This verse has infinite meanings like all other verses, here we will focus on the ‘soul’ and ‘breath’. In Arabic, the word ‘Nafs’ means psyche or consciousness and others refer to it as the soul. The word ‘Nafas’ is very similar which means breath; coming from the same root [N/F/S]. We are born with the first inhale and die with our last exhale. Our life is a series of micro births and deaths. Our breath, our Nafas, is our anchor. With every living breath, our soul or Nafs is on its way home. 

The Dunya, our daily worries, troubles, thoughts can sometimes take control of our breath and shroud our hearts from seeing the Light. However, by just taking a few minutes to sit and breathe consciously and intentionally, we remind our thoughts and emotions to be anchored in our breath, and the breath reminds the soul of its path.

As a compass always points North, our soul is always seeking Allah. We just need to listen to the waves of our inhales and exhales; to guide us back to the states of contentment, tranquility and harmony.