sky full of stories

sky full of stories – It’s like having a front row seat to a never-ending theatrical show, with a different story playing out in the sky every day. From the vibrant hues of a sunrise to the pale, pastel shades of a sunset, each moment is a visual feast. Photographed and styled by The Border of a Mind.

As I glance from my open balcony, I am filled with gratitude for the breathtaking view that stretches out before me. It’s like having a front row seat to a never-ending theatrical show, with a different story playing out in the sky every day. From the vibrant hues of a sunrise to the pale, pastel shades of a sunset, each moment is a visual feast.

The wind whispers through the towers and desert trees here and there, and the sun beats down on my skin, bathing me in its warm glow. I am in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds me, and I am reminded of the simple pleasures that are so often overlooked in our busy lives.

An open balcony offers the opportunity to connect with the world in a way that is both peaceful and rejuvenating. It allows us to take in the beauty of the horizon and the changing seasons with a sense of bliss and contentment, if we have the eye for these things.

So I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the simple joys that life has to offer. Whether it’s watching the sunset from your balcony or taking a leisurely walk through the park, there are so many free and beautiful things to enjoy if we just take the time to look.

rekindling ponder series

Rekindling Ponder Series

If you’re a long time reader here, you’d remember “Ponder Series,” I am excited to announce that I will be rekindling this project on my website. The purpose of this series is to delve into the deeper questions that often get lost in the rush of everyday life.

It’s easy to get caught up in the mundane details of our daily routines – what to wear, what to do at work, how to juggle school and parenting responsibilities, and so on. These are all important considerations, but it’s also important to take a step back and think about the broader questions that shape our lives.

Questions like: Why are we here? How did we come into being? Why do we all eventually face death? Why can’t time be regained? What is the nature of time itself? Why is the human body such an engineering marvel? Why is there an order and purpose to the universe?

These are the questions that drive me to write “Ponder Series.” It is my personal reflection on the mysteries of the mind, and my humble attempt to broaden my own horizons and those of my readers. I hope that this series will encourage you to think more deeply about your own place in the world, and to find meaning and purpose in your life.

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

divine design

Ehan sat by his grandmother’s side, savoring the quiet evening. The sun had long since set, casting a warm glow over the room. Original photography and art by The Border Of a Mind Studios

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of difficulty and wondered why these things were happening to you? It’s natural to feel frustrated and stressed when things don’t go as planned, whether it’s a car accident that wasn’t your fault, losing your car keys, or even not making it through an exam or project that you were well-prepared for.

But the truth is, there is a reason why everything happens. And while it can be hard to remember this when we’re in the thick of it, the fact is that we often only know the goodness or the divine plan behind these events later on in time.

That’s why it’s so important to trust in divine timing. This doesn’t mean that we should sit back and do nothing, but rather that we should focus on our efforts and let go of the heaviness of bringing outcomes under our control. By trusting in the larger plan, we can alleviate our minds and have a more positive frame of mind, knowing that there is a purpose behind everything that happens.

So the next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, remember to trust in divine timing. It might not always be easy, but it can help you navigate challenges with grace and acceptance, and give you the strength and perspective you need to move forward.

photographic couture

Time Warp by Amjad – conceived & designed by The Border of a Mind Studios.

Working behind the scenes of The Border of a Mind blog, I am always looking for new and exciting projects to take on. That’s why I was thrilled when my brother decided to take on photography seriously and I planned on creating a website for his photography initiative, TimeWarp.

I have always had a passion for web design, and I saw this as an opportunity to not only support my brother’s budding career, but also to hone my amateur skills on this area and try something creative and new.

The process of designing and styling the TimeWarp website was both challenging and rewarding. I started by sketching out the overall layout and structure of the site, making sure to have a minimal base for my brother’s stunning photography and ensure that the site was easy to navigate. I also created some minimal custom graphics and images to add some visual interest and personality to the site.

Next, I focused on the content, working closely with my brother to gather information about his services, portfolio, and contact details. I then wrote and edited the content to make sure it was clear, concise, and engaging.

Finally, I styled the website to match the overall aesthetic of TimeWarp, choosing colors and fonts that would complement the photography and create a cohesive look and feel.

I am so happy of the final result and I hope that the TimeWarp website will serve as a new tool in my brother’s photography arsenal. I am excited to tackle more web design projects in the future and help other businesses and individuals create professional, functional, and visually appealing web presence.

If you are in or around Kochi, I highly recommend booking a shoot with my brother. He is an incredibly passionate and talented photographer who will definitely exceed your expectations.

aquatic oasis

principal photography, aquascaping & styling : The Border Of a Mind Studios

After moving into my new apartment, I realized that the aquarium setup was in need of a bit of an overhaul. The plants were overgrown and the layout wasn’t quite what I had in mind, so I decided to embark on a complete rescape of the aquarium.

One of the first things I did was add a standing wooden driftwood piece that projects above the water level. I wanted to create a natural, forest-like aesthetic, and the driftwood really helped to accomplish that. It’s not only visually appealing, but it also provides a place for the fish to hide and explore.

