Volume : 6, Issue : 8, AUG 2020

SUFI MUSIC AND WELLBEING AS A HEALING TOOL FOR STRESS AMONG THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS DURING PANDEMIC COVID -19

MOHAMED PRINCE M

Abstract

The aspect of individual patient experience in health care has taken on greater role in contemporary times. Due to an increasingly diverse patient population, medical professionals are encountering individuals who utilize other forms of healing practices in addition to allopathic models of care. With the changing face of educational systems and processes, it is important to acknowledge the systemic and structural underpinnings of teacher and educator stress that are very unique to this time period.  The recent suicide of a student from Kerala drew attention to the socio-economic disparity in accessibility to education and while student mental health is on the decline, it’s crucial to see its interconnectedness with teacher mental health. Several studies have highlighted the stress and burnout teachers and educators experience. One such example is the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report that found teachers experiencing an immense amount of occupational stress in comparison to other professionals. This is particularly relevant in mental health care, where concepts of “healing,” “well-being,” and “wellness” come to fore. This article examines the Islamic concept of Sufism, tasawwuf, and how concepts such as dhikr (recitation) and knowing one’s self can be overplayed to psychological principles of mindfulness and self-efficacy—showcasing the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Sufism is a form of Islamic mysticism that attempts to achieve the annihilation of the self through God. Through aspiring to be close to God, its followers – regarded as Sufis or dervishes – practice a detachment from material affairs and worldly desire. One of the ways in which they set out in doing this, is through various forms of meditation; and it is believed these exercises have a range of positive impacts on mental health. This article will explore the different forms of Sufi meditation, with a view to their effects on our mental health. In an age where many a patient has sought out a medical solicitor to deal with inadequate mental health treatment by the NHS, alternative psychological health is needed more than ever.

Keywords

WELL BEING, RECITATION, STRESS, EDUCATION, SUFISM.

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