Author: Ajmal

ripples

Posted on by Ajmal
Principal Photography: Timewarp by Amjad | Edited and styled by The Border of a Mind Studios

Have you ever tossed a pebble into a pond and watched the ripples fan out, reaching far beyond where the stone first touched the water? That’s a bit like the impact we each have with our actions, isn’t it? This concept has always resonated with me, and I bet you’ve seen it play out in your life too. Think about it – haven’t you been at a crossroads before, unsure which path to take? I’ve been there, more times than I can count. But then, something small, almost inconsequential, nudges you towards one direction. That’s the ripple effect at play, caused by someone else’s pebble, so to speak. And guess what? You’re creating ripples too. Your choices, your actions, they influence people around you, even those you’ve only briefly crossed paths with. Ever wonder how far your ripple travels? It could span continents without you even knowing.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Can you recall a moment from your childhood when you witnessed someone doing something that left a lasting impression? That’s a ripple right there, shaping who you are today. Was it something that inspired you or something you vowed never to repeat? Now, flip the script. Consider the times when your actions might have been the ‘pebble’ in someone else’s life. Were those impacts positive or negative? And if you had the chance to do it all over again, would you, knowing that someone’s path might be altered by your actions? I’m curious – have you ever stopped to think about the positive ripples you’ve created? If you knew the extent of their influence, would you strive to make more of them? Why or why not? What’s your reasoning?

Scramble, Savor, Settle

Posted on by Ajmal

Have you ever found yourself wandering in the thick of life’s forest, without a compass, feeling slightly adrift? It’s a common tale. We’re all out here, trying to piece together our next steps, feeling like the map is upside down. Yet, there’s a beauty in this disorientation, isn’t there? Look, the chase, the confusion, the perpetual game of life’s hide-and-seek—it’s not just a phase. It’s a fundamental part of the adventure. And here’s the twist: the very act of piecing it together, bit by bit, is what makes the journey so exhilarating.

Visualize this scenario. One serene morning, you’re going to stir from sleep, and the chaos of yesterday will seem like a distant dream. You’ll inhale the scent of fresh coffee brewing, a signal that your partner is already up, creating the rhythm of your new routine, and you’ll catch the sound of gentle rain against the window or perhaps the tranquil hush of a world just waking up. That’s when you’ll know you’ve arrived at a place of peace. That’s going to be your ‘I’ve made it’ moment.

You’ll be cozied up in the life you’ve built, each day predictable like the last. And it’s going to be glorious. But as you sip that morning coffee, you’ll find your mind wandering down memory lane, back to the days of thrilling uncertainties and wide-open horizons. Believe it or not, you’re going to miss this—the hustle, the missteps, the dizzying array of choices that lay before you now. It’s the mess of today that makes for the harmony of tomorrow. When you finally land in that comfy chair of contentment, remember to give a little nod to the chaotic sequences and situations that got you there. Because the part of you that’s yearning for order will, surprisingly, yearn just as much for the wild ride of yesterday.

deeper reflection on a fruit platter

Posted on by Ajmal

Sharing with you some simple reflections on a beautiful spread of fruits on the table. Have we ever really taken the time to contemplate where these gifts come from?

From the depths of very dark soil emerges a diverse array of fruits, exhibiting a spectrum of colors, variety of scents, and exceptionally pure interiors, each having a delightful taste. How magical is that?

Fruits such as bananas, tangerines, oranges, melons, and watermelons naturally come enclosed within their own coverings. These outer layers serve to safeguard the internal fruit from degradation and spoilage. The aromas of these fruits are also sheltered within these natural casings, which upon removal leads to swift discoloration and decay of the fruits. Think about it for a moment. They come packaged for you. The more we get into the details, we get blown away by the divine wisdom instilled in them.

Closer inspection of individual fruits reveals numerous subtle yet important aspects. Consider the tangerine and orange sections, having naturally divided segments. Had they been undivided, consuming these juicy fruits would have been more difficult. For ease of consumption they are conveniently portioned, displaying faultless aesthetic planning appearing to unveil a form of divine benevolence.

