Sufism is often called the way of the heart because the heart can dissolve barriers, particularly the barriers within ourselves. The primary cause of our illusion is our unwillingness to see ourselves.
We’ve been told we’re supposed to be a certain thing, a certain way, yet we’re not. It’s difficult to reconcile what we are with what we think we’re supposed to be. That’s why people constantly act out, pretend to be something other than they are.
The way of the heart does not mean the way of emotions. This is often misinterpreted, especially in modern Sufi circles. Way of the heart is not synonymous with way of emotions.
In Western Sufi circles and many new age teachings, it’s been misinterpreted that way of the heart means way of emotions, particularly the nice ones like love, harmony, beauty, and happiness. It leads to a subtle madness. Thinking of spirituality as a way of emotions leads to living a lie and being a hypocrite.
We’re not always nice, and pretending otherwise is not authentic. Or even worse… what if we are really good at being nice. That usually happens only because we are holding back from our true selves, only letting the things we consider nice to show.
Growing up as a Catholic, the notion was ingrained in me that being nice would bring everything you desire, but it’s not true. Purposely being overly nice can lead to weakness and victimization. Trying always to be nice is a way to make oneself vulnerable to being over-trodden by others, especially in a world where everyone is living an illusion.
It’s by standing up for ourselves and being strong that we create more strength, similar to working out at the gym.
Talking about emotions can lead to a loop of negativity. It becomes a never-ending quest to get rid of bad emotions. Way of the heart is designed to relieve us from our attachment to emotions.
These misinterpretations send us in the wrong direction. It’s much like believing that Nonduality is a mental practice. when it’s real intention is to get rid of being stuck in the mental.
Similarly, Sufism is a spiritual practice designed to move away from being stuck in the wounded heart. The way of the heart in Sufism refers to strength and the compassion that can come from strength.
Consider the heart running on electricity; which can bring life or take it away. Sufi, the way of the heart, is like electricity — it’s a dynamic aliveness that needs to be grounded. It’s not about emotions; it’s an electric aliveness present in all of us. Freeing the heart makes it easier for positive emotions to bubble up and negative emotions to be tools for navigating life.
The way of the heart in Sufism is a teaching of absolute aliveness here on the planet where we live. It involves trusting in human nature, trusting in your nature as a human to be the best you can be. It is a dynamic, positive way to step into your full aliveness and gives you the strength to ignore the headiness in life. This heart lets the awakened, brilliant, bright human being that you are shine through.