In the rush of life, we immerse ourselves in, it seems that tenderness has become a rare and precious commodity. We often forget the value of being kind and gentle, like the soft skin on our eyelids. Tenderness is a sweet collision of emotions that encompasses vulnerability, love, caring, kindness, hope, and warmth. It is an experience that we all crave and need.
The beauty of tenderness is found in the smallest things we do. It can be manifested in the way we kiss with a loved one, how we peel a banana, turn the pages of a book, or brush a hair off someone’s forehead. When we do something tenderly, we slow down, relish the moment, and find unexpected pleasure in the little things.
Tenderness is also about listening, empathizing, and understanding. It is about being present, holding someone’s hand, feeling their pain, and offering comfort. In today’s world, where even the smallest aspects can ensue into something to be anxious about, tenderness is especially important.
Let us take a moment to pause and appreciate the tenderness in our lives. Let us embrace the beauty of vulnerability and love, and be kind, gentle, and caring towards ourselves and others. In a world that can be cold and harsh, a little tenderness can go a long way in healing our souls. Let’s go.
the uncredited multitudes, whose names we neglect as we leave the theater, collectively create the movie’s essence. So too in our lives
As I traverse through the three and a half decades of my existence, I grapple with the transient nature of human connections. It is a reality that eludes romanticism or poetic grace. To those who have traversed my life’s path and those yet to do so: My love is yours. My longing, unending. Should you ever yearn for a return to me, you shall find the rear entrance unlocked.
In the world of cinema, it is not the musical accompaniment that entices the audience, yet it remains an indispensable element in enriching our visual and emotional experience at the theatre. So too, in life, are the myriad souls who subtly enhance our existence, though they may not occupy the limelight. The Careem cabbie suffusing your commute with good cheer. The office attendant who grasps the precise alchemy for your tea and coffee. The building maintenance expert who diligently rectifies an issue that has been gnawing at you. The familiar autorickshaw driver gifting you a hometown mango without embarrassment. The pediatrician offering a lolly pop to your toddler son after a checkup. The pharmacist who devotes extra moments to elucidate a doctor’s prescription with tenderness. In life, as in film, we focus on the stars – our lovers, family, friends. Yet the uncredited multitudes, whose names we neglect as we leave the theater, collectively create the movie’s essence. So too in our lives. Yet, it is those unsung heroes, whose names blur into the background as we exit the theater of life, that contribute to the wholeness of our life’s narrative. Think about it for a while.
“A thought is a veil, not a reflection; thus, you dwell within a cocoon of thoughts, disconnected from the essence of Reality.” | Photographed and styled by The Border of a Mind
The reflective nature of existence
In the words of an insightful philosopher: “Why fear thoughts? For it is through them that we bring order to the world.” Yet, the very act of thinking has the power to veil reality so completely that we become blind to it.
In imparting wisdom to his disciples, he elucidated: “A thought is a veil, not a reflection; thus, you dwell within a cocoon of thoughts, disconnected from the essence of Reality.” This charming allegory by Anthony de Mello highlights the profound truth; life is a prism reflecting the depth of your inner thoughts.
Individuals often attribute their tribulations to external circumstances, endeavoring fruitlessly to transform their surroundings in the hopes of ameliorating their lives. This approach seldom yields success, as their thoughts remain incongruent. What the mind envisions materializes, regardless of one’s desires.
Life, as a mirror, reflects your very essence back to you.
Perceiving the World Through the Self
The world, as we perceive it, is not an objective reality but rather a reflection of our inner selves. If you perceive the world as precarious, you will seek evidence to validate this belief, perhaps by focusing on distressing news stories that confirm your convictions.
“Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.”
— Earl Nightingale
Conversely, some individuals embrace the beauty of life, attracting delightful experiences as a consequence. These people are not naïvely optimistic, but rather prioritize joy in the face of adversity. Thus, we observe two distinct individuals manifesting dissimilar circumstances, driven by their prevailing beliefs dictating their reality.
The Malleability of Thought and Experience
Continuously, your conscious and unconscious thoughts shape the world around you, as reality becomes a mirror reflecting your inner realm. Should your thoughts be distorted, it is imperative to realign them with the truth. Failing to do so may lead you into the abyss of despair.
The power of choice lies within you. Reality manifests external conditions in accordance with your thoughts. Life is neither fair nor unjust; it merely confirms your thoughts as both the creator and the experiencer.
As our perception of life is an experience of thought, overthinking complicates our existence, constricting the aperture of our consciousness. Soon, all we discern when peering into the world is our own thinking mirrored back to us in the distorted reflection of self-awareness.
Embracing the Duality of Life ,the Illusion of Free Will
“The wise man smiles in adversity, gathers strength from distress, and becomes courageous through reflection.”
— Thomas Paine
Life flourishes due to its dualistic nature, comprising equal and opposite forces. Day yields to night, each complementing the other. Without darkness, how could one appreciate the light of day?
Many individuals ardently defend the concept of free will, yet it could be argued that free will is an illusion, veiling our unconscious beliefs as choices. Your decisions stem from ingrained beliefs established during your formative years, when your environment was outside of your control.
Life offers feedback regarding the congruence of your thoughts, enabling you to take corrective action. Consider your external environment as a reflection of your inner landscape. When observing an external event or situation, delve within to uncover the parallel, the connection.
Embracing Personal Growth
Many hold fast to the idea that their thoughts are unchangeable. This belief is flawed, as countless individuals have triumphed over limiting beliefs to forge empowering lives. Your existence is an amalgamation of outcomes, symbols, and shadows. Positive and negative moments exist only in the meaning you attribute to them. Reality provides feedback to guide you in amending your course and constructing new circumstances based on a shift in awareness.