The strawberry is an extraordinary fruit, distinguished by its unique shape and flavor. Strawberries in particular are a special fruit with their distinctive shape and taste. The patterns on them seem meticulously designed. With their refreshing red appearance topped with green leaves, they exemplify matchless artistry. Their sweet scent and flavor along with tiny surface seeds make them easy to eat. That a soil-grown fruit can have such beautiful vibrant coloring is something that we have to think deeply about. Pretty ingenious if you ask me!

The availability of different fruits per season is another issue worthy of reflection. It is a grace from the Almighty that during winter, when people require most vitamins, fruits rich in vitamin C like tangerines, oranges and grapefruits are present, while in summer fruits like cherries, thirst-quenching melons, watermelons and peaches abound.

Gazing now to the boughs and branches from whence these gifts were plucked, I am awestruck. Perfect placements on slender stems seem the work of a masterful artist. Their polished exteriors shine as if cared for individually, reflections of a love for even fleeting earthly treasures. Grape clusters especially capture the eye, each orb affixed upon the vine with meticulous intention. The aesthetics of grapes fastened onto the vineyards looks so calming and artistic.

Every morsel here whispers of deeper design beyond what originally meets the eye. Each fiber overflows with purpose and provision, lessons for those with hearts and minds open to perceiving life’s daily epiphanies. In nature’s displays I am reminded to pause in gratitude for blessings constantly poured out. Maybe next time you grab a snack, you’ll pause to consider the greater story behind the fruits on your plate. There’s so much perfection packed into something so simple, it truly blows my mind.

It really makes you think – who planned all these tiny details if not a higher power looking out for us?

shattering the comparison mirror

Posted on by Ajmal
Original principal photography: Time Warp by Amjad | Edited and Styled by theborderofamind studios

Let’s talk about something that often sneaks into our lives, almost unnoticed – the habit of comparison. You know, that little voice that whispers, “Hey, look at them, why aren’t you more like that?” It’s a sneaky one, isn’t it? It creeps in and, before we know it, we’re feeling a bit down about ourselves or others. It’s like we take the amazing things in our lives and, just by comparing, turn them into sources of sadness. I remember looking at a friend’s social media feed, seeing their adventures and achievements, and suddenly, my cozy evening with a book seemed… well, less somehow. But as I age, I’m slowly gravitating towards two things to shatter this glass of comparison. I’m sharing it here.

First up, let’s talk about appreciating where you are. Think about it. Your life, my life, it’s a one-of-a-kind story. When I started focusing on my own narrative, rather than someone else’s highlight reel, things shifted. I began to cherish the small moments – like the aroma and right mix of Netta’s masala tea in an evening or the laughter in the stories of my toddler son. Those overlooked moments..

And then, there’s empathy over judgment. When I caught myself getting frustrated or judgy about someone else, I tried a new approach. I asked myself, “What might they be going through?” It’s like putting on a new pair of glasses and suddenly seeing the world in a different light. Understanding replaces judgment, and we find ourselves connecting rather than comparing. Now, why am I telling you all this? Because, I believe we can all find more joy and less heartache if we let go of comparisons. It’s like shedding a weight we didn’t even know we were carrying. Next time you catch yourself comparing, pause. Take a deep breath. Look around and find something in that very moment to appreciate. And when it comes to others, lend a little empathy. You might just be surprised at how your world changes. Keep these in mind as you navigate your day. Remember, your story is uniquely yours, and that’s what makes it so incredibly special : )

a little fragile

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In the vast canvas of the horizon, little Ehan stands in wonder, his imagination as boundless as the ocean before him. Here, against the embrace of the sea and sky, his dreams set sail on the infinite blue.

Have you ever noticed how life can flip in the blink of an eye? Think about it: One day, you’re in your usual grind, and the next, you’re stepping through a door that just appeared out of nowhere, leading you to places you’ve never imagined.

It’s wild, right? Consider this: a regular day is unfolding, just another turn of the earth on its axis, and then—a call, a message, a glance. Suddenly, the ‘you’ that you’ve known is donning new colors, hues of a life you’re just getting to know.

