August Challenge!

So I was churning my mind for a new challenge this month.  I hadn't the slightest clue what would be good.  So I came up with an idea. Pull out the big guns and consult the fiancé...

Just loving his ideas already!

Guys, this month we're gonna work as a group.  This month we will show each other what it is like to be a community and support one another.

This August I will be forming a group. All of us will collectively run, walk, swim, and bike/spin 1000 miles! Far fetched? I think not!!

So lets break out those track shoes and start running / walking.  Download the pedometer app and track your mileage.

August challenge begins Saturday Aug. 10 - Sep. 10.

Let do this.  Lets get healthy together!

Be well.

A Precription to Positivity.

Today it snowed.  It is just about tradition, when it snows my mother instantly tunes in to her inner chef and revs up a first class punjabi meal.  Today, it was crispy parathay with minced beef and spice.  Ahh, comfort food for my very American, Punjabi soul.  Having overindulged, I supplemented with a warm cup of unsweetened green tea.  And so I began to write... with cozy by my side and thoughts pouring through my soul like the fluff of sweet snow, I began to write...

**********

"Haha, who're you kidding... You ain't good enough."

"Umm, you might as well stop there, because you stink."

"You're definitely not skinny enough."

"You swear like you're the nicest person on earth."

"Trust me, there are way better people than you out there."

Sound familiar?  The voices of your inner critic bang your head like a toddler with pots and pans. You hear him each time you decide, 

'Today will be a new day."  

"Today, I will make a step into a positive direction."

"Today, I will wear the outfit that best expresses me."

And so, you begin.  You begin to start your day feeling great.  People may even respond with, 'Oh my, don't you look fab today!'   And yes, you continue to feel fab, all day!  But it is only a matter of time, when the husky, ever so bombastic voice begins to cast his devilistic shadow.  "Seriously?  You seriously thought that outfit made you look good? I mean, for reals!"  

It is practically instinctual, yet we do it to ourselves.  There is no better external critic than the one that lives inside of YOU. You see, we ARE our own WORST critics!  Have you thought, what would happen if I simply reversed that thought.  What would happen if I duck-taped my critic and actually began to think more positively?  What would happen if I actually BELIEVED I was capable of XYZ?

I believe negativity to be a learned behavior.  As children, we are powerful beings.  We are constantly yearning to observe the environment, touch, feel, hear, and explore our 5 senses.  We enter our terrible twos, challenge our very own parents, and claim to be atop of the world.  There is an innate understanding that we are capable.  That yes, God-willing, as a 1 year old child, I can take my first step... I can verbalize my first word... I can learn to read.

But what happens with time as we grow older.  Into our fours and fives, the world suddenly becomes clearer and more crisp.  Suddenly, social media, shopping, and competition becomes the vain of our existence.  Or so, our friend named society has taught.  The place that occupied the brain that always told us, "I can, I can, I CAN" has now become, "I can't, seriously I CAN'T!"    

 So we go about living our days in complete and utter negativity.  The lens at which we view the world becomes dim and dark.  We envy the model with the prettier face, the student with greater intellect, the jock with unwavering agility, the speaker with fluid articulation, and so on.  You see, we are constantly, constantly comparing ourselves to the being directly in front of us.  And by doing so, we are simply feeding the critic with juicy envy and bitter depression.  You are only allowing your critic to grow and grow further just by continuously comparing yourself to the stronger, smarter, and better looking girl/guy two feet from you.

There is beauty in the person that you are.  I have said it once and I will say it again.  God created you with a special purpose.  I believe everyone is a genius.  Yes, I really do and YES, that would be you!  I believe we all carry an immense potential, that can and does go undiscovered.. Simply because we are too negative to realize it. 

So to keep this post from getting any longer, I want to give you a prescription to positivity.  No, I am not a doctor and yes I am only a student.  But, I want to tell you what has completely changed my life, for the better.  Here is your Rx. 