I also replanted and pruned my Japanese Hydrocotyle, which has really taken off since the rescape. It was a bit overgrown before, but now it’s spread evenly across the sand, adding a touch of greenery to the aquarium.

In addition to the plants, I decided to switch up the type of sand I was using. My previous sand was just a plain, uniform color, but I wanted something a little more interesting. A friend recommended a blend of aqua soil (brown) and beige sand, and I have to say, I’m really happy with the result. The mixture of colors gives the base of the tank a more elegant and cohesive appearance, and it looks much more natural than the plain sand did.

I also added a few ferns to different positions in the aquarium. These add even more visual interest and help to create a more natural-looking environment. Ferns are great for aquariums because they’re hardy and easy to care for, and they look really nice when they’re planted in small clusters.

Finally, I have around 14 beta fish in the tank. These are very sensitive fish, and they were born in this aquarium, so I’m hoping they’ll last for a long time. Beta fish are known for their bright colors and interesting patterns, and they add a lot of visual interest to the tank. They’re also relatively easy to care for, which is a plus.

Overall, I’m really happy with how the aquarium looks now. I’m trying to take a minimalist approach to things in my new apartment, and that includes the aquarium setup. It’s a small touch, but it really helps to create a sense of calm and tranquility in the space. The combination of the standing wooden driftwood, the Japanese Hydrocotyle, the blended sand, and the ferns all work together to create a natural and cohesive look that I’m really happy with.

shift perspective

An artwork on display in a store at Dubai Marina Mall

When life feels chaotic, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. But sometimes, the simplest and most effective solution is to shift your perspective.

We all have the power to choose how we view the world and our place in it. By changing the way we think about our circumstances, we can transform our experiences and find new sources of strength and resilience.

One way to shift your perspective is to practice gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you are thankful for, no matter how small. This can help you refocus on the positive aspects of your life and find hope and inspiration in difficult times.

Another way to shift your perspective is to look for opportunities in challenges. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, try to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This can help you approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than fear and resignation.

Finally, try to adopt a growth mindset. Instead of seeing your abilities as fixed and unchanging, believe in your ability to improve and evolve. This can help you embrace new challenges and experiences with a sense of optimism and possibility.

So the next time life feels chaotic, remember that you have the power to change your perspective. By shifting the way you view your circumstances, you can find new sources of strength and resilience to navigate even the most difficult times.

“Koko”

My son has nicknamed the robot “koko”

As I watched my little son play with our cleaning robot, affectionately nicknamed by him as “Koko,” I was struck by the intense curiosity in his eyes. He was fascinated by the way the machine moved and how it was able to pick up dirt and debris from our floors.

It occurred to me that this innate curiosity is a reflection of the human spirit and our constant desire to improve the world around us. From the earliest days of human civilization, we have sought ways to make our lives easier and more efficient. We have harnessed the power of technology to perform mundane tasks, to communicate with one another, and to explore the world.

But it’s not just the practicality of these innovations that inspires us. It’s the philosophy behind them. The belief that with hard work and determination, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

As I watched my son play with his “Koko“, I was reminded of the importance of this philosophy. It’s the driving force behind every technological advancement, from the wheel to the smartphone. And it’s the reason we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, seeking new ways to improve the quality of life for ourselves and those around us.

glimmer of hope

Glimmer of Hope | Original Fine Art

Pay attention to whatever it is that brings you joy, whatever it is that gives you a moment of peace, a glimmer of hope. Hold on to it and make sure to prioritize it in your life. It doesn’t matter what it is, even if it seems small or insignificant. It could be a cup of coffee, the smell of rain, or your favorite song. It could be your friend’s laughter or the way the sky looks through the trees in your favorite park. If it keeps you going and ignites something within you, hold on to it and let it brighten you.

nurturing gratitude

True love is not found, it is built and cultivated. How you nurture and cultivate your connections with others has a significant impact on your own happiness as well as the happiness of the people you care about.

True love is not found, it is built and cultivated.

It’s easy to get caught up in the things we don’t have and feel like we’re lacking. We see what others have and compare ourselves to them, always coming up short. But this mindset is damaging and ultimately unproductive. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, we should focus on what we do have. When we look at our lives and appreciate the things we already have, we realize that we are more blessed than we thought. We have more than enough to be happy and content.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should stop striving for more. It’s natural to want to improve our lives and achieve our goals. But it’s important to do so with gratitude and appreciation for what we already have. So the next time you find yourself feeling like you don’t have enough, take a step back and look at what you do have. You might be surprised by how much you have to be thankful for. And by focusing on what you already have, you’ll be able to enjoy it more and find greater fulfillment in life.

before you’re ready

Life will say to you, “here’s a sorrow, let me teach you about strength,” before you are ready. Life will say to you before you are ready, “Here is failure, let me teach you how to develop.” Life will say to you before you are ready, “here is loss, but I will educate you to respect what was while enjoying what is.” Life will say to you before you are ready, “Here is treachery or unkindness, but I will educate you to be loyal, honest, and kind.” Life will say to you before you are ready, “let go of your pride and arrogance, and allow me to teach you humility.” Life will educate you to be bold before you are ready. And when you’re ready, life will say, “Here is everything we deserve and have worked for; it’s up to you to value it.”