Transformation cannot happen if we allow ourselves to be overcome by fear. Muslim and Christian mystics say that the great obstacle to spirituality is fear. To "lose"oneself in GOD is fearsome. Jesus says:
"Fear not, it is I" (Mark 6:50). Here we have the Secret of Christian and Islamic Spirituality.
There is a Sufi story that describes well this concept of the desire to move and the obstacles coming from the ego:
"I want to learn to swim."
"Do you want to bargain about it?"
"No, I only have to take my ton of cabbage."
"What cabbage?"
"The food which I will need on the other island."
"There is better food there. I don't know what you mean,"
"I cannot be sure, I must take my cabbage."
"You cannot swim for one thing with a ton of cabbage."
"Then, I cannot go."