enkindling the splendor within: rediscovering the majesty of existence

In the midst of existence, there are rare instances when we become profoundly aware of the breathtaking splendor of life, the sanctity that permeates every moment, and the awe-inspiring potency of the cosmos enveloping us.

These ephemeral glimpses are transcendental, ravishing, and deeply stirring.Yet, more often than not, we allow them to slip away.

Our daily lives unfold as if we are ensnared in a somnambulant state, occupied with ceaseless communication, perfunctory exchanges with our fellow beings devoid of genuine affection, and a relentless succession of tasks and diversions.

It is as if we are adrift in a reverie, scarcely cognizant of the vital force that surrounds us, blind to its boundless grandeur. What prompts us to lose sight of the astonishing magnificence that lies directly before us?

The answer lies in our propensity to become habituated to our existence. We acclimate to our circumstances, and the once extraordinary metamorphoses into the mundane, the barely perceptible hum that fades into the background.

As we bear witness to the quotidian – the sunlight, the trees, the exquisite countenances – we grow complacent, believing we have grasped their essence. The extraordinary recedes, replaced by the ordinary or even the tedious. Such marvels cease to command our attention.

We stride past the azure blossoms, the resplendent yellow foliage, the verdant blades of grass, and the molten gold of sunlight, scarcely registering their presence.

We fail to appreciate the miraculous nature of our reality: soaring through the skies, the marvel of electricity, the instantaneous interconnectedness afforded by the Internet, the vast reservoir of knowledge at our disposal, our cherished companions, and the simple joy of a yummy meal.

This inexorable acclimation is a natural process to which we all succumb. As young children, we revel in the enchantment and euphoria of ordinary phenomena – the pursuit of a bubble or butterfly, the unrestrained laughter elicited by a bouncing ball. Over time, however, we become inured to these wonders, our attention instead consumed by our devices.

This is not an indictment of our collective character, for it is an intrinsic aspect of the human experience. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize our propensity to take our world for granted and to actively seek to rekindle our sense of wonder.

To achieve this, consider the following:

  • Cultivate a habit of perceiving your surroundings with an unblemished, childlike gaze, as if encountering each element anew. Rediscover the awe that resides in the quotidian.
  • Throughout your day, pause to acknowledge the seemingly insignificant blessings that grace your life. A steaming bowl of noodles, an enlightening podcast, or a window that frames a captivating vista.
  • Endeavor to forge profound connections with those you encounter, eschewing the transactional mindset and engaging with others without a predetermined agenda or ulterior motives.


Embrace the world with an open heart, and marvel at its truly resplendent nature. Our existence is an extraordinary privilege, an opportunity to bear witness to the majesty of this world. into oblivion.

God bless

mindful momentum

I am not a big admirer of a culture of haste and frenzy that prioritizes material wealth and status over the quality of our inner lives and deeper human connections. With a lofty aim to unlock our innate creative potential, I believe undivided stretches of focused time represent one of our greatest resources for artistic productivity and spiritual growth. I sometimes discuss with Netta on the importance and benefits of undivided time during our we moment discourses.

A plate painting done by my two-year-old son. The swirling coalescence of colors on canvas, artlessly applied by tiny fingers yet conveying profound depths, stops me in my tracks. The brushstrokes of my two-year-old son, perhaps guided by some innate yet untutored wisdom beyond his years, reveal the ineffable dance of chaos and order, signifying nothing yet containing the whole universe in their abstract simplicity. I see eternity in a grain of sand, infinity in a child’s primitive painting. The small hand that mixed the paints with such care, adding depth and texture through the miraculous alchemy of color, bestows upon this humble work a luminosity that belies its humble origins.

In essence, there’s a new wave of understanding that challenges the pervasive culture of haste and frenzy that has arisen in the wake of globalization, driven by an insatiable quest for material abundance and social status rather than a focus on the intrinsic quality of life and the essence of existence. Despite their 35-hour workweek, the French exhibit greater productivity than their American or British counterparts. Meanwhile, Germany has instituted a 28.8-hour workweek, resulting in a remarkable 20% increase in productivity. I can see this trend influencing authorities in Middle east as well where I’m residing.

