Tag: Experiences

weight of impermanence

Posted on by Ajmal
weight of impermanance

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.

eternal present

Posted on by Ajmal
Life is not just the passing of time. Life is a collection of “experiences”.
Fine art | The Border Of a Mind Studios

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”.

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.

power of presence

Posted on by Ajmal

As the sun sets over the city, I find myself sitting on the balcony of my apartment, lost in thought. I have always been fascinated by the concept of attention, and how it has the power to shape our lives and the world around us.

In a world where there are endless distractions vying for our attention, it can be difficult to focus on anything for very long. We are constantly bombarded with notifications and alerts, pulled in different directions by our various obligations and responsibilities. It is no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the day.

But there is something special about those moments when we are able to fully immerse ourselves in a task or a person. When we give our undivided attention to something, we are able to see it more clearly, to understand it more fully. We are able to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

And this is where the concept of generosity comes in. When we give our attention to someone or something, we are giving a gift. We are showing that we value that person or thing, that we are willing to make time for it, to engage with it fully. It is a simple but powerful act, one that can have a profound impact on the world around us.

So perhaps the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or distracted, try taking a moment to focus on something or someone. Give your full attention, and see what happens. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.

ethereal repose

Posted on by Ajmal
From Ehan’s moment of contemplation, gazing at the horizon’s boundless realm.

As I journey through life, I am learning the value of patience. I am learning to let go of my rush to control every aspect of my existence, and to simply allow the beauty of life to unfold before me. I am learning to let things happen in their own time, to be patient as I receive all that I deserve, and to find happiness in the present moment.

I am also learning to appreciate each stage of my journey, to find joy within myself rather than seeking it external sources. This is not always easy, but it is a lesson that is worth learning.

For in this world, there is much to be gained from slowing down, from taking a breath and savoring each moment. We often rush through life, missing the beauty that surrounds us in our haste. But if we can learn to be patient, to let life be beautiful, we will find a joy and a peace that is truly profound.

snowy symphony

Posted on by Ajmal

This is a memory from a travel to Georgia in 2017. As I embarked upon my journey through the Gudauri snow mountains in Georgia, I was filled with a sense of excitement and wonder. It was my first experience with snow, and I could not wait to immerse myself in its frosty embrace.

The journey itself was a revelation. As our vehicle wound its way through the winding mountain roads, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The snow-capped peaks loomed above us, a majestic testament to the power of nature.

And when we arrived at our destination, I was awestruck by the sheer majesty of the snow-covered slopes. The crisp, clean air invigorated my senses, and I felt a sense of pure joy and bliss as I took my first tentative steps onto the powdery white surface.

As I glided down the mountain, the wind rushing through my hair and the sun shining down upon me, I knew that this was a moment I would always treasure. The Gudauri snow mountains had given me a gift, one that I would carry with me always – the memory of my first, magical encounter with snow.

slow bliss

Posted on by Ajmal
Exploring the expo’s vibrant streets, I embraced a world of wonder and possibility. Towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology surrounded me as I walked towards the future. Every step brought me closer to the endless potential of this extraordinary place. From a memory of brother’s visit to Dubai.

As we hurtle through the ceaseless churn of life, it is all too easy to become ensnared in the unforgiving gears of progress. We are told that we must ascend the corporate ladder, that we must shatter the glass ceiling if we are to attain success. But what if there were another way?

Perhaps it is time to heed the call of slowness, to inhale deeply and relish in the small triumphs. There is no need to tirelessly hustle each and every moment – indeed, it is crucial to take a step back and savor the present. Your life is not a LinkedIn profile, nor is your worth determined by your salary or the luxuriousness of your mode of transportation. Rather, it is defined by the manner in which you choose to exist. Therefore, make time for those things that truly matter.

So go ahead, indulge in a bit of laziness on the weekends. Lie in bed and leisurely brunch with a loved one. Take the time to sit and savor your coffee, rather than guzzling it on the go. Decline invitations to events that do not inspire you. Treat yourself to a comforting bowl of noodles. Exercise, but do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Meditate, and take leisurely drives with no particular destination in mind. And do not forget to unplug from social media from time to time – a vacation from the constant barrage of notifications can work wonders for the soul.

It is easy to fall prey to the belief that we must become a certain someone by a certain age. But the truth is that we are each granted but one journey through this world. Do not squander it in the pursuit of empty achievement. Instead, live fully and authentically. Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to simply be oneself. You are enough, just as you are.

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.

lessons from the current

Posted on by Ajmal

Time, like a flowing river, is a force we cannot halt or contain. Each moment that passes is irretrievable, a current that moves ever onward, leaving us behind. Thus, if we are presented with an opportunity for growth or benefit, we must seize it with determination and steadfast resolve. For every perceived setback or defeat, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned, lessons that can serve us well in the face of future challenges. There are no true failures, only chances to grow and become wiser, more attuned to the currents of life.

A calm evening from Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates

a time capsule

Posted on by Ajmal

“..I had books. Reading them is like travelling to other places. Being other people. Livnig their lives..”

― Liz Braswell, As Old as Time
A Blog as a Time Capsule | theborderofamind.com

Reading personal blogs is like taking a journey to faraway lands, stepping into the shoes of other people, and experiencing their lives firsthand. It’s an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to learn from their experiences, and to be inspired by their insights.

For me, writing a blog has always been about more than just sharing my thoughts with the world. It’s about creating a repository of my ideas as I expounded in my vision of building this space. I hope that my blog and my writings will remain as a legacy for my loved ones to read and learn from when I am no longer in this world.

Writing down our thoughts is, in my opinion, the best way to preserve them and to pass them on to the next generation of readers. It allows us to document our experiences, our insights, and our hopes and dreams in a way that can be shared and passed down through the ages.

So as you read my blog, know that you are not just reading the words of a stranger, but rather the thoughts and experiences of someone who is deeply invested in the power of the written word. I hope that you will find something of value in my writing, and that it will inspire you to think more deeply about your own place in the world.