Spiritual – The Border of a Mind

age’s quiet wisdom

November 25, 2023November 22, 2023 by Ajmal

In the soft light of dawn, as the world awakens from its slumber, so too does the human soul stir with a poignant realization. Each morning, as we confront the mirror, it reflects not just our physical form but a deeper, more profound truth. The act of cleansing our face, the routine of brushing our teeth, these are not mere habits; they are silent sermons on the fragility of our human existence.

Behold, the thin veil of skin that encases us, how delicate and vulnerable it is! This body of ours, a marvel of creation, is yet so susceptible to the wear and tear of time. Our need for sustenance, our battle against sleeplessness, hunger, and thirst – these are not mere physiological demands. They are, in essence, subtle reminders of our inherent weakness, signs from the Divine that our earthly existence is but temporary.

As we age, each wrinkle that etches itself onto our face is like a gentle whisper from the Almighty, reminding us of the fleeting nature of worldly life. The whitening of hair, the aging of hands – these are not mere signs of physical decline but are profound symbols of the inexorable passage of time, a time that draws us closer to our return from this temporal world.

But amidst this temporal decay, there lies an immutable truth – the soul does not age. While our bodies are bound to the relentless march of time, our souls remain untouched, timeless in their essence. The beauty and vigor of youth may fade, but the radiance of the soul only intensifies with the wisdom and experience that comes with age.

In this transient world, where outward appearances often hold sway, aging serves as a potent reminder of the impermanence of physical beauty. It invites us to look beyond the superficial, to recognize the enduring beauty of the soul that outlasts the decaying shell of the body.

Thus, as we greet each day, let us embrace our vulnerabilities, not as signs of weakness but as divine messages guiding us towards a deeper understanding of our true purpose. Let us cherish the aging process, not as a decline but as a journey towards spiritual maturity, a journey that brings us closer to the divine.

mortal mettle

September 12, 2023September 20, 2023 by Ajmal

Like a shipwrecked vessel adrift at sea, our earthly lives are but a fleeting voyage. As transient travelers treading the sands of time, we journey together under endless skies, our footprints traced temporarily along the shores of eternity. Though our mortal shells erode, our spirits sail on. (Photographed and styled by *The Border of a Mind Studios* from a beach in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)

We all try to avoid thinking about it, but death comes for us all eventually. Though it makes us uncomfortable, reflecting on our mortality can inspire us to live more purposefully. When the clock of life stops ticking, fret not about the lifeless body you leave behind. Your loved ones will take good care of it—they’ll dress you up nicely in a white shroud before sending you off on your final journey.

Many will come to see you off – some taking time off work, others rearranging plans. They’ll stand around chatting like at a high school reunion before you set off on your last journey.

Your possessions – that Ukulele lying around you never learned to play, the fancy plates at home you never used, the clothes that hung unworn in your closet – they’ll all be passed on, sold off, or tossed out quicker than last night’s leftovers. The details of your material life will go on without you.

At the office, they’ll have your replacement before your obituary hits the papers. Your workload will be passed on seamlessly like a baton in a relay race.

Your finances and assets will go to your next of kin. Don’t be surprised if you continue to be analyzed and criticized even in death – people always have opinions, after all.

True friends will mourn you for a time, shedding tears over memories you made together. But the river of life keeps flowing, and they’ll soon be back to their routines. As for fairweather friends, they’ll forget you faster than a fleeting TikTok trend.

Your pets might tilt their heads confused, wondering where you went, but they’ll bond with their new owners soon enough. Loyalty has its limits.

Your smiling face in those photos on the mantle will gather dust, gradually relegated to boxes in the attic to fade from memory.

Your home will echo with emptiness for a while, but will soon be filled with the noise of someone else living your life.

In time, the pain will subside, the calls will taper off, and you’ll become just another name etched into stone, a distant memory.

For you, though, the real adventure is just beginning. A new phase of existence where worldly possessions and status symbols are meaningless. Where you take only what you gave – your compassion, wisdom, and light.

