The Border of a Mind

selfless connections

February 18, 2023February 17, 2023 by Ajmal

“True love begins when nothing is looked for in return. “
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“selfless connection” – fine art by theborderofamind studios

The search for true love is often a pursuit filled with misconceptions. Many people interpret the theme in different ways. But to me, it speaks to the ultimate goal of love and how we get there.

Some believe it means simply waiting for love to find you without any action on your part. But I believe it’s about what you do after finding someone. While it may start as passion or friendship, true love is about being with someone because you want to be with them – for no other reason.

True love requires a shift in perspective, moving beyond seeking something in return and toward pure selflessness. If we are only with someone because of what they offer us, we are in a transactional relationship. But once we stop seeking compensation and simply give, we transcend into a higher form of love.

This concept applies to all forms of love, not just romantic relationships. Consider your relationships with friends, family, and even humanity as a whole. List what you get out of each relationship and consider if it’s necessary for your love. The answers may provide insight into what you’re really seeking in life and how you relate to others.

Love is not a business transaction, it’s a state of being that transcends beyond receiving and into giving. So let us open our hearts to the purity of true love and embrace the selflessness that it requires. Try approaching your friends, aquaintances and your circles with an approach expecting nothing in return from them. You’ll notice deeper bonds and influences. Even if such people have been across your lives for a very short period of time, you remember them and they leave an influence on you. It’s very heartwarming to cultivate relationships with souls whom we come across in our lives with this genuine connection expecting nothing in return from them. I always truly believe in leaving people better than how I found them. Afterall, behind the vision of maintaining this portal lies my sincere wish to enrich your souls with positivity and to maintain your spirits high. Thank you very much for taking time to read.
God bless : ) Love to hear your thoughts.

inner reflection

February 17, 2023February 16, 2023 by Ajmal

The quest for self-discovery is an essential component of human life. To truly awaken to our own potential, we must delve within the depths of our heart. Until we do so, we are lost in a labyrinth of societal and cultural expectations, confined to following in the footsteps of our predecessors.

When we explore the unknown recesses of our heart, our vision becomes clear. It is through introspection that we discover our true beliefs, our deepest passions, and our purpose. This journey of self-exploration is the foundation of our true self.

Our vision is a reflection of our worldview, how we perceive and interpret the world around us. If we do not seek answers from within, our understanding of reality becomes shrouded in a fog of societal ideals, dogma, and cultural biases.

Only when we embrace our true selves, and listen to the call of our heart, can we awaken to our full potential. We begin to see the world with newfound clarity and purpose, free from the constraints of societal expectations and the weight of our past.

To apply this in our lives, we must reflect on our past choices, especially the ones we made because of the influence of others. Were they decisions that were in line with our true selves or were they motivated by external factors?

We must ask ourselves the tough questions, examine our hearts, and be honest with our answers. This will enable us to better understand our calling, and to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Take a moment to reflect on the choices you have made so far. Consider the ones that did not feel true to yourself. What would you have done differently? Use this as a starting point for introspection, and allow yourself to get in touch with your deepest passions.

As you delve deeper into yourself, it is natural to feel a sense of surprise and awe. The mists that have previously clouded your vision will begin to clear, and you will see the world in a new light.

Remember to be patient and kind to yourself in this journey. This is a process that takes time, and you must be willing to take the necessary steps to unearth your true self.

Ultimately, the reward is great. The clarity and purpose that come with self-discovery will enable you to lead a life that is truly authentic, and one that is in alignment with your vision.

life of gratitude

February 16, 2023February 14, 2023 by Ajmal

The significance of gratitude cannot be overstated. While expressing gratitude for the good things in life may seem like a natural occurrence for many, it does not come easily to all. For some, no gift, praise, or act of kindness is ever enough, and gratitude is a foreign concept. However, for the rest of us, gratitude requires a mindful approach, which necessitates training oneself to notice things.