Rx. 
Diagnosis: Hyper-negativity Syndrome 
Drug: Gratitude by QuickFix Pharma.
Dose / Frequency: 5 minutes once every morning and night, titrate up as tolerated.  
Duration:  21 days 
Refills: Unlimited

1. Be Grateful.  The second you wake up in the morning, before you even lift your comforter, shout out 3 (at least) new beautiful things you are grateful for.  Truly feel the power of the morning and the beauty of this day.  Yes, God gave you another day to live.  This is your gift.  This is your PRIVILEGE to see the world, just one more day!  So say it proud and LOUD, what are you grateful for?  
2. Give.  Do one nice thing for another once every day.  Send a thank you card to your mail man, email a friend and tell him / her how great of a person he / she is, etc.  Not only will this make you feel good, but you see, you're spreading love!!  And love is contagious.  That positive bug you have will indeed infect your neighbors, and it will go viral!
3. Be Positive.  Yes, be positive.   Any time your critic yells, "YOU SUCK," you grab him by the ears and smush him!  Proudly and confidently yell back at him, "I am capable!"  Always, always, ALWAYS stay positive.  No matter what situation you are in.  Even when you are in your most deepest and darkest place, there is something positive to look forward to...!

For now, this is all I will prescribe.  Shifting from a negative to a positive outlook takes baby steps.  But with persistence and motivation, I have full confidence you can shrink your critic and believe in the powers invested within you! 

Now, excuse me while I chow down on my mother's whole-wheat paratha (yes, I am allowing occasional wheat on this sugar fast :)

Be well. 

Yoga for the Mind.

Yesterday, my little brother came for a visit.  We ordered greasy pizza (which, yes I will admit, I wanted to sample!) and gup shup'd the night away.  I had him try something new, however. 

This is how it went:

"So Basheer, every night before bedtime, I have a little meditation session."
"A meda--what!?!? Dude, I'm not doing that with you.  Do guys seriously do that?"

Okay, this kid is gonna get a tapar.  I then continued to force meditation 101 on him.  

And he enjoyed every second of it. 

Let me ask you: When was the last time you broke from your busy day to take 10 mindful minutes?  We go about our days working, helping, cooking, cleaning, running, walking, traffic, and talking.  But when, when did you give yourself 10 minutes to simply do... well.. nothing!?  To just relax and allow thoughts to flow in and out.  To focus on the sound of your breath... inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale.

Now, as Muslims, we pray 5 times a day.  Prayer is beautiful, but I feel it is not always given the full focus it should.  The whole process of prayer may possibly take 10 minutes (ie. wudu, intention, prayer), though I agree timing is individualistic.  But for this example, suppose it takes 10 minutes overall.  If we were to truly focus our thoughts only on God, that means we are spending roughly 50 minutes a day in pure connection and meditation essentially.  I mean, Subhan'Allah!  What scientists are now realizing is so beneficial for our health, Allah (S) has prescribed for us centuries ago!  

My instagram'd photo, because yes, the iphone is the best and only camera I have :)

Think of it this way.  When we work our bodies too hard, the fatigue allows better sleep, and thus a better functioning body.  Your mind is constantly working.  But for just 10 minutes, allow your mind to relax.  Give him the rest he needs!  Sleep well, live well, be healthy, and love the person you are. 

So be it through prayer or by a simple 10 minute mental-vacation, relax that mind.  Breathe the present moment.  Feel God in the air.  He is good. 

I say- light those candles.. dim those lights.. hear the ocean... and just breathe!  

Its yoga for the mind.

Be well.

The Feminine Woman

So. 

I search this world for the feminine woman.  I feel her presence, ever so softly.  I see her beauty, ever so elegantly.  Who is she?  She has a shell of class, independence, and dignity.  This feminine woman, she spreads love like butter on sweet toast.  This feminine woman, she is a sparkling jewel.

In this world, I want to hear the feminine woman.  I want to see her push past brick walls and fly with independence on her wings.  In this world, I want to see the feminine woman be viewed for her strength and integrity.  I want this world to see her for her value, not the curve of her hips or the silhouette of her beauty.

So.

Rise feminine woman.  You are built strong to rise to a level no man has landed.  Let your incandescence be the message of your worth.   Let your limbs gracefully surf the challenges of this world.  Let your lips dance with powerful words.  Let love enter the heart of your sweet soul.

And may you shine, oh feminine woman.  May you shine.


Be well.

The Test.

