We all know the feeling. You stand for Salah, blink, and suddenly you’ve no idea what you have/haven’t read or which Rakat you’re on.

You have, however, planned what you’re having for dinner tonight and replayed that earlier conversation with your boss.

Presence and focus (khushoo) in Salah is something that eludes many of us. But we all aspire to have it. Yet, when it came to learning to pray – whether in childhood or adulthood – you were probably taught what to do and what to say, before being taught how to foster the kind of connection we all long for.

So here’s a challenge for before you begin your next prayer:
Spend 3 minutes deep breathing.
Scribble down anything that’s in your mind.
Plan what surahs you are going to read, and what duas you’re going to make.
And when you begin to pray, slow down your movements, and let your body settle into each position.

I’d love to hear what difference it makes!