A Clue

I believe precious pearls of wisdom are scattered all around us. Just like those gold coins secreted in different places in 3d games. Most special ones are usually hidden inside the most unexpected places. I found two special ones by chance!

I was at a shop on Tariq Road, bought some fabric. I was holding bags in my right hand; hurriedly I took out my wallet and thoughtlessly handed over the money from my left hand to the old yet charming shopkeeper.

He was in his 80’s, wearing white kameez shalwar and a prayer’s cap. With a white beard, a mustache and a pleasing smile on his cuddly face he reminded me of Santa clause. He was just about to take money from me but he stopped, pulled his hand back, smiled and said, “Right hand please!”

It woke me up! Literally!
I quickly kept all things down, untied my other hand. Apologized and said thanks with all my heart for pointing out my mistake in the politest manner.

Just then the women next to me said that same thing happened with her and she never forgets to use her right hand to give or take something from others.

During my visit to the dentist yesterday, he handed over the card and I as usual had my mobile in my right hand, was about to use my left hand to get that card, but quickly realized my mistake and corrected it.

That was not the only inspirational experience that I had.

Last week, floor tiles of our terrace cracked due to some unexplainable reason. Two men worked to fix them. There was dirt all around; they have been hammering the floor since morning under the scorching sun. I peeked outside from the window to learn how the work was done. I expected to see tired and worn out men. But to my surprise I found them smiling and singing as they worked!

They were joking, and singing a Punjabi song softly but working whole-heartedly. They were enjoying their work under such uncomfortable conditions.

It’s true they might be used to working on such sites, but they could have been angry, frustrated, shouting and fighting as they worked. They were smiling instead; there was no sign of agitation or discomfort.

It taught me a great deal. And I kept standing there secretly; just to learn more from those two simple men.

I can never forget those smiling faces and the lessons that all three of them taught me. Two of them don’t even know about it!

We spend out lives searching for wisdom in books, over the internet but sometimes simple people teach you simple things that makes your life special.

I am still under the spell. The experience was like a clue, a flashing arrow that points towards the cross marked on the treasure map in a game.

Better keep my eyes open for treasure from now on!

~ Zahra

Letters to the Editor| Its All in the Head!

It’s all in the Head

This is with reference to the article ‘It’s all in the head!’ by Zahra Ali Syed.The writer’s research is commendable. Statistics show that suicide attempts have increased and mostly due to depression, different phobias, mental disorders, loneliness and anger. To lead a peaceful and healthy life both physically and mentally, one should control excessive anxiety and try to relax the mind to get rid of these problems.
Samia Khan
Karachi

Its All In The Head!

The next time you hear someone say ‘what we think determines what happens to us’ you better believe it, for recent researches have shown that our mind affects our health in ways never imagined before.

Brain biologists have discovered that the brain might actually help our immune system fight disease, ease chronic pains, encounter addictions, defeat depression, overcome phobias and put a stop to spreading cancers. It began back in 1975, when Dr Robert Ader, director of the Division of Behavioural and Psychosocial Medicine at University of Rochester, New York, first reported that our immune system, nervous system and endocrine or hormone system work together, and each system influences the other. The study of these complex interactions was originally termed Psycho Neuro Immunology, or PNI. Although today it is most commonly referred to as the mind-body connection.


By 1980, researchers from Harvard University reproduced and confirmed Ader’s studies. PNI is now taught at most leading medical schools as the scientific field of study that investigates the link between bi-directional communications between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems and implications of these linkages for physical health.


In the year 2000, Dr Tracy, a neurosurgeon, immunologist and director of the Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, New York, after careful study of two decades, reveals through his study that the stimulation of the vagus nerve — a major nerve that runs from our brain stem to our belly and regulates our heartbeat, breathing and intestines — stops severe sepsis. It does so by utilising neurochemicals to signal immune cells, which prevents them from releasing alarm molecules that spur inflammation and cause damage. Latter in 2006, he discovered a brain circuit that could stimulate the vagus nerve to stop inflammation.


If patients with severe sepsis can learn to slow down their heartbeats, they might be able to control their brains to modify the vagus nerve, which will calm the inflammation to fight disease.