I'd be lying to you if I told you I never felt a loss so strong, it stung my bones.  I'd be lying to you if I told you I never felt such powerful envy, it almost consumed me.  I'd be lying to you if I told you I never felt so incompetent, it almost put me in a complete rut.  But I timidly admit that yes, I have experienced the emotional bouts of just any other human in this world.   

And so my friend, yes, I see highs, and I see lows.  I see energy, and I see sorrow.  I see the emotions that consume the vast majority.  When the abundant and the plenty come running in to our arms, we are elated.  When our expectations are exceeded, we are soaring off a natural high.  When the world takes a few flips, we are suddenly filled with despair.  When hope is slipped from our fingers, we cry and curl in our small confines for only sleep can ease our pain.  And when all we have is snatched from our hands, we fall so hard, the moon becomes faint to our deepening eyes.   

What we forget to realize, money is a test.  Popularity, is a test.  Intelligence, is a test.  Family, is a test.  Just as loss is a test.  Death is a test.  Behavior is a test.  How we treat our neighbors, is a test.  What content we choose to view, is a test.  What decisions we decide to make, is a test.  Most importantly, the relationship we choose to build with our Creator, is a test.   

The gifts we have come in the form of a test.  Everything that comes to you and everything that is taken from you is from Allah (S).   For this, I believe what we perceive as 'good' isn't always good.  And what we perceive as 'bad', isn't always bad.  Any gift you are easily given, choose to remember that God can easily take it away.  When the universe gives you an emotion of joy, choose to thank God.  When your emotions keep you happy, choose to thank God.  When your emotions create fear and grief, still, choose to thank God. 

Dark moments can consume us.  Emotions can create fear and we can lose our true selves.  But have you thought, does it have to be that way?  What if you changed your perspective and said 'this is a test, I shall submit to my Creator."  Must we succumb to our emotions? Should you choose to remember The All-Mighty, you will find peace. 

Peace. 

And peace is the emotion that will set you free.

Be well. 

30 Days to a NEW You!

Yes Guys, in honor of my 7th day off sugar, I have decided to compile a motivational video.  Why?  Because I am LOVING this!!! I love, love having control slipped back into my palm.  I love having the strength and the courage to say no cupcake, you are so darn cute but no.. I refuse your pounds!

You can do it too!  You can make a change, make a positive change!  Let's go guys, 30 days of good-will and hard work.  Get Fit and get Healthy!

And when you're 30 days is up, trust me, you're not gonna stop!

Spread the word.  We can start a revolution!

Be Well and Feel Good!

You, Stopping You.

Now, who told you you couldn’t be excellent?  You!  Who said you couldn’t be what you wanted to be?  You!  If you aspire for something big, who is stopping you?  You!

Folks, I am here to tell you to believe.  Believe in yourself and believe in what you can become.  Yes, when they said anything was possible… Ahh, they meant it my friend!  It is true! 

Focus on the positives in your life.  Yes, there is competition.  Yes, there is challenges and yes, there is someone more successful than you.  But look at yourself.  You have intelligence, beauty, and capability.  There is a little energy inside you called potential.  He is yearning to blast free from his cage and pound the earth with his greatness.  Your potential is lying inside of you.  You must believe in him! 

The fact that a tree can grow from a miniscule seedling, is a miracle.  The birth of a baby, that is a true miracle!  Flying doves, a beautiful miracle.  You see, we witness miracles everyday!  So with all this beauty around, what makes you think you cannot accomplish everything you aspire for? What makes you think you can't have your own miracle?

You are nothing short of amazing.  Don’t let you stop you from succeeding!
 
Believe!

Love - in a Hopeless Place.

Love:  The feeling that brings us the warm and the fuzzies.  We find it in our families, amongst our friends, but mostly, in our significant other.  In love, we can fly sky high.  We open our hearts and welcome love to flow like a river... let it stream through our blood with goodness.  Ah, yes, this love.  This love, we find it, we find it in a human being and we treasure it.

But if and when this love breaks... When we are denied of the one person who brought us fulfillment, we transform into beings of needs and cravings.  We chase after an obsession.  We glorify him or her in our thoughts and suddenly find ourselves hopeless.  But I say, rise up!  We yearn for the attention and forget the greater purpose.  Rise up!  We cry with broken hearts, and build grief in our minds.  Rise up!  We diminish our self-worth and find emptiness in our soul.  Rise, Rise, Rise Up!