Personal development and self-improvement serve as the catalyst for enduring transformation, provided you commit to the inner work.
The impediment becomes the pathway.
The journey reveals the way.
The world is a reflection of your mind. If chaos and confusion reign within, your external world must mirror that. You must perceive what you believe, for you are the confounded thinker, the interpreter of all things. If chaos abounds within you, the sights and sounds you encounter will echo that chaos.
Life is the manifestation of your innermost thoughts and I truly believe this is where we can connect with the Almighty.
In the spirit of expressing thankfulness for the blessings that enrich our lives, let us delve into the art of cultivating gratitude on a profound level. While the concept of “gratitude” might appear cliché or mundane to some, there is a deeper significance to this practice that can transform our lives, making them more fulfilling and abundant.
Let us explore a few scenarios to better understand this transformative power.
The Antidote to Inner Boredom
Gratitude can be the remedy for boredom. Imagine a moment where you disconnect from all forms of technology, sit outside without any form of entertainment or engagement, and simply exist. Such a scenario might initially seem unproductive or dull. However, this perception stems from our lack of attentiveness and appreciation for the present moment.
By shifting our focus to the sensations within our body, the rhythm of our breath, the interplay of light and shadow, and the intricate reel of life unfolding before us, we can attune ourselves to the inherent beauty and wonder of existence. As our awareness deepens, so too does our appreciation for the precious gift that is life. In this way, gratitude triumphs over boredom.
Navigating Adversity
Challenging situations often evoke feelings of frustration or unhappiness. Although it is natural to experience such emotions, we can employ gratitude to reframe our perspective on these difficulties. By appreciating the potential for growth and learning within each challenge, we can view adversity as a gift rather than a burden.
For instance, we can be thankful for the relationships in our lives, as they afford opportunities to develop patience and communication skills. A difficult coworker or family member can become an unwitting mentor, guiding us towards personal growth and strength. Similarly, the loss of a job can be reframed as an invitation to reinvent ourselves, acquire new skills, and embark on a fresh career path.
Even in the face of health struggles or the loss of a loved one, gratitude can be found. We can celebrate the time shared with those who have departed, and cherish the remaining connections in our lives. While pain and grief are inherent to the human experience, gratitude can help us navigate these challenges with grace and resilience.
Dissolving Discontent
A pervasive sense of discontent often arises from the habit of complaining about our circumstances or the actions of others. Unbeknownst to many, resentment is a subtle form of complaint that can erode our happiness. Gratitude, however, can counteract these negative emotions, fostering a more harmonious state of being.
By recognizing the narratives that fuel our resentment, we can choose to let them go and embrace gratitude instead. This shift in perspective can dramatically improve our emotional well-being and overall life satisfaction.
Alleviating Overwhelm
During particularly hectic periods, feelings of stress and overwhelm can become overwhelming. How can we cope with this emotional turbulence? By cultivating gratitude for the very aspects of our lives that contribute to our sense of overwhelm.
By appreciating each task on our to-do list, each request from friends or family, and each event that causes us stress, we can transform our perspective on these experiences. Rather than viewing them as burdens, we can cherish them as gifts. In doing so, we relinquish our stress and discover love amidst the chaos.
An oft echoing theme I’ve written a lot on this portal is about transience. I want it to be a big part of my thought process as it has several extensions to it.
We go about our lives as if our dreams and ambitions are guaranteed, as if we have complete control over our destiny. However, this perception is an illusion, and within it lies a liberating revelation, accompanied by a sense of urgency that jolts us awake
In the realm of our fleeting existence, we are faced with a disconcerting truth. Though it may be difficult to grasp, we must occasionally remind ourselves that, in the most fundamental human sense, we are living with borrowed time. We go about our lives as if our dreams and ambitions are guaranteed, as if we have complete control over our destiny. However, this perception is an illusion, and within it lies a liberating revelation, accompanied by a sense of urgency that jolts us awake.
Remember, tomorrow is not a guaranteed promise. So, how will you ensure that you wholeheartedly embrace life? How will you ensure that when the time comes for you to depart from this world, your soul will be tender, fulfilled, and enriched by meaningful experiences? A soul that was never burdened by the need to shrink itself, forever waiting for the day it becomes thinner, more attractive, cooler, or more successful before seizing the precious time it has been given.
The ceaseless barrage of tasks, obligations, and information streams that inundate us undoubtedly leads to disarray and bewilderment. Yet, is complexity truly a prerequisite for a fulfilling life?
Within the realm of human existence, there exists a profound inclination to gravitate towards complexity. The ceaseless barrage of tasks, obligations, and information streams that inundate us undoubtedly leads to disarray and bewilderment. Yet, is complexity truly a prerequisite for a fulfilling life? Might simplicity, in fact, be the ultimate expression of sophistication?
From a philosophical perspective, simplicity is the key to a purposeful and meaningful existence. By eliminatingextraneous elements, we are able to hone in on what is truly significant, and foster a sense of lucidity and inner tranquility. Simplicity enables us to connect with the very essence of our being, and to revel in the splendor and marvels of the world surrounding us.
In a world that exalts complexity and busyness, it is incumbent upon us to deliberately simplify our lives. Bycurtailing our commitments and information streams to only those that engender delight and value, we can achieve greater equilibrium and fulfillment. Simplification endows us with an opportunity to luxuriatein the richness of life, and to cherish the marvels of existence in their purest form. I firmly believe that the truest form of wisdom lies in the ability to simplify the complex.
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.
inner reflection | theborderofamind.com
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.
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.
tapestry unfolding – Fine art from The Border Of a Mind Studios.
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.
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.
