A metaphorical practice distinguishing between seeing yourself reflected in community (belonging) and hiding behind the roles community assigns (fitting in).
In Rabia's mystical teaching, the soul seeks transparency before the divine—no veils. Communities can function as mirrors, reflecting your authentic self back to you and affirming your existence. Or they can function as veils, casting you in roles that obscure who you actually are. Fitting in means accepting the veil: the employee, the good parent, the respectable congregant. Belonging means finding or building communities that serve as mirrors. The practice involves asking: In which communities do I see myself reflected truthfully? Where am I cast in a role? Where can I remove the veil? Rabia's radical love involved this transparency—she refused the veil of pretense that most religious practice required. Modern application: communities that practice radical honesty (therapy groups, authentic friendships, certain faith communities) allow mirror-functioning. Communities organized around performance (corporate hierarchies, certain social circles) default to veil-functioning. Belonging communities help you see yourself more clearly; fitting-in communities keep you partially hidden from yourself.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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