Rise.  Because this concept we are taught, it is completely false.  God created each and every one of us with His infinite love.  He crafted clay into humans and blew magic into their souls.  And then He watched… He watched as each one of them grew to find love in every source, other than of their very own Creator.  Why?  Why do we search to this world to fill our empty and aching hearts?  If we just looked, God is ready to hand us His ultimate love!  You see, we are searching for love in all of the wrong places!  Rhianna couldn’t have said it better -oftentimes, we find ‘love in a hopeless place.’ So Rise Up, dear friend.  

I am not here to tell you not to love humanity.  I am not here to tell you not to love your spouse.  I am not even telling you to hate the ex who cracked a scar in your soft heart.  I am here to say, Love!  If we are all beings of the True and Almighty, we will feel his love and spread it to the world.  Embrace his light, search for him inside of you!  His love is so strong, it is unimaginable and unthinkable.  Find it, oh please find it!   Because when you love God, when you give him your all and allow him to enter your life with purity and goodness… You shall see... People…  They will give you their love.  They will treat you with respect.  Why?  Because when you love God, you begin to love all of his creations.  You spread love to everyone around you, for each one of us is a product of The All-Knowing and The Most Merciful.  And when you give love, oh friend, you will be given an abundance of pure love and joy.  It is through this abundance of goodness God shows you His love for you!  Yes, I have full faith in this world.  Yes, people are beautiful and they are kind.  Yes, each one of us, we are each a substance built by a wonderful God. 

For those of you who are looking to stitch a broken wound, see the beauty in front of you.  Feel the present moment, the air beneath your ears, the wind brushing your arm, the smiles of the children, and the cool calm of the evening sky.  Love is all around, you must open your eyes and see it!  God has created mountains and villages, smiles and laughter, warmth and cozy -All for you to recognize his endless love.  Then, begin to love yourself.  Understand the intelligence and the potential you hold.  Fall in love with every cell that makes you.. you!  Love who you are, love God, and love the people who shaped you into the great being you have become.  Yes, dear friend, Rise Up!

When you have God’s love, you know your heart is protected.  When you have God’s love, you will never experience a broken heart.  So why not return the love? 

Why not Rise Up?

Be well. 

Fear.

As children, we have high aspirations.  We have minds that will build castles in the clouds and sail ships across the great seas.  We keep imaginary friendships and color outside the lines.  There is something about a child, he has hopes, dreams, plans… But he does not know of the fear that grows with time.  The fear, that if he so lets it, will shatter him.

Now, its about fear.  Fear, an emotion that will make my heart pump so loudly, I can feel my ears ring.  I can hear the sky fall from the earth and crash beneath the grounds.  I can see my palms sweat and I can feel my feet stab of pain.  I can see… I can hear.. I can feel… Fear.

It can overtake me.  I can live and give love.  But can I live up to the expectations?  Can I be what is wanted of me?  I fear my dreams… my wants… my inspirations, may dwindle.  I fear my ability to produce art will fade.  I fear this soft child I hold, this sensitive artistic child, she may succumb to the taunting eyes of this world.  I am going public, little one.  I am going to produce my thoughts on to paper and I am going to show it to the universe.    

Oh child, do not be scared.  You are sweet and ever so kind.  You have talents that transcends galaxies.  You built palaces of glass and gardens of sweet fruit.  God gave you such a strong will.  God gave you a passion.  He gave you an abundance of love surrounding your heavenly abode.  God has been so kind.  Now, child, be His instrument.  Spread the word of His goodness and of His love. 

Fear.  There is something about him.  We all have it, don’t we?  Those two seconds of what if… I can do this but, I won't for fear is too overpowering.   I can enter these gated doors, but I fear where they may lead me.  Can my energy, my delicate child, can it handle this universe?  Can it shine ever so bright in a world filled with expectations, hate, competition, and war?  Can this child, this artistic child survive?  Fear. 

I say, conquer him.  This devil, I shall break your shackles and let it go.  I shall let nothing hold me back.  This artistic child, I shall strengthen her bones and build her strong.  Yes, world, mother nature will nurture my aspirations.   She will support me.   

For fear, fear is not meant to be here.  

Be well.

How I found Happy.

