Tag: ehan

contentment’s core.

Posted on by Ajmal
Ehan’s fingertips brush against the texture of a starfish, a tender gesture that encapsulates the essence of gratitude and the innate joy that springs forth from appreciating the small wonders around.

At the heart of every shimmering moment of happiness lies a seed of appreciation, a fundamental truth often overlooked in our quest for joy. The commonly held belief is that joy births gratitude, but in reality, it is our sense of gratitude that blossoms into joy. This subtle but profound reversal of perspective suggests that our contentment and happiness do not stem from the comforts we receive but rather from the contentment within us that welcomes these comforts.

Gratitude for life’s blessings seems straightforward enough for many, but there are those who remain perpetually unsatisfied, immune to the warmth of appreciation. These individuals, forever chasing an elusive sense of fulfillment, remain outside the purview of this discussion. For the rest, cultivating gratitude is an exercise in mindfulness, a practice not inherent but learned with intention.

Mindfulness is less about the detective’s acute observation and more about noticing the simple beauties of life – the vibrant hues of flowers, the expansive canvas of the sky, the melodious laughter echoing in the distance. Acknowledging these wonders and expressing gratitude for the very privilege of experiencing them is a step towards joy. In a world where laughter is often stifled by the shadows of war, famine, and disaster, finding joy in it becomes a precious act of gratitude.

Consider the transformative power of gratitude even in adverse situations. Recall a childhood mischief leading to punishment, and how, over time, this experience fostered a deeper respect for others’ belongings. In that moment, joy was absent, and gratitude was far-fetched. Yet, in hindsight, those lessons shaped more responsible choices, quietly sowing seeds of joy in responsible actions.

Gratitude begins with the basics – appreciating life, friends, family, and even past relationships. It extends to finding beauty in the mundane or the broken – like an old, non-functional camera that serves as a vessel for cherished memories.

Even in the bleakest situations, like a hospital ward in a prison, there’s room for gratitude. It could be towards a compassionate caregiver, advanced medical technology, or simply the hope of recovery. Through this lens, gratitude is not just an emotion for the fortunate but a choice available to all, regardless of circumstance.

As this exploration concludes, ponder the intricate dance of joy and gratitude. Does joy follow gratitude, or is it the other way around? The journey of recognizing and nurturing gratitude in all facets of life might just unravel this mystery.

daybreak contemplation

Posted on by Ajmal
Ehan’s inquisitive touch among the Tulsi leaves is a dialogue beyond words, a silent exploration of his wonders. Each leaf and stem, under the consideration of his tiny fingers, becomes an early chapter in his lifelong story of discovery.

In the quiet moments of dawn, as light gently nudges the darkness away, we find ourselves at the threshold of consciousness, awakening to a world both familiar and wondrous. This daily renaissance, where we emerge from the veil of sleep, is nothing short of a miracle, a testament to the endless possibilities that life holds.

As the first rays of the sun caress the world, we are reminded of the profound simplicity and beauty of existence. Each morning, as we regain consciousness, we are not merely waking up; we are reborn. The night, with its deep oblivion, is a subtle reminder of our fragility, yet each morning is a promise, a reaffirmation of life.

In these moments of awakening, our thoughts, unburdened by the trivialities of daily life, can soar. We are not just thinking about the mundanities like breakfast or the day’s schedule. Instead, our minds can wander and ponder over the more profound aspects of existence. The fact that we wake each morning, with our heart beating rhythmically, our lungs drawing breath, our eyes witnessing the world anew, is a marvel that defies comprehension.

This daily resurrection is a gift, a chance to start afresh, to rethink, to rediscover. It’s a moment to appreciate the miracles of our existence – the seamless functioning of our bodies, the absence of pain, the continued beating of our hearts. In these moments, we find ourselves in a state of gratitude, humbled by the mysteries of life and the blessings bestowed upon us.

The morning is not just a time but a state of mind, a canvas upon which we can paint our thoughts and aspirations. As we step into the day, let us carry this sense of wonder and gratitude. Let us recognize the beauty in the ordinary, the extraordinary in the mundane. For in each morning, in every awakening, lies the potential for transformation, for growth, for a deeper understanding of the mysteries that surround us.

sunset strolls

Posted on by Ajmal

The amber glow of the setting sun stretches across the sky as my son and I step out onto the corridors. His tiny hand slips into mine, those perfect little fingers curling trustingly around my own. With our first steps, I feel the brush of his tiny fingernails against my skin. How many small discoveries has he made just today, hand-in-hand with his dad? For him, the world is an endless horizon of wonder yet to be explored.

