"If light is in your heart, you will find your way home." Rumi
Some time ago, I found myself feeling adrift in the hyper-productivity mindset that had overtaken my life. I spent so much time being preoccupied with my next step in life. It was a privilege, yes, but one that was easy to get lost in - Contemplating my next career jump, next salary bracket, next life move. During that unease, I wrote down goals that I felt I could truly be proud of