Rabia's practice of simply being with God, without agenda, offers parents a way to show up for struggling adolescents without rushing to fix, advise, or rescue.
Rabia's spiritual practice was characterized by patient, wordless presence before the Divine. She did not pray for specific outcomes or barter for favors; she simply sat in love and awareness. This stance offers profound guidance for parents of adolescents who are confused, anxious, or hurting. The impulse to solve, advise, or rescue is natural, but it often pushes teens away and prevents them from developing their own resilience and discernment. Instead, presence—listening without judgment, sitting with discomfort, showing up consistently—communicates that the teen's struggle matters and that they are not alone. This requires the parent to release the need to be the hero or to have answers. Adolescents are developing their prefrontal cortex and emotional regulation; they need a calm, steady witness more than immediate solutions. When a parent can simply ask "What do you need from me right now?" or sit quietly while a teen processes grief, shame, or confusion, they practice Rabia's loving presence. Over time, this builds the teen's trust and their own capacity to sit with difficult feelings without panic or avoidance.
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.