I’m reminded of a treasured childhood memory that my own father recently shared with me. He described how he used to walk with his father, my grandfather, when he was just a young boy. Together they would set out on adventures, my father’s tiny hand clutching my grandfather’s weathered fingers. As they walked, my father would run his small fingers over my grandfather’s nails, tracing the contours and creases earned through years of hard work. For my father, those nails represented security and guidance. My grandfather’s hand was his anchor as he took his first steps into the vast world unfolding before him.

Decades later, as my grandfather took his final breaths, my father narrates that was overcome with the urge to once again feel those familiar fingernails. He reached for my grandfather’s hand and cradled it tenderly in his own. In that instant, he was transported back to his childhood when the world brimmed with promise and potential. Though it pained him beyond words to lose his father, my grandfather’s wisdom and empathy would persist through his son and future generations.

As I watch my young son experience each new sunset as a marvel, I’m filled with immense gratitude. One day, if I’m fortunate, he may walk with his own child in this same way, their tiny hand discovering the world while anchored securely in his. And one day, though my son will never meet him, a faint glimmer of my grandfather’s spark will glow within that child, lighting their way through new horizons, God willing.

For now, I give my son’s hand a gentle, knowing squeeze as the sun dips below the skyline. In his eyes, I see his grandfather’s spirit, that untarnished sense of awe and wonder. And in my heart, I offer up a quiet thank you – both for this present moment, and for all the future sunsets we have yet to witness together, again by the will of God. Each moment has a story and a memory to kindle. Never let a day pass without being in awe and grateful for whatever you’ve experienced on that day.

treasuring authenticity

Posted on by Ajmal

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

Posted on by Ajmal
“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.

dexterity

Posted on 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.

little invocations

Posted on by Ajmal

As a parent, it is always a heartwarming and humbling experience to witness your child start to pay attention to the things you do. For me, one of the most memorable moments was when my 1.5 year old son began to join me in prayer on the prayer mat.

At first, I was unsure if he fully understood what was happening, but as time passed, it became clear that he was closely observing my actions and trying to imitate them. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of example and the influence we can have on the next generation.

Recently, a relative of ours gifted us a small prayer mat for my son, and he has taken to laying it beside mine and participating in prayer with me. It is a small gesture, but it fills my heart with joy to see him taking a genuine interest in something that is so meaningful to me.

As we go about our daily lives, it is easy to forget the impact we have on those around us, particularly our children. But moments like these remind me of the influence we can have, and the importance of setting a good example for them to follow.

timeless touch

Posted on by Ajmal

As I sit here holding my baby’s tiny hand in mine, I am struck by the realization of just how fast time passes. It seems like just yesterday that this little hand was gripping my finger just sometime after his delivery, and now it is already so much bigger.

timeless touch – Original photography and edit: The Border Of a Mind Studios

But it’s not just my baby’s hands that are growing so quickly. It seems that every moment of every day, my child is changing and developing in some way. From the first tentative steps to the first words spoken, each milestone is a reminder of how quickly time is passing.

As I hold my baby’s hand and look into those bright, curious eyes, I can’t help but wonder about all the experiences and adventures that lie ahead. What will this little person grow up to be? What will they achieve and accomplish in their lifetime?

So as I hold my baby’s hand and marvel at how fast they are growing, I am also filled with a sense of determination to make the most of every moment and to cherish every precious stage of their development. For as fleeting as these moments may be, they are the building blocks of a lifetime filled with love, growth, and discovery.

Wish you a happy and fulfilling year. Let’s value moments more.

“Koko”

Posted on by Ajmal
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.

seasons of happiness

Posted on by Ajmal
Principal Photography: The Border Of a Mind Studios

It’s incredibly magical how, as we become older, our definitions and perspectives broaden and deepen. As I approach my mid-30s, I’m contemplating a lot about fulfillment and what it means to be happy and content. Perhaps my grandson will read these sentences when he gets older, God willing, and Netta could read them when I am not around in this short world.Perhaps the most difficult times in your life teach you a new definition of happiness. Perhaps in such seasons, the things you live for, the things you cherish most, look so tiny in comparison to what you were filling your spirit with before, so quiet in comparison. Perhaps it is at such times that your eyes are opened, that you learn to discover pleasure, calm, and safety in things you didn’t see before.

Perhaps happiness alters throughout the seasons of life when your heart hurts or grief has made a home inside you. Perhaps it is the way the light interacts with the trees in your favorite park; perhaps it is the way the sky appears at your favorite time of night, the way the moon fills the air with an energy you can feel in your bones when you really sit with yourself and let your isolation to wash over you.  Perhaps it is the beauty you feel when you see your friends’ or loved one’s smiles, when you embrace them for twenty minutes straight, when you sit in quiet with them and feel so understood, and so seen, in all that you are.