For the past few months, I have contemplated happiness.  What is it?  Is it concrete?  Can I grab it by the arms, swing it in the air, and toss it in the wind?  Will I find it hiding in the crevices of my most prized friendships?  Or can I hear happiness sing like dancing butterflies in the wealth of a growing bank account?  Is happiness laying peacefully in the depths of my apartment, perhaps in my closet of stored fashionable goods?  Where are you happiness?  

I questioned and questioned.  But I realize now, the society we live in folks, it is a bit cruel.  She tells me, wear me - bright pink lips, then you'll be happy.  Nothing.  Buy me, belts and couture, those lips will curve into instant smiles.  Nothing.  She says, find yourself a rich hubby, he'll make all your dreams come true.  Tempting, but I'll pass.  I hear her say, 'happiness comes externally, you just gotta find it girlfriend!"  Ahh, that is when I tell her, "Im sorry, but I have to disagree."
  
Happiness, in my humble opinion, has become an obsession.. No, an addiction correlated to the possession of goods we perceive to make us (and I quote) 'happy.'  But the concept is wrong.  No person, no innate object, no drug, and no dollar bill (even in the plenty) can bring you true and utter joy.  

Genuine happiness is often times, synthetic.  You must find and design your own sense of fulfillment.  Begin by loving yourself in every possible way.  Truly appreciate the organs within, powerfully engineered to yield approximately 17,280 breaths of oxygen each day.  Express your gratitude to God for the abundance of love and goodness in your life, even if it is not visible to you just yet.  Even in the harshest of times, even when you find yourself at the bottom of that dark black hole, even then there IS enough positive value for an ever so soft smile.  Yes, you can find light hidden in the crevices of what is perceived as the most difficult, unimaginable situations.  Believe, believe, believe!  Because no matter how bad you think your situation is, there is always another person suffering at a greater degree - yet still waking up each morning, sending radiant smiles to the bright sun.


It is okay if you didn't pass that exam, it is okay if your engagement broke, it is okay if you lost a friend, it is okay if you lost money... Think about it.  What is the purpose of these events?  I highly doubt, God, in his ultimate wisdom and mercy, is playing games with your heart.  He is teaching you... teaching you to love and give love.  Life completely makes sense when you simply submit and accept the will of God. Understand, what is your current situation trying to teach you?  Then, instill the lessons learned.


We would be fools to think no one in this world is undergoing a struggle.  Celebrities, with all their wealth and power, too find themselves cornered in a world of drug addiction, depression, and anxiety.  It is in this concept that I realize the impact of kindness and empathy.  For we never know the struggle our neighbor is enduring.  

So let me conclude here.  To be happy, you must find happy internally, within yourself and within God.  Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to your growth overtime.  Cherish and relish in the person that you are.  Seek and understand the beautiful purpose God has given you.  Nourish your soul with God's light.  

If you find your self trapped in the depths of the blackest night, search for that warm light pulsating through your soul.  search for Him, the Almighty.  And openly welcome the dawn of the new day.  The light, oh friend, is so warm and so bright... You must have a taste.

Be well.


 

Start a Revolution.

It was a rainy day today.  You would think the day you decide to wake up and make a positive change in your life, at least there would be a bit of sunshine.  But nonetheless, Allah (S) painted beauty in even the greyest of skies!

I have to say, I have been receiving such positive feedback from my previous post.  (Thank you all!)  So, this has me thinking... Why not start a revolution?  Far-fetched idea?  I think not!  Imagine a world eliminated of sugar-induced heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.  Imagine a world of people taking control and slapping it in their palms.  Imagine a world of people eating, breathing, and sleeping beautiful health.  Imagine positivity and nourishment built in the minds of our very own neighbors.  Imagine the things we can do if we all work together, support one another, and most of all, spread love to humanity!

So choose to make a change.  It doesn't have to be the elimination of sugar, but even incorporating more exercise, eating more fruits, buying more vegetables, letting go of processed foods... anything!  Make a positive change, and stick to it for the next 30 days.  Tell your friends and tell your neighbors.

Most importantly, believe that in your very own hands, it is possible to do just about anything your heart desires (God-willing).  Perspective is a beautiful concept -- the second you start believing in yourself, the universe around you will indeed aid you in your goals!  Have faith in Allah (S) and have faith in yourself.

