The third stage of Nafs is called the Nafs Mulhama: the Inspired/Aspirational Self.
This is the self that is inspired to take action. It is dictated by 3 rules:
1. Speed: Perform good deeds immediately without hesitation.
2. Spite: Look at good deeds with spite to avoid feeding the ego.
3. Secrecy: Perform good deeds in secret as external praise feeds the ego.
In Sufism, it is driven by the urge to take positive spiritual action towards set goals.
In Creativity, it is driven by the urge to take creative action.
A person at this stage has set creative goals and is aware of the sacrifices involved. Such a person is determined and eager to take action, but awaits direction.
Meet the Peacock
The Peacock is colorful.
In nature, it is known mostly for its colorful display of feathers.
But it is widely misunderstood. It seems showy, but it isn’t.
There is thoughtful consideration, purpose and intent behind its actions.
The main reason the peacock displays its plumage is for mating. At this stage, its
mate is its creative goal.
In Creativity, its purpose for putting on a display is knowledge. The Peacock is
extremely hungry for knowledge.
Identifying The Peacock
The Peacock is driven by purpose and a desire for knowledge.
After gaining the above, it moves forward.
Not yet sure about the “how”, it is clear on “what” it wants to do.
In a creative framework, it represents a person who has found a creative outlet, and is seeking guidance on how to start.
Such a person will constantly display their “plumage”, i.e. immense enthusiasm and eagerness to find guidance.
Dealing With The Peacock
In Sufism, dealing with this stage requires refinement and guidance.
In creativity, it requires the same.
The Peacock will seek to attract any guidance that will take it closer to its goal.
Unlike the Rooster that only realized the existence of a creative outlet, without
moving, the Peacock acknowledges with understanding and moves forward.
Overcoming the Peacock
Overcoming the Peacock is extremely simple in this digital age.
There are 3 steps forward for the Peacock, depending on its level of understanding:
1. Counselling/discussion: The Peacock may want to test the waters without
commitment.
2. Formal Training: If the Peacock has made up its mind, it will seek formal
training through a teacher.
3. Informal Training: If the Peacock has made up its mind, but wants to move
forward on its own with only guidance and not training, it may seek informal
training for self-study through a mentor or guide.
Surpassing The Peacock
Understanding the Peacock gives a sense of accomplishment.
This is the active creative self.
If you’re a Peacock, you’ve entered the battlefield. Time to buckle up.
If you know a Peacock, know that they seek specific guidance, not opinions or
motivation. They’re already motivated.
What’s next? What happens to the Peacock when it finds what it’s looking for?
It becomes pleased with itself. It has found colour, but now it must find balance, as the Pigeon.
This next stage is where the creative balances life inside and outside themselves.
To learn how one finds balance, check out The Pleased Self (Nafs Mardhiyya).
You can read it here.
Until then, happy creating!
The Peacock In A Nutshell
State of mind: Optimistic, hopeful.
Traits: Takes specific actionable steps to move towards creative direction, tactical goals and strategic purpose.
Suggested course of action: Find specific guidance: A teacher for formal training or a mentor/guide for informal training/self-study.
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