The philosophy of leisurely deliberation does not imply a reduction in productivity or accomplishments; rather, it advocates for the pursuit of excellence, efficiency, and meticulousness in one’s work, all while minimizing stress. It calls for a rekindling of the importance of family, friends, and leisure, emphasizing the present moment, tangible and specific, over the abstract and global. The movement urges a return to the core human values and the elegance of simplicity in life.

This paradigm shift promotes a more contented, buoyant, and efficient work environment, where individuals can revel in their innate talents and expertise. It is now imperative for organizations to pause and contemplate how they can achieve superior quality and efficiency without haste, thereby enhancing the caliber of their products and services while preserving the essence of their raison d’être.

Countless individuals spend their lives in a perpetual race against time in a rat race. Others, consumed by anticipation of the future, neglect to embrace the present moment, which is the sole temporal reality that truly matters. Time is a universally equitable resource, with no individual possessing more or less of it than another. The distinction lies in how each person utilizes their allotted time. It is incumbent upon us to savor every instant. As eloquently expressed by John Lennon, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

persevere

Not sure if it happens for you. For me, I can make myself so busy and overwhelmed with tasks and details and sometimes can get burnouts and needs reboot and rest to relapse from within. I try to reinforce myself with thoughts within and let’s put these to words as future notes to myself and to you if you have your inner struggles.

Persevere, dear soul. Desist not in your quest for endurance. Merely traverse the path of this single day, a mere span of twenty-four hours, encompassing 1,440 fleeting minutes. Allow yourself the grace of living within this modest time frame.

Embrace the dawn of each new day. Then, as tomorrows accumulate, gradually expand your ambitions. Seek the warmth of companionship over a shared meal, rekindle your passion for a once-loved pursuit, or embark on a voyage to distant lands. Fine art and styling by The Border of a Mind Studios.

Inhale deeply, then exude. Engage in the simple rituals of self-care: cleanse your body, polish your teeth, exchange your nightclothes for the attire of the waking world. Accomplish a task, however minuscule it may appear.

In moments when existence itself seems an insurmountable challenge, refrain from chastising your own spirit. Cease the relentless drive for more. Dismiss the notion that your achievements are devoid of significance.

This day need not herald monumental occurrences: the discovery of a lifelong companion, the attainment of your professional aspirations, or the completion of a laborious undertaking. Today is but one more step in the grand journey of life.

Do not berate yourself for the struggles you face. Instead, revel in the triumph of each hour conquered, each day surmounted. For at times, this constitutes the most arduous battle one must wage.

Persist in this endeavor, reaching for the morrow. Allow this singular objective to guide you: embrace the dawn of each new day. Then, as tomorrows accumulate, gradually expand your ambitions. Seek the warmth of companionship over a shared meal, rekindle your passion for a once-loved pursuit, or embark on a voyage to distant lands.

In due course, the act of living will lose its daunting veneer. Yet, even when contentment graces your existence, there will remain moments of setback, of tribulation. In these instances, remind yourself of the humble yet profound aspiration: to greet the coming dawn.

serene mirage

An oft echoing theme I’ve written a lot on this portal is about transience. I want it to be a big part of my thought process as it has several extensions to it.

We go about our lives as if our dreams and ambitions are guaranteed, as if we have complete control over our destiny. However, this perception is an illusion, and within it lies a liberating revelation, accompanied by a sense of urgency that jolts us awake


In the realm of our fleeting existence, we are faced with a disconcerting truth. Though it may be difficult to grasp, we must occasionally remind ourselves that, in the most fundamental human sense, we are living with borrowed time. We go about our lives as if our dreams and ambitions are guaranteed, as if we have complete control over our destiny. However, this perception is an illusion, and within it lies a liberating revelation, accompanied by a sense of urgency that jolts us awake.