So lets start a revolution.  Get everyone and anyone involved.  One person at a time.

Are you with me?

A Different Kind of Drug.

I have spent the last three years warped in the world of disease and medicine.  If you have a symptom, there is a likely drug available to make those aches and pains go away.. perhaps with a side effect or two added on.

Now, here comes the tricky part.  I think I just about discovered an even greater drug.  Yes, it's the feel good, put me in heaven, and make my sorrows go away substance.  It can be the best of friends in times of need, and then stab you in the back just seconds after.  And no, this drug does not fall short of side effects!  The DEA would do us some good controlling it for its addiction potential. 

Sugar.  Yup, sugar.  The meetha melt in your mouth that sparks the perfect blend of endorphins and dopamine, heightening your sense of pleasure and elevating you to royal status.  Ahh, sweet heavens, snatch me another piece of that pie, my budding tastes ain't got enough! 

Its an addiction.  And, unfortunately, its in just about every food product available.  If you know me, and I mean, know me well.. you know I am a big time calorie counter (thank you MyFitnessPal).  But, I've come to a new understanding now.  It's not so much about the calories as it is the source of those calories.

So today:
Refuse to let sugar consume the majority of your daily calories.  Refuse an inflammatory state with increasing insulin levels.  Refuse the extra storage of unneeded fats and unneeded pounds.  Refuse to age yourself way beyond your time.  Refuse to lose control.

Say No to sugar !




Stay tuned, there will be several posts to come regarding this topic.

Your Inner Artist.

Something interesting happened to me today.  I have been struggling with my sunday school kids.. They have a hard time recognizing the arabic letters from week-to-week, let alone write them.  So, I changed up my style of teaching.  A close family friend of mine, Maryam Sarrafee,  introduced a new method to me.  Stories.  Bring the letters to life and give them a personality.  Give them a story. 

A complete miracle.

We made ain and ghain into monkeys, turned fa into a magical flower, and sang poetry with alif ba.  Oh Maryam, how you have saved me!  The point was not simply the stories, but seeing the light in their eyes shine.  No, no worksheets today kids.  Today, we're using the best instrument God gave us - our mind.  We're mystifying this classroom into arabic letter land.  Oh, imagine... just imagine what you can do!

Your inner artist.

This has me thinking.  How flawed is our education system!?  What happened to keeping that imagination?  Reviving the arts in even the dullest of subjects?  Children are born with the greatest and most powerful creative thoughts.  They should be nurtured, motivated, and inspired.  Yet, if not encouraged, that gift is left in the dark.  That artist, he lives inside of you.  He has the ability to craft the most eclectic and finite world.  You just have to let him shine.

So, I am going back to my roots, searching for my inner artist.  Will you find yours? 

Good luck.

Below, two of my most recent works in progress.

30 days.

Try something new for 30 days.  Ever heard of Matt Cutts?  Here is his concept:

Try something new for 30 days.  If you're successful, by the end of the year, you will have 12 new things you have tried and explored.  Cut sugar from your diet, write a poem daily, learn an instrument, begin rock climbing, anything!  And be consistent!  Stick to it, for 30 days.

Now, I like this.  My 30 day trials consist of what scares me most.  The very thoughts of "Oh, this would be cool to do, but man, I can feel my pulse surge already."  Yes.  Tachycardia can be good here.  Whats the one thing that you fear most?  That sends your nerves sky rocketing through your bones, shaky in the knees, and sweat dripping to the floor?  Take it, feel it, visualize it, and attack it.  Conquer that very fear, in 30 days.  And come out stronger, with success built on your shoulders.

Good luck to you all. 

Hibah

A for Awesome.

I never saw myself much as a blogger.  Actually, I never saw myself EVER going public with anything.  But alas, they say 'never-say-never' for a reason.  So welcome.  This is my humble abode of thoughts, ideas, creativity, and art. 

And as I begin my first entry, I thought it be best to begin with a positive note.  I am a huge TED fan, I will not end a day without at least having listened to 3 or more TED talks.  So here it is, TED no.1 - The 3 A's of Awesome.

Love your life, no matter how difficult or how fruitful your situation is.  Because even in the darkest of times, there will always be an A for Awesome.

Be well.