Moreover, a strained and stressed mind can lead to surfeit physical and mental disorders, which can directly affect our immune system. Higher levels of stress are interlinked with chronic and intense anger, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, cancer and even conventional physical illnesses such as flu, cold and generally poor health.


Studies have shown that stress hormones can encourage cancerous cells to release two particular compounds that help them travel within the body through the blood stream. The third compound supplies nutrients to the existing tumour. Thus by reducing stress level, cancers can also be fought.


Anger not only affects our lives and relationships but is also directly associated with depression. A person suffering from depression is likely to have severe mood swings, fatigue, and lack of energy, decreased or lost appetite, anger and anxiety. In severe cases of depression, patients become hopeless and distance themselves from society, which may result in excessive isolation, loneliness and even suicide attempts



Anxiety may also trigger depression. It is therefore essential to pacify and relax our minds to control palpitations, racing pulse and excessive panting. Phobias, panic attacks, physical and mental disorders, anxious or depressive collapse or nervous breakdowns are caused by intense depression and stressful psychological conditions. But a peaceful, tranquil mind can rebound these fiends.



In modern times, doctors and scientists have and are still working together to train people so that they can control and harness their minds. Many studies and observations have been made to understand the influence of the healing power of the mind on the human body.


Stress should be fought with fortitude, for if left intact, it will gradually impair your strength



The best way to confront stress is to adopt positive thinking patterns, which will help immunise your mind and body, producing positive and durable results. Meditation may also help repose your mind.



In addition, it is also important that the family and friends of people dealing with stress fully support them during their recovery by believing in them, understanding and encouraging them and by helping them set targets and achieve their goals.




The mystifying healing power of the mind still needs to be studied in depth. However, always remember that energy of the subconscious mind used consciously, will not only bring peace to your soul, but will also bring ease to physical illness and disorders.




Published in DAWN sunday magazine 6th July'08

Jashan-e-Razavi

Birth anniversary of Shah-e-Khorasan, Imam-e-Ali Raza A.S was celebrated on 11th Zeqad, 10th Nov 08.

Khorasan is the largest province of Iran which now has been divided into 4 parts. The word Khorasan in Persian means “the place where sun rises from”. Mashad is the heart of Khorasan and in the heart of Mashhad is the Shrine of Imam-e-RAZA; Iran’s most valued treasure.

It truly is the place from where the sun rises from. Jashan-e-Razavi is celebrated just like eid in Iran. I wanted to be there to celebrate this eid but couldn’t go.

It was a marvelous day. The enchantment mounted as the day matured, fulfilling many dreams and leaving us with even more.

What a day it was!

Heal the soul | Letters to the Editor

Heal the soul

This is with reference to Heal the soul by Zahra Ali.I found myself immersed in the article. The writer is dead right about meditation. We need to find time for meditation to make our lives more pleasant. The techniques discussed in the article were simply amazing.
Waheed Zaman Magsi
Karachi


I agree with the writer's thoughts. When we find beauty in our lives, we become happy. Beauty lies in nature’s smaller things. Meditation is a process that connects us with our own selves. It is also a fine way to relax and chill out.
Samia Khan
Karachi

This is with reference to the article Heal the soul by Zahra Ali (June 8, 2008).I really liked the piece. The writer has correctly mentioned the need for adopting a positive attitude towards everything. It helps make the road of life appear smoother. Meditation definitely leads people towards appreciating nature, which in turn gives one peace of mind.
Madiha Kauser
Via e-mail


Thank you guys! thanks for apreciation and ecouragement to all others who smsed and emailed me.

~ Zahra

Meditation: Heal the soul

Find beauty in life, appreciate things around you, be ready and prepared for sudden changes in life, be kind and gentle, and you will see surprising results.

The art of meditation has been practiced since times immemorial. Be it Sufis or Buddhists, all have employed meditative techniques like yoga with different postures, breathing exercises and different goals.

The common thread, however, is that meditation is a pathway to peace, a way of connecting with the divine or finding the ultimate truth. It is a practice that not only soothes the body but heals the soul, the inner being, bringing one peace and contentment.