While you glance at these writings, let us remind each other to live and love fully now. Build spiritual wealth by touching lives. That’s the only currency that lasts. Make your mark on this world, because your chance is finite. But your soul is infinite.

effortless freedom

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 by Ajmal

“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of stress and anxiety; if I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without pain. From this I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me and attracting me. There is a great secret here for anyone who can grasp it.”
— Lines from a Persian poet

The ceaseless chase for desire breeds unrest within the soul. In feverish pursuit of that which we believe will bring contentment, our days become consumed in the flames of stress and worry. However, by rooting oneself in the soil of patience, life’s nourishment flows gently to us without the sting of suffering.

This reveals a profound truth – that our yearnings seek us as much as we seek them. Our deepest longings are magnetized to our innermost being. For those able to embrace this revelation, a great secret unfolds: If we allow our branches to stretch toward the sunlight of the spirit, life’s richest fruits will blossom within our reach.

By sinking roots into the stillness of the present, we draw forth the fullness we already contain within. Let the waters of tranquility flow through you, nourishing blossoms of wisdom. All that you need lies dormant in the seed of your soul. By flowering into your true nature, life’s abundance shall be yours.

transcendent truth

January 28, 2023January 25, 2023 by Ajmal

Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived a young man named Emaan. He was a seeker of truth, and had devoted his life to the path of knowledge. He was filled with a deep longing to understand the mysteries of the universe and the secrets of the divine.

One day, Emaan found himself in the midst of a great crisis. All of the doors that had once been open to him seemed to have closed, and he found himself wandering aimlessly through the desert of despair. He felt as though he had lost his way and that he would never find his way back to the light.

But as he stumbled through the sands of his sorrow, he remembered the wise words of his spiritual guide: “Ponder upon the vicissitudes of life, I implore you to abstain from venturing into the vicinity of despondency and despair. Despite the apparent obfuscation of all avenues, the divine shall unveil a novel trajectory solely for you.“

With these words in mind, Emaan decided to focus on gratitude. He was thankful for the blessings that had been bestowed upon him, but also for that which had been withheld. He understood that there was a reason for everything, and that even the darkest moments of his life had a purpose.

As he walked through the desert, he began to notice the beauty of the world around him. The stars shone brightly in the sky, and the sand sparkled in the moonlight. He realized that the desert was not a place of despair, but of wonder and wonderment. And in that moment, Emaan knew that he was exactly where he needed to be.

And so, he continued his journey with a newfound appreciation for life and its many twists and turns. He knew that the divine had a plan for him, and that all of his struggles were leading him to a greater understanding.

Although this story is of Emaan, this is also of me, of you

yes, you! : )

Whatever happens, never fall into despair. Think about the brighter and positive sides of events in your life and what you can do positively in this moment to move forward. This would make significant changes in our lives. Despair is the keyway to laziness and inconsistency. A giant leap of faith is required and it’s built on the process. God bless you, and thank you very much for the time you’ve taken to read this. My only wish is to stir your soul towards a positive frame of mind regardless of whatever you’re going through.

elusive knowledge

January 14, 2023January 14, 2023 by Ajmal

that which is most valuable is often the most *elusive*.

As I delved into the writings of a theologian from the 8th century , I stumbled upon a passage that struck a chord within me. The author, whose work can be loosely translated as “Contemplations and Reflections on the Deeper Meaning of Prayer,” (Since the work is not in english) posits that the plans of the divine and deeper spiritual knowledge are akin to precious treasures, buried deep and obscured from those who do not actively seek them out. This analogy extends to the fruits of the earth as well, for they too are not immediately apparent, but require peeling away layers to reveal their sweetness. Some of the sweetest fruits are not the easiest ones to grow or has the hardest shells. This, the author asserts, is an immutable principle: that which is most valuable is often the most elusive.

This, I believe, holds true for spiritual knowledge as well. To attain a deeper understanding of the divine, one must engage in a process of laborious exploration and comprehension. Such knowledge is not imparted easily to the indolent (lazy) or impetuous (hasty) souls. It accrues over time, through the application of both mental exertion and patience. It grows with time, comprehension and hard work.