And it’s not always the big headline stuff. It’s in the quiet moments, too. A conversation with a stranger on a bus, a line from a movie, or a random act of kindness from someone who doesn’t know your story. These things can hit you like a gentle wave, but the ripples they leave behind can change the course of your river. I’ve experienced fragility on an intense level within when I had a hospitalization episode a few years back.

We’re all a little fragile, and that’s okay. It’s what makes us capable of change. We’re these incredible beings made up of moments—moments that hold the power to redefine who we are and what we can become.

So here’s to the unexpected twists, to the surprises that life throws our way, and to the beauty of becoming. Because who knows what the next tick of the clock holds? It might just be the moment that turns your life into a story worth telling.

unscripted

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Sailing across the serene waters of Pwani, I vividly feel the rustic charm of the wooden boat beneath us, a shared moment of tranquility with Netta and Ehan. In this journey, as the oars slice through reflections, we’re reminded that life’s essence is found in these quiet connections, in the ebb and flow of the tides and time. | Principal photography and styling: Ajmal | theborderofamind studios

Thank you for coming back to read. Yes, I’m directly writing to you, yes, You! Let’s have a heart-to-heart for a moment, shall we? You know, life’s this wild, unpredictable journey, and I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately. They never really tell you that you won’t have all the answers, and honestly, that’s okay.

Remember how you were trying to make sense of everything that happened to you, those unexpected twists and turns? I’ve been there too. I used to think I needed to have my future all mapped out, but guess what? I realized that the beauty of life isn’t in having a flawless path. It’s in the stumbling, the learning, the growing.

You know what else struck my thought today? Learning to embrace the unknown. It’s like when you’re trying a new hobby for the first time – maybe it’s painting, or maybe it’s hiking through uncharted trails. There’s a thrill in not knowing exactly how it’ll turn out, right? And setting boundaries – that’s crucial. Just like when you decide how far you’ll hike or when to put down the paintbrush. It’s all about respecting your limits and your wellbeing.

And about letting go – it’s like tidying up your space, getting rid of the old stuff that no longer serves you. It’s not just about physical clutter, but emotional baggage too. Making room for new experiences, new joys. That’s the kind of forgiveness and release I’m talking about. It’s about making peace with the past and carving out space for the future.

So, here’s how both of us are going to do it: Start embracing the life you have, with all its imperfections. Find those small things that bring you joy, the people who light up your world, and the passions that ignite your spirit. Remember, it’s not about perfecting your journey; it’s about living it, one day at a time. Let’s do this together, shall we? 🌟

personal everests

Posted on by Ajmal

You know, bravery doesn’t always look like scaling Mount Everest or reshaping the globe. More often, it’s about facing those ordinary days – those unremarkable Tuesdays and those seemingly endless months. It’s about pushing yourself forward when every part of you yearns to just sink back into the comfort of the past.

Let me tell you, I’ve been there. Those days when getting out of bed felt like my personal Everest. I realized that changing the world sometimes means changing your own world, bit by bit, at your own pace, as you mend your heart and soul.

Bravery isn’t just about loud battles and visible scars. Often, it’s a quiet struggle, a soft, persistent glow inside you that flickers even on your darkest days, reminding you of your strength, your growth, and the hope that’s always there, waiting.

I want you to think about this: What’s your personal Everest? What quiet battle are you fighting? Remember, every step forward is a victory, no matter how small. Each day you choose to move forward, you’re showing incredible courage.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Embrace your inner strength, no matter how soft or quiet it feels. Let it be your guide through the tough days. And most importantly, never forget that even in the quietest moments, your bravery is making waves. You are growing, you are strong, and above all, you are not alone. There’s hope, always. Let’s climb our mountains together, one small step at a time.

seeds of tomorrow

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You know, life can sometimes feel like you’re a farmer standing in a field that just didn’t turn out the way you hoped. But here’s the thing – that’s not the end of the story. It’s just a part of it.

Think about it. Maybe you’ve had a project or a dream that didn’t pan out. It’s tough, right? But let’s not stop there. Just like a farmer, we’ve got to keep sowing. Every setback, every missed goal, it’s all just prep for the next big thing.

You might feel like giving up, and hey, that’s okay. We all get there sometimes. But remember, tucked away in these experiences are gems of wisdom, just waiting to be discovered. It’s like getting your hands dirty in the soil, finding those lessons that can help your next attempt bloom.

Picture an artist. Their first few paintings might not be perfect, but each stroke teaches them something new. Or an entrepreneur – their first business might flop, but they come out of it sharper, ready to take on the world.

Let’s not shy away from the challenges. Let’s face them, learn from them, and jump back in with all we’ve got. It’s in these moments that we grow, that we really find out what we’re made of.

And as you think about all this, why not pick something that didn’t quite work out before? Take a fresh look at it. What can you do differently this time? Jot down your thoughts, make a little plan. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just a start.

We’re in this together. Let’s not give up. Let’s adjust, try again, and keep going. Because, in the end, it’s all about sowing those seeds again, no matter how tough the last season was. Here’s to our next harvest – it’s going to be a great one.

boy and the ox

Posted on by Ajmal

I had shared an artwork on the concept of being Pliable. This is something similar to it and on the same theme and you may relate.

“Isn’t It strange how the grass is all that remains standing after the storm?” Marveled the ox. “Sometimes soft can be strong”, replied the boy.

This artwork serves as a metaphorical journey to the edges of thought, where softness and strength coexist in harmony.

Meraki: Artistic Soul

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Meraki” (v.) to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to leave a piece and essence of yourself in your work.

Meraki, a word that resonates with the ethos of a true artisan, embodies the act of pouring love, creativity, and soul into one’s endeavors, leaving a lasting legacy through one’s work. | The Border of a Mind Studios

In the realm of creation and artistry, there’s a concept that transcends mere functionality—it’s called “Meraki.” This term, with its roots in Greek language, encapsulates the act of infusing one’s soul, creativity, and love into their work, leaving a fragment of their essence in everything they do.

Consider the tale of a Sculptor, analogous to the narrative of ‘The Carpenter’. Where a carpenter assembles structures, a sculptor shapes raw materials into expressions of their innermost feelings and thoughts, transforming stone or clay into timeless wonders.

It’s simple to fall into the trap of routine, to perform tasks robotically, whether at work, at home, or in one’s pursuits. The path of least resistance often leads to mediocrity.

Remember, mediocrity fades into obscurity. Mechanical actions fail to leave a mark. Merely existing in a role doesn’t carve pathways to excellence.

Reflect on Michelangelo’s words, who labored tirelessly to achieve his celebrated skill, reminding us that mastery isn’t a product of chance but of persistent, dedicated effort.

Attaining greatness, sculpting a magnum opus, demands more than hard work—it’s fueled by the passion that kindles this relentless drive.

On my conversations with numerous experts across various fields that I have come across, and each time, when questioned about their capacity for harder work, the unanimous answer was a resounding “Yes.” Yet, the pivotal inquiry remains: Why don’t they?

The answer lies in commitment. To elevate one’s efforts, one must deepen their emotional investment. Greater care breeds more substantial action, leading to profound development and creation.

Recall a moment from Steve Jobs’ youth. Observing his father meticulously crafting both visible and hidden parts of a fence, Jobs learned a valuable lesson about integrity and commitment in craftsmanship, understanding that true artistry is recognized by its creator, irrespective of external validation.

In a world where many settle for the basic, those who adopt the role of a true artisan, a sculptor of their fate, stand out. Their dedication to their craft draws admiration and demand.

The journey to becoming an artisan isn’t swift or straightforward. It’s a path strewn with trials, failures, and lessons. It demands persistence, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Embracing your work as an art form, pouring your heart and soul into it, will eventually lead to mastery, enriching the world in the process.

Meraki, a word that resonates with the ethos of a true artisan, embodies the act of pouring love, creativity, and soul into one’s endeavors, leaving a lasting legacy through one’s work.

Channel your passion and soul into your pursuits.

Imprint your essence into your creations.

Craft masterpieces that are the very embodiment of your love, effort, and artistic spirit.