Over 20 years ago, after I first encountered Tony Robbins around 2004 by watching a late-night infomercial, I started listening to his “Get the Edge” program. Every morning I’d put the “Daily Magic” CD into my ears. Usually after praying Fajr, I’d listen to this CD by Tony, where he’d say positive, inspiring things, aiming to get you into a state of gratitude and visualize your day. It even included affirmations or incantations you could chant along with while running.
I always found this incredibly beneficial, like getting a two-for-one workout for your mind, body and emotions.
But it wasn’t until more recently that I had a kind of wacky idea.
Immediately after praying Fajr, instead of sitting still for 15, 20 or 30 minutes to do all of the different forms of Zikr and duas that we all know we should do but often don’t find time for, I started to do something a little bit weird.
A little bit… how shall I say this… “Mamoon-like”.
I grab my tasbih, put my trainers on, head out the door and go for a gentle walk, which pretty soon turns into a vigorous run. But instead of random Tony Robbins affirmations, I use the rhythm of my walking to do full on, soul-shaping, life-changing ZIKR.
During the walk and run, I do all of the Azkar we’re meant to do, such as:
– 100 Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh
– 100 La ilaha illallah
– 100 Salawat on the Prophet
– 100 La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
– 100 SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi
By the time I’m done, 15 or 20 minutes later, I’ve completed all of my Azkar.
But it goes deeper.
While I’m doing them, instead of my mind wondering (as it often does when I’m working out), I bring to mind what these incredibly deep, profound sayings actually mean.
I explore the deeper inner meanings of them. Each one of these statements can fill you up with a felt experience of Allah’s Presence in the moment. And pretty soon I’m vibrating as I chant them in rhythm with my breathing and running.
So instead of just running and listening to music, I’m running while chanting:
La – ilaha – il – Allah
When you get in the flow, all of these Azkar have a four-count rhythm, depending on where you place the emphasis as you recite them. Which makes them a perfect companion for a morning walk or run.
If you want to know exactly what I do to set up my day to be a total success every morning, the logic behind why it works and how to tailor it for your life situation and make it habit that you stick to for life, then grab your trainers, run over to this link, and on a 4-beat count say: Bism-illahi-Rahmani-Raheem…
…and then watch the free Productive From Fajr preview webclass:
