Ajmal – Page 40 – The Border of a Mind

seeds of passion

February 10, 2023February 10, 2023 by Ajmal

The art of gardening and decorating has always had a special place in my heart. I I remember a journey that intensified and deepened my zeal, a trip to a quaint hill station in Kerala called Peermade. A place where the mountains rose high, creating a barrier between the regions of Travancore and Madurai in ancient Tamilakam. I was staying in a guest house, a two-storied cottage, with my family and my brother helped to find this cottage. The family who owned the cottage lived on the lower floor and the guests on the top floor. Little did I know that my perspective about decor and integrating plants would be forever changed by the experience I had there.

The family’s love for plants and gardening was a sight to behold. The proprietors of the cottage, a family with a deep-seated passion for horticulture, left a lasting impression on me. Their abode was a veritable jungle of flora, with an imaginative use of pots, cans, glass jars, and even repurposed waste containers to cultivate an astonishing diversity of plants. The cottage was filled with an abundance of greenery, and the owners would go around with a green plastic plant mister, talking to the plants and showering them with love. That stay opened my eyes to the possibility of making our surroundings beautiful and leaving our signature on them, no matter where we are.

Upon coming back to the UAE after my vacation, I sought out methods to bring greenery into both my home and work cabin. The capability for growth and knowledge housed within a seed never fails to stun me. Dreaming and planting a garden, born from imagination, symbolizes a declaration of autonomy of the soul. It is within these unique areas and touches that we can discover innovative ways to reconcile our sense of beauty with our living spaces.

Gardening is not just about creating beauty, but also about embracing the imperfections and limitations of life. It’s about finding joy in the simple things. Embracing the art of gardening and decorating, enables to leave our mark with a space that speaks of our soul.

tapestry unfolding

February 9, 2023March 18, 2025 by Ajmal

Today while driving to work, I was listening some podcast and the person mentioned something very profound. If you turn back and look at milestones or events that you feel have been very transformational in our life, there’s some adversity or hardship phase that preceded it. For me, personally, I have found this to be absolutely true. Life is often blended with threads of mystery, joy, and sorrow. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the negatives and question why things happen the way they do. But I choose to see life through a lens of hope and believe that everything happens for a reason. The people who come and go from our lives, the hardships we face, and even the mistakes we make, all play a role in shaping who we are and the life we live.

A difficult situation arises to teach us resilience and strength. It’s easy to feel like things are falling apart, but it’s important to remember that this could be a necessary step for something even better to come into our lives. Sometimes, it takes letting go of what we thought was good to allow something even greater to come into our lives. The journey of life is unpredictable and full of twists and turns, but if we approach each experience with a sense of purpose and a belief that everything happens for a reason, we can find the beauty in each moment and trust that the Almighty has a plan for us.

deeper roots

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 by Ajmal

Just like storms can help trees take deeper roots, challenges and obstacles in life can help us grow as individuals. It is often during tough times that we are forced to dig deep and find inner strength that we didn’t even know we had. And just like trees, the more we are exposed to these challenges, the stronger and more resilient we become.

In many ways, our thoughts and beliefs are like roots. They provide a foundation for who we are and how we navigate the world. And just like trees, our thoughts can either be shallow or deep, strong or weak. It is up to us to cultivate a strong and stable foundation of thoughts and beliefs that can weather the storms of life.

So the next time you face a challenge or obstacle, try to see it as an opportunity to grow and strengthen your own “roots.” Embrace the experience and allow it to shape you into the best version of yourself. Just like trees, we too can take deeper roots and become more resilient with each storm we weather.

dexterity

February 4, 2023February 4, 2023 by Ajmal

Dexterity | The Border of a Mind Studios

When I first held Ehan in my arms, his tiny hands were just little nubs that could barely wrap around my finger. But now, watching him as he confidently reaches out to grab toys and jars, it is evident that his hands have become an extension of his curious mind. He uses them to touch, feel, and learn about the world around him. It is truly a joy to witness this growth firsthand as he gradually progresses through different milestones.

I thought of this video project couple of months back to capture Ehan’s interactions with various objects, I am reminded of the importance of cherishing these small moments. The journey of childhood is a fast one, and before we know it, our little ones will have grown into confident and independent individuals. But for now, I’m savoring these heartwarming moments of wonder and amazement with lot of gratefulness and love, as I watch him transform from tiny nubs to symbolize their boundless potential and journey through life. We don’t have as much time as we think we have.

Ehan’s hand, once so small and full of wonder, grows so fast into a symbol of their journey through life, reminding us to cherish every moment of growth and never let go of our innate sense of wonder.

weight of impermanence

February 2, 2023February 8, 2023 by Ajmal

Today, I attended the funeral service of a colleague who passed away while having a heart attack in a football ground. He was 24 years old and had only started life. He was married only a month back. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Though I’ve not personally worked with him directly, attending his burial has overwhelmed me by the weight of impermanence of this life.

We are mere passing visitors in this world, leaves that fall from a tree and eventually wilt away. The things we accumulate and the titles we hold are but temporary markers of our existence. The only things that truly endure are the memories and impressions we leave in the hearts of those we love.

As I sat there, I thought about my own life and all the things I had taken for granted. I thought about all the things I still wanted to achieve and all the people I still wanted to meet. But most of all, I thought about the ones I love and how I wanted to make a lasting impact in their lives.

In the face of death, we are forced to confront the reality of our own mortality. But this doesn’t have to be a source of fear or despair. Instead, it can be a source of inspiration, a call to live each day with purpose and intention.

As I left the funeral, I was filled with a newfound appreciation for the present moment. I decided to make the most of my time, to live fully, to love deeply, and to make a positive impact on the world.

The impermanence of life is a difficult concept to grasp, but it is a reminder to make the most of every moment. We never know when our time will be up, but we can choose to live our lives in a way that brings meaning and purpose to ourselves and those around us. We can choose to be a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration in a world that is often filled with pain and suffering.

In the end, death is inevitable, but it is what we do with our lives that truly matters. Let us not waste a single moment, but instead strive to make a positive difference, to love deeply, and to live fully. May we never forget that our time on earth is fleeting, and may we make the most of every moment.

beyond the grand endings

January 31, 2023January 25, 2023 by Ajmal

Perhaps our affection will not be like the portrayals in cinema. It may not conclude with a grand finale, a dash to the airport, or a lengthy embrace where declarations of love flow as freely as the laughter and tears. Maybe it will be as ordinary as sharing a shavarma and tea on a weekday evening. You sipping your tea, me savoring my sandwich; our glances meeting, and in that moment, understanding each other without need for words. seven years with Netta, and forever honoured and grateful to Almighty for this gem : )

Grateful : )

the bus was always coming.

January 29, 2023January 28, 2023 by Ajmal

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a group of young friends were waiting at a bus stop. They had been waiting for what seemed like an eternity, for nearly an hour and a half. As they stood there, growing increasingly impatient and frustrated, they noticed an old man standing a bit away from them at the same bus stop.

The friends were curious about the old man and his calm demeanor, despite the long wait for the bus. Suddenly, they saw the bus in the distance, and one of the friends exclaimed, “Oh finally, the bus is coming!” The old man just turned to them and said, “The bus was always coming.“

The friends were confused by the old man’s words, but as the bus arrived, they boarded and continued on their journey. As they rode, they couldn’t help but think about the old man’s words and how they applied to their own lives. They realized that just as the bus was always coming, so too were the answers to their problems, and the fulfillment in their lives. It’s about shifting the perspectives.

transcendent truth

January 28, 2023January 25, 2023 by Ajmal

Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived a young man named Emaan. He was a seeker of truth, and had devoted his life to the path of knowledge. He was filled with a deep longing to understand the mysteries of the universe and the secrets of the divine.

One day, Emaan found himself in the midst of a great crisis. All of the doors that had once been open to him seemed to have closed, and he found himself wandering aimlessly through the desert of despair. He felt as though he had lost his way and that he would never find his way back to the light.

But as he stumbled through the sands of his sorrow, he remembered the wise words of his spiritual guide: “Ponder upon the vicissitudes of life, I implore you to abstain from venturing into the vicinity of despondency and despair. Despite the apparent obfuscation of all avenues, the divine shall unveil a novel trajectory solely for you.“

With these words in mind, Emaan decided to focus on gratitude. He was thankful for the blessings that had been bestowed upon him, but also for that which had been withheld. He understood that there was a reason for everything, and that even the darkest moments of his life had a purpose.

As he walked through the desert, he began to notice the beauty of the world around him. The stars shone brightly in the sky, and the sand sparkled in the moonlight. He realized that the desert was not a place of despair, but of wonder and wonderment. And in that moment, Emaan knew that he was exactly where he needed to be.

And so, he continued his journey with a newfound appreciation for life and its many twists and turns. He knew that the divine had a plan for him, and that all of his struggles were leading him to a greater understanding.

Although this story is of Emaan, this is also of me, of you

yes, you! : )

Whatever happens, never fall into despair. Think about the brighter and positive sides of events in your life and what you can do positively in this moment to move forward. This would make significant changes in our lives. Despair is the keyway to laziness and inconsistency. A giant leap of faith is required and it’s built on the process. God bless you, and thank you very much for the time you’ve taken to read this. My only wish is to stir your soul towards a positive frame of mind regardless of whatever you’re going through.

eternal present

January 27, 2023January 25, 2023 by Ajmal

Life is not just the passing of time. Life is a collection of “experiences”. the frequency & intensity of those experiences

It’s worthwhile to ponder the nature of time and its relationship to life. As quoted above, Bill Bailey and Jim Rohn both observed that life is not just the passing of time, but rather a collection of experiences – their frequencies and intensities. Time is not simply a measure of the duration of our existence, but rather a gift, a consciousness that allows us to be and to feel.

However, why do we oft find ourselves beset with anxieties about time? It is because we are plagued by uncertainty, the future that remains unpredictable and uncontrollable. Yet, in the grand scheme of the boundlessness of space and the infinity of time, our worries and apprehensions are trite.

I implore you to contemplate this: when we immerse ourselves entirely in the present moment, it appears to be a quantum of quality time that is well-utilized. Does this not imply that time and life are inextricably linked? Perhaps we created the concept of time as a means of controlling life, as much as we are able.

But why waste precious moments worrying about time when we could focus on enjoying the present? A moment, five minutes well spent, is a life well-lived. So let us cherish each moment, let us be mindful and present in the now. For it is in the now that we truly live.

Remember.

Life is not just the passing of time. Life is a collection of “experiences”. the frequency & intensity of those experiences

infinite wonders

January 26, 2023January 25, 2023 by Ajmal

It’s time to add a slice into the Ponder Series. As we journey through life, we often take for granted the complexities and wonders that make us who we are. But have you ever stopped to consider the incredible amount of information that exists within our own bodies? Each and every one of us is made up of an astounding 100 trillion cells, each containing a DNA molecule that holds within it a wealth of information.

Just one of these DNA molecules holds the equivalent of 3 billion different subjects, enough to fill 1,000 volumes of books with 1 million pages each. Imagine lining up all of those pages, end to end. They would stretch from the North Pole to the Equator. And even if we were to read them nonstop, 24 hours a day, it would take us 100 years to finish.

But here’s the truly mind-boggling part: this vast library of information exists within something as small and seemingly insignificant as a single hair or fingernail. How is it possible that such a vast amount of knowledge could be contained within something so minuscule?

It is a reminder that the universe is full of mysteries and wonders, and that we are constantly discovering new things about ourselves and the world around us. And it’s not just science, but also the spiritual side of things that makes us so much more than we think we are. So, next time you look at your hair, remember that within it, there is a universe of information, waiting to be discovered.

Some chapters to go through:
> the fleeting dream
> Perceiving Time
> Is it a dream ?
> Ornate Blossoms
> Visual Narrative – Ponder Series
> Reflecting on Shadows
> Stumble over Pebbles
> Ethereal Quality | Petals
> Golden Ratio
> Vision – Pondering on the intricacies
> Ruminating on Bird Nests
> Living Embellishments
> Pondering on Birds
> Perceptions