The same can be said of prayer. To experience it in its fullest, one must make a concerted effort to delve deeper, approaching it with a sense of incremental progression and unwavering commitment. To reach the most profound understanding, it is necessary to take it slowly, gradually and incrementally, breaking through screens and levels, struggling to understand and remaining loyal to the knowledge. It is only through this process that the knowledge will start to yield to you.

A fortress of protection is built around you, fending off distractions of the mind, as you strive to understand the deeper meaning of prayer. It is in this journey, this struggle, that we find true understanding and enlightenment.

little invocations

January 11, 2023January 7, 2023 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.

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.

accepting divine destiny

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022 by Ajmal

**Divine Destiny** | Original Fine art from The Border of a Mind Studios

In order to live a peaceful and sincere life, it is important to maintain an even tempered demeanour and graceful attitude towards events and encounters in life, no matter how large or small it is. We should not idolize things and believe that they exist outside of God’s control. Saying things like “this medicine will work for me” or “my boss will be angry” are just thoughts created by God. It is wrong to let these events control us and make us forget about God.

It is essential to stay connected to God and understand that everything is created by Him. By doing this, we can try to understand the messages that God is sending and stay aligned and peaceful within. Life can be beautiful, even with its challenges and hardships, which are also a part of God’s plan.

We should not let ourselves be controlled by events and forget about God. Instead, we should strive to maintain our connection with Him and understand that everything including conditions, events, thoughts, situtations etc are created by Him. By following this path, we can find beauty in life, even in the midst of difficulties. This is a miracle of God.

art | Maker

October 11, 2022October 11, 2022 by Ajmal

The beauty of a skillfully crafted product reflects the beauty of the craftsmanship. The beauty of the craftsmanship alludes to the beauty of the name, which was the root of the craftsmanship. The beauty of the name of the craftsman’s art speaks to the beauty of the craftsman’s traits reflected in that art. The beauty of man’s being, fashioned as he is in the loveliest of forms, indicates the existence of the Maker, while the reality that, along with his extensive powers, entrenched in that finest of forms, he soon declines and dies, demonstrates the existence of the resurrection. As you read these lines on the blog, pause for a moment, and ponder on the transitory nature of our existence. Are we truly racing after things that matter when we know that life’s too short? As I read somewhere, the most effective approach to recalibrate perspective is to conceive of today as your last day and look at the world from a wider perspective. Be a bird.

art and the Maker | Original fine art from The Border Of a Mind

be a bird

October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by Ajmal

This is another scenario where I read or watch something related to a recent notion that has been on my mind. I was reading and pondering recently about giving someone or something my whole attention rather than engaging in undue multitasking. I’m used to completing many activities at once, especially at work and in other settings, and I consider it to be productive. But there are moments when we need to slow down. I’ve been thinking a lot about paying entire attention to discussions and interactions since my child entered my life. We live in a world of distractions and two-minute attention spans. So Jordyn Dunseath’s intriguing video was an ace to the point. Keep an eye on it. (It just takes three minutes.)

She narrates”Be a bird. See from the bird’s eye view. See the big picture. Look, the earth is big and it’s beautiful. The details of life do matter, and yes, and it can get hard , but take a step back sometimes to find what you are grateful for. Drop the unnecessary responsibilites you put on yourself. Sometimes, when life feels so chaotic, the easiest change you can make is your perspective. Be reminded of the birds. Do not worry about your life, what you would eat, what you would drink, your body, what you’ll wear. Look at the birds in the air. They do not sew or reap or store away in barns, yet Almighty feeds them. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ”

Arriving on time, This was what I wanted to hear. As in the prophet’s stories, “If you trusted on Almighty as He should be relied on, He would make provision for you as He does for the birds.’ They leave hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.” I seek for the times when I can hold this mindset with me and see everything from a wider perspective. The sense of relaxation and clarity it provides is simply astonishing. Friends, may God bless you!
I appreciate you taking the time to read the post.