Remember, tomorrow is not a guaranteed promise. So, how will you ensure that you wholeheartedly embrace life? How will you ensure that when the time comes for you to depart from this world, your soul will be tender, fulfilled, and enriched by meaningful experiences? A soul that was never burdened by the need to shrink itself, forever waiting for the day it becomes thinner, more attractive, cooler, or more successful before seizing the precious time it has been given.

eliminating the extraneous

The ceaseless barrage of tasks, obligations, and information streams that inundate us undoubtedly leads to disarray and bewilderment. Yet, is complexity truly a prerequisite for a fulfilling life?

Within the tapestry of human existence, there exists a profound inclination to gravitate towards complexity. The ceaseless barrage of tasks, obligations, and information streams that inundate us undoubtedly leads to disarray and bewilderment. Yet, is complexity truly a prerequisite for a fulfilling life? Might simplicity, in fact, be the ultimate expression of sophistication?

From a philosophical perspective, simplicity is the key to a purposeful and meaningful existence. By eliminating extraneous elements, we are able to hone in on what is truly significant, and foster a sense of lucidity and inner tranquility. Simplicity enables us to connect with the very essence of our being, and to revel in the splendor and marvels of the world surrounding us.

In a world that exalts complexity and busyness, it is incumbent upon us to deliberately simplify our lives. By curtailing our commitments and information streams to only those that engender delight and value, we can achieve greater equilibrium and fulfillment. Simplification endows us with an opportunity to luxuriate in the richness of life, and to cherish the marvels of existence in their purest form. I firmly believe that the truest form of wisdom lies in the ability to simplify the complex.

beauty beyond imagination

I happened to hear this from a discourse yesterday – A beautiful life is just an imagination, but life is more beautiful than your imaginations.

We may not ponder about this in our daily routine bandwagon. The world is full of wonder, and life is no exception. We often dream of what our lives could be – the adventures we could have, the people we could meet, the memories we could make. But the reality is that life has a way of surpassing even our wildest dreams.

capturing my friend MHP on the glorious Hajar mountains | Photography and styling: The Border Of a Mind Studios

Embrace the Unexpected

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. The moments that catch us off guard, the experiences that challenge us, the people who surprise us – these are the things that make life worth living. When we open ourselves up to the unexpected, we allow ourselves to fully experience all the joys and sorrows that life has to offer. My perception about uncertainty has changed a lot in the past years. I used to see uncertainty in the past years as something to be anxious about, but now with several experiences that I’ve come across, I’m slowly moving to seeing uncertainity as a suprise unboxing of moments. It’s a humble effort to develop trust in the divine as well and put the mind at ease.

Chase Your Passions

Yes, the good old cliche one. We all have things that we love – hobbies, interests, causes that we’re passionate about. These are the things that make us feel alive, that give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we pursue our passions, we tap into a wellspring of creativity and inspiration that can carry us through even the toughest times. Not everyone is fortunate to get a job that we love for various reasons. Still, we can put in our best effort and make your presence felt with your dedication and hard work. Expand into new avenues. Personally, I have made a yearlong consistent attempt to learn little bit of Arabic (still ongoing), and I am trying to master new AI tools to improve my efficiency.

Find Beauty in the Ordinary

Life isn’t always about the big moments – sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference. The way the sunlight filters through the trees, the light gleams through the apartment balcony, impromptu hugs from my two year old son, – these are the moments that fill hearts with joy and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us every day. I get excited with the birds at the balcony and the way my son is curious about.

Celebrate Connection

At the end of the day, life is all about connection. The people we love, the relationships we build – these are the things that truly matter. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend or a quiet moment of reflection with ourselves, connection is what gives our lives meaning and purpose.

Let’s don’t just imagine a beautiful life – let’s try to live it. Because when you do, we may slowly realize that life could be more beautiful than our imaginations. God bless.

Incremental Progress: Small Steps to a Better You

Have you ever felt that your to-do list is so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start? That you’re stuck in a rut and can’t find the energy to move forward? It happens to the best of us. But the good news is that there are small, actionable steps you can take to start making progress and feel better about yourself and your situation.

Incremental Progress: Small Steps to a Better You

Create a List of Priorities
The first step towards a more productive and fulfilling life is to create a list of your most pressing priorities. Whether it’s work-related tasks, household chores, or personal goals, write them down. This will help you visualize your goals and take the first step towards achieving them. It may seem like a small step, but it’s a powerful one. By putting your thoughts on paper, you’re taking control of your situation.

