fine art – The Border of a Mind

mindful momentum

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 by Ajmal

I am not a big admirer of a culture of haste and frenzy that prioritizes material wealth and status over the quality of our inner lives and deeper human connections. With a lofty aim to unlock our innate creative potential, I believe undivided stretches of focused time represent one of our greatest resources for artistic productivity and spiritual growth. I sometimes discuss with Netta on the importance and benefits of undivided time during our we moment discourses.

A plate painting done by my two-year-old son. The swirling coalescence of colors on canvas, artlessly applied by tiny fingers yet conveying profound depths, stops me in my tracks. The brushstrokes of my two-year-old son, perhaps guided by some innate yet untutored wisdom beyond his years, reveal the ineffable dance of chaos and order, signifying nothing yet containing the whole universe in their abstract simplicity. I see eternity in a grain of sand, infinity in a child’s primitive painting. The small hand that mixed the paints with such care, adding depth and texture through the miraculous alchemy of color, bestows upon this humble work a luminosity that belies its humble origins.

In essence, there’s a new wave of understanding that challenges the pervasive culture of haste and frenzy that has arisen in the wake of globalization, driven by an insatiable quest for material abundance and social status rather than a focus on the intrinsic quality of life and the essence of existence. Despite their 35-hour workweek, the French exhibit greater productivity than their American or British counterparts. Meanwhile, Germany has instituted a 28.8-hour workweek, resulting in a remarkable 20% increase in productivity. I can see this trend influencing authorities in Middle east as well where I’m residing.

The philosophy of leisurely deliberation does not imply a reduction in productivity or accomplishments; rather, it advocates for the pursuit of excellence, efficiency, and meticulousness in one’s work, all while minimizing stress. It calls for a rekindling of the importance of family, friends, and leisure, emphasizing the present moment, tangible and specific, over the abstract and global. The movement urges a return to the core human values and the elegance of simplicity in life.

This paradigm shift promotes a more contented, buoyant, and efficient work environment, where individuals can revel in their innate talents and expertise. It is now imperative for organizations to pause and contemplate how they can achieve superior quality and efficiency without haste, thereby enhancing the caliber of their products and services while preserving the essence of their raison d’être.

Countless individuals spend their lives in a perpetual race against time in a rat race. Others, consumed by anticipation of the future, neglect to embrace the present moment, which is the sole temporal reality that truly matters. Time is a universally equitable resource, with no individual possessing more or less of it than another. The distinction lies in how each person utilizes their allotted time. It is incumbent upon us to savor every instant. As eloquently expressed by John Lennon, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

the inward path

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Ajmal

Once upon a time, a man found himself in a new situation. He had purchased a cow, but he was not familiar with the ways of cows. As he was trying to take his new cow home, he made a mistake – he held onto her horns and tried to drag her along. The cow was resistant, as she longed for her old home and previous owner.

As fate would have it, a wise saint happened to be watching the scene unfold. He kindly approached the man and offered him some sage advice. “It seems you are new to this,” he said, “and that you are not familiar with the ways of cows. This is not the right way to approach it.”

The man was perplexed, and asked the saint what he should do. “I am not that strong,” he said, “and the cow is stronger than me. She is dragging me along and I don’t know how to handle her.”

The saint then gave the man a beautiful green grass and instructed him to leave the cow’s horns alone. “Take this grass and move ahead of her,” he said. “Keep the grass close to you, but don’t allow her to eat it. As she moves towards the grass, you move towards your home.”

The man followed the saint’s instructions, and to his surprise, it worked! The cow was so enticed by the beautiful, green, and fresh grass that she forgot all about her old owner and her old home. All she could think about was getting her mouth on that delicious grass. And so, with the man slowly leading the way, the cow followed him all the way to his home.

Now, think for a moment if you can correlate this with your life.

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.

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.

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.