Wisdom – Page 9 – The Border of a Mind

eliminating the extraneous

June 1, 2023February 27, 2024 by Ajmal

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 eliminating extraneous 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. By curtailing 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 luxuriate in 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.

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.

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.

tapestry unfolding

February 9, 2023March 18, 2025 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 often blended 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.

weight of impermanence

February 2, 2023February 8, 2023 by Ajmal

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.

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.

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.

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.