Take Action, One Step at a Time
Once you have your list, it’s time to take action. Don’t worry if the tasks seem daunting or overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, achievable steps. Start with the easiest task on your list and work your way up. By taking action, you’re building momentum and gaining confidence. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you take it one step at a time.

Talk it Out
Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone about your struggles. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, sharing your thoughts and feelings can be a huge relief. It can also help you gain perspective and work through the reasons behind your negative emotions. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re not alone, and there’s always someone who cares.

Groom Yourself
When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But taking care of your physical appearance can have a significant impact on your mood. Take a shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and put on clean clothes. These small acts of self-care can help you feel more confident and positive about yourself.

It’s never too late to start. Take that first step today and see how far you can go.

the inward path

Once upon a time, a man found himself in a new situation. He had purchased a cow, but he was not familiar with the ways of cows. As he was trying to take his new cow home, he made a mistake – he held onto her horns and tried to drag her along. The cow was resistant, as she longed for her old home and previous owner.

As fate would have it, a wise saint happened to be watching the scene unfold. He kindly approached the man and offered him some sage advice. “It seems you are new to this,” he said, “and that you are not familiar with the ways of cows. This is not the right way to approach it.”

The man was perplexed, and asked the saint what he should do. “I am not that strong,” he said, “and the cow is stronger than me. She is dragging me along and I don’t know how to handle her.”

The saint then gave the man a beautiful green grass and instructed him to leave the cow’s horns alone. “Take this grass and move ahead of her,” he said. “Keep the grass close to you, but don’t allow her to eat it. As she moves towards the grass, you move towards your home.”

The man followed the saint’s instructions, and to his surprise, it worked! The cow was so enticed by the beautiful, green, and fresh grass that she forgot all about her old owner and her old home. All she could think about was getting her mouth on that delicious grass. And so, with the man slowly leading the way, the cow followed him all the way to his home.

Now, think for a moment if you can correlate this with your life.

treasuring authenticity

One day at a time, immersed in Ehan’s world.

The scattered toys on the floor tell a story of his endless curiosity and unbridled imagination.

“The moment you realize that you aren’t creating a cut-and-paste version of yourself, but rather nurturing a stunningly unique individual with thoughts and feelings and hopes and fears and opinions and preferences and plans and interests of their own is the moment parenting becomes an adventure instead of a challenge. It’s a simple shift in perspective that creates a world of difference.”

― L.R. Knost

limitless scribbles

“Within the scribbles of a child’s creation lies the purest expression of human potential..” Photography and styling – theborderofamind.com

As I gaze upon the picture of my 2-year-old son drawing with crayons for the first time, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. In that moment, I am reminded of the incredible power of creation and the endless possibilities that lie within each and every one of us. For the first time, I gave him crayons that his grandfather gifted for him on our last visit to home.

As my son scribbles away on the paper, I am struck by the pure joy and innocence that radiates from his tiny frame. There is no fear, no self-doubt, no sense of limitation. Just pure, unbridled creativity and imagination. In this simple act of drawing with crayons, my son is tapping into a deep wellspring of human potential. He is exploring his own unique perspective on the world, expressing himself in his own way, and creating something that is entirely his own.

And as I reflect on this moment, I am reminded that we too have this same power within us. We too have the ability to tap into our own creativity, to explore our own unique perspectives, and to create something that is entirely our own. But what if we could approach the world with the same sense of wonder and innocence as my son does with his crayons? What if we could let go of our own limitations and tap into the endless possibilities that lie within us?

The question is where are the crayons of imagination of you and me gone? When we get buried ourselves in chores and work, always remember that there’s a child inside us and a boundless mind to wander if we put in effort to search for it. It’s exact vision that I’m expounding with the border of a mind venture. To kindle and spark the inner souls within us : )

Perhaps then, we too could create something truly remarkable. Perhaps then, we too could tap into the deep wellspring of human potential that lies within us all.