The intersection of Western psychotherapy and Eastern spiritual traditions.
: Around the fourth day, she describes a sense of "unreality," feeling like a puppet or an empty shell, which eventually leads to a deeper awareness of existence.
: As a trained psychologist, Özelsel provides a "scientific resolution" for her mystical experiences. She examines:
: Özelsel chronicles her day-by-day experiences while secluded in a cold, sparsely furnished room with minimal food and social contact. She describes the physical and mental shifts, including:
: Özelsel, who entered the retreat during a period of deep despair, emerged as a "different person," viewing the process as a transformative internal journey. Publication Details
: The role of dhikr (remembrance), reading Rumi and Ibn al-Arabi, and the guidance of her spiritual mentor ( mürşid ).