Meditation is the skill of focusing on an object or a thought. It enables one to understand everything in life. It lets one observe and indulge with the inner self, allowing people to get acquainted with their whole entity. In a nutshell, meditation is a corridor to one’s inner self, through which one can access and address inner conflicts, inner demons and discover true inner strengths. Meditation makes one feel more fulfilled, relaxed and more in control of themselves

Besides aiming at developing a deeper understanding of one, meditation also allows one to discover one’s true abilities. It gives life a new perspective, which is more positive and more productive.

A meditation session begins with sitting calmly in an extremely comfortable position, focusing all one’s attention inwards or towards a specific object or topic. To meditate, you will need to breathe consciously, creating a slow, deep rhythmic breathing cycle using your lungs, diaphragm and abdomen. Inhale from your nose, observe as your diaphragm descends and abdomen rises, then exhale and the exact opposite will happen. Observe your breathing pattern; deeply inhale: pause. Exhale: pause.

Once your breathing is in order, try and open your mind’s eye. Try to focus on an imaginary rose as you meditate. Imagine looking closely at its vibrant colours, feeling its velvety soft petals, smelling it. You can actually smell its refreshing fragrance if you are concentrating deeply enough.

Concentrating requires your mind to be organised. Thoughts that pass your brain need to be trained or organised. An untrained mind is like a chattering monkey; always restless, jumping here and there and never calm or still. You can control this chattering monkey by training your stream of thoughts

Sometimes sitting sill and trying not to think or focus on any thing specific can be helpful in sorting out your thoughts. Sitting quietly will help you unravel what is going on inside you. It will surprise you how many thoughts, distant memories, future plans, dreams, and unexpected thoughts you will unearth. It is helpful to try and create order in your mind by detaching yourself from your surroundings for some time.

Different objects or symbols can be used to meditate, which can either be found in nature or around you. For instance, a candle is the universal symbol of peace and hope. Light up a candle in a dark room and concentrate on its flame if you lack hope and peace in your life.

Other examples can be of evergreen plants, for they symbolise the continuation of the cycle of life as waterfalls represent the flow of life. Discover your own symbols; vastness of a starry sky can be an example too.

Nature has blessed us with objects around us to observe and enjoy, and with five senses so that we can benefit from nature’s many blessing by seeing, thinking, hearing, tasting and smelling. Colours found in nature have their own mysterious influences on us. Each colour is known for its specific attributes and to draw upon their qualities, you need to visualise a particular colour in your mind, trying to assume qualities you seek.

Visualise a red flower, fire or any red object when you need strength, direction, energy and courage in life. Look at the sunset to gain the properties of the colour orange such as vitality, brilliance, activity, or to break down barriers or get more fun out of life. The colour yellow is a sign of spring, a colour representing clarity. Green is a colour of renewal and of personal growth. Amplify relaxation in your life with the colour blue — the colour of the sea and the sky. Indigo is a rare colour in nature and is related to the expansion of mind. Violet insinuates peace and harmony within you. For pureness and wholeness meditate thinking of the colour white

Find beauty in life, appreciate things around you, be ready and prepared for sudden changes in life, be kind and gentle, and you will see surprising results. Make it a habit to relax before you go to bed, and to greet whoever you see each morning with a smile.

Always remember, to achieve fulfilment in life, live each moment happily, positively, for time is constantly running away. Make positive choices in life and be aware of the power of you mind. Always be in control of your thoughts, because it’s very true that ‘you are what you think’. Remember that meditation is not about being cut off from the world. It is all about finding inner peace amidst the hassle bustle of life.

published: 6th June 08 DAWN

The Great Africans

Everyone seems excited about the changing world; pleasingly dazed to see a black as The president of America. I just can not stop my self from saying that the milestone that USA reached now, after recovering from the discrimination disorder, we as Muslims and Islam as a religion, started its journey from that very point!

I feel fortunate to be a follower of the Prophet(SAW) who led us into the world of equality. I cannot stop thinking of the great Africans who served Prophet SAW and His Pious Family(AS) and so the religion as a whole. Great African Muslims such as Hazrat-e- Bilal-e-Habashi and Janab-e-Fizza SA, kaneez-e-Fatima SA , who's constant love and faithfulness will always be an inspiration.

Praise others, but don't forget to value your own assets.

~ Zahra Ali