saying the Name loudly and firmly until things settle out then ease into softer Remembrance.

It is recommended that you use your beads as you do Remembrance. The tactile feel of clicking off each bead will help you stay present and in your body. After each round of 100 pause and check in to your heart. Note any changes in how your heart feels and allow yourself to just receive for a moment before starting the next round.

Keep saying the Name and focus your attention on the sound. This is another important secret. Listen intently to the sound of the Name "Ahhhh-laaaa". As Sidi would say "speak it with the tongue of your heart and listen to it with the ear of your heart". As thoughts and other distractions enter the mind, gently come back to only the repetition of the Name and the listening to the sound of the Name.

As the connection opens and you begin to receive keep saying the Name deeper and softer. Allow your heart to fill with the secret of the Name. Whatever rises up from the depths of your being, keep saying the Name right in to it. Whatever rises is rising to be cleaned. Let the Name, and all that is contained in the Name, wash, heal and purify whatever comes up. 

Keep going with the repetition of the Name. Whatever happens during this sacred process is an intimate exchange between you and The Beloved. The more you surrender and open the more The Beloved can give. There is no limit to what The Beloved can give in the form of healing, love, revelation, beautification and guidance. Remembrance is all about Receiving not making.

The recommended amount of time to devote to Remembrance is one hour. There is great wisdom in this recommendation. Many times it may take 30-45 minutes just to break through all the static and chatter of the mind. If you find that after 30 minutes you are not feeling anything, keep going. Check to be sure you are grounded, relaxed and focused on speaking and listening to only the Name. Come to your Lord with humility and sincerity and you will not be turned away. 

You can do the Remembrance practice at any time, anywhere. Our Guide recommends that the best time to do it is during the last third of the night. Which is usually between the hours of 2:00-6:00am depending on the season. During this time period it is said that the veils that keep you separate from the Divine are at their thinnest, meaning the opportunity to connect and receive is greatest. The second best time to do Remembrance is in the evening after sunset before retiring to sleep.

If you have difficulty receiving the many benefits of this practice after several attempts seek guidance from a teacher who is familiar with the practice who can walk you through it and get you past whatever is blocking your way.

For more about Remembrance from our guide Sidi see "Music of the Soul" page 24. "He Who Knows Himself Knows His Lord" page 77. "The Path to Allah Most High" page 286.

Check list for Remembrance Practice

• Sitting comfortably, body fully supported, grounded, body scan.
• Set your intention.
• One hand on upper chest. Preferably eyes closed.
• Drop into your heart.
• Repeat the Name, or quality or la illa ha ill allah. Softly but audible.
• Listen to the sound.
• Allow whatever arises to be washed.
• Keep going behind and behind. Your job is to receive and witness what is revealed.
• Thank Allah for what you receive.