Being mindful means taking the time to notice the beauty of life around us. This does not require the analytical skills of a detective but instead entails appreciating the small things, like the flowers, the sky, the laughter of others, and the sunset. Expressing gratitude for these things often starts with simply being thankful for the gift of life. Next time, you walk or drive to your office, take a moment to look at everything from an eye of gratefulness. The beautiful dress you’re wearing, the job that you have, your ability to walk, the air you breathe, the beautiful sky, your family waiting for you… Have a look at your own personalized list of aspects to be grateful about. Gratitude is a powerful tool that brings joy, contentment, and a sense of well-being. To cultivate gratitude, we must train ourselves to notice the good things in life and to appreciate them. Furthermore, we must also try to find gratitude even in adverse circumstances, as this enables us to learn from our experiences and cultivate a sense of joy and appreciation.

be the dreamer.

February 15, 2023February 14, 2023 by Ajmal

To make the little world surrounding you a better place, start by being the change you want to see. All great achievements start with a dreamer. Keep in mind that you possess the power, resilience, and enthusiasm to aim for the stars and make a difference in the world. Your actions, no matter how small they may seem, can have a ripple effect on the world. By embodying the qualities and values that you wish to see in others, you inspire those around you to do the same.

“Be the Dreamer” | fine art | *The Border Of a Mind* Studios

Imagine you are in a dark room with a single candle. You can use the flame of the candle to light other candles, and each new candle can be used to light even more candles. Eventually, the entire room is filled with light, and what was once dark and gloomy becomes bright and cheerful.

In the same way, you can be the one candle that ignites the flame of positive change in the world. By starting with yourself and embodying the qualities that you wish to see in others, you can inspire those around you to do the same. Each person you inspire becomes a candle, spreading the light of positivity and change to those around them. Through your actions, you have the power to transform the world, just as a single candle can light up an entire room.

effortless connection

February 14, 2023February 14, 2023 by Ajmal

Genuine love allows you to be yourself without anxiety. The people blessed with this nature accepts you with all your peculiarities and flaws, regardless of your status, appearance, or behavior. It’s a mistake to think that pretending to be someone else will make a relationship work because it’s not based on honesty. People often wear masks to be perceived a certain way, but the best love is effortless and feels like home. In this type of relationship, you don’t worry about being judged or rejected, and you don’t have to think twice before you speak or act. When you are surrounded with such people in your life, at family, at work and with your colleagues and friends, life would feel much more beautiful and calmer.

mindful distraction

February 11, 2023February 10, 2023 by Ajmal

“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes your happy or unhappy. It is what you think about. “
—Dale Carnegie

This is an aspect that I’ve been pondering on for quite a while now. Amidst the chaos of life, it is not uncommon for our hearts to be consumed by worry and anxiety. We find ourselves lost in a sea of negative thoughts, struggling to break free from the chains of our fears and sorrows. But, there is hope. We can find solace in the art of distraction, in immersing ourselves in activities and knowledge that bring joy to our hearts. Let’s say you had a bad meeting for example, which was very unpleasant. You can spend the entire day ruminating about it and be worried with thoughts. Always remember that it’s our thoughts that drive and form our actions.

The human spirit has the ability to heal itself, to rise above the challenges that life throws our way. And, when we are faced with sorrow and worry, we can find a way to turn our attention to the present, to focus on the here and now. For, it is in the present moment that we have the power to shape our lives, to make a positive impact on the world. When we concentrate our attention on the affairs of the present, we can create a better reality for ourselves, and we can release ourselves from the chains of grief and anxiety.

It is important to find something that brings us happiness and fulfillment, something that we are passionate about, and to concentrate our energy and attention on that pursuit. Whether it be gardening, writing, cooking, or any other activity, it is in these moments that we can find peace, joy, and happiness. For, all knowledge is within reach, and we have the power to shape our lives in the present moment. Instead of grieving or getting anxious about something in the past or future which we’ve no control of, engage in something you love.

Pursue a hobby.
Start a course
Aquire a skill.

So, let us embrace the moment, let us focus our energy on the here and now. The present moment is what you have with you. Push hard to fix the routines to make time for things you love. Love to hear your thoughts.

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, 2023February 8, 2023 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 a tapestry woven 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.