Rabia's ecstatic states reflected dissolution of the separate self; authentic belonging similarly requires releasing the protective ego-persona that tries to fit in.
Sufi mystics spoke of intoxication—a state of overwhelming love and presence in which the boundary between self and other dissolves. Rabia embodied this: accounts describe her as transported, absorbed, beyond social convention. While the literal intoxication was spiritual rather than chemical, the principle applies to belonging: fitting in requires maintaining a vigilant self-monitoring ego that calculates how to appear acceptable. Belonging, by contrast, asks you to release that protective armor—to become so present, so absorbed in genuine connection, that you're no longer performing. This is terrifying because it requires trust: trust that you will be accepted as you actually are, not merely tolerated. Rabia's intoxication was public and shocking; she violated social norms through her devotion. Her belonging to the divine was so complete that she abandoned fitting into worldly expectations. The practice is gradual: can you identify moments when you're present rather than performing? Can you expand those moments? True belonging becomes possible only when you stop managing your image.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.