Philosophy – Page 27 – The Border of a Mind

attention abundance

January 20, 2023November 28, 2024 by Ajmal

A topic that I’ve pondered a lot on crafting several portions of this blog is undivided attention and its grace. Attention, in its purest form, is an act of generosity that requires an immense amount of selflessness and discipline. When we give someone our full attention, we are gifting them with our most precious commodity – time. Time is a non-renewable resource, once spent it can never be regained. In this way, attention is the rarest form of generosity because it is a one-way transaction, one that can never be reciprocated.

In an age of constant distractions, where our attention is pulled in a million different directions, giving someone our full attention has become an increasingly challenging task. It requires a level of mental fortitude and a steadfast commitment to the present moment. In a world where the next shiny object is always just a click or swipe away, the ability to focus and give someone our undivided attention is a truly remarkable and valuable skill. It is one that, when practiced, can deepen connections, foster understanding, and create a sense of empathy and compassion. Attention is not only a gift to the recipient, but it is also a gift to ourselves, as it allows us to fully engage with the world around us, and to live in the present moment. Personally, I was able to have deep personal connections with people with whom this has resonated well and they’re an integral part of my mental space. And in all probability, they’re reading these lines now. Grateful for taking your precious time in glancing at these lines.

power of presence

January 10, 2023January 7, 2023 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.

slow bliss

January 3, 2023January 3, 2023 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.

lessons from the current

December 29, 2022December 24, 2022 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

December 28, 2022December 24, 2022 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.

divine design

December 25, 2022December 24, 2022 by Ajmal

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.

“Koko”

December 17, 2022December 17, 2022 by Ajmal

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

December 16, 2022December 10, 2022 by Ajmal

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

December 15, 2022December 10, 2022 by Ajmal

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.

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

December 14, 2022December 10, 2022 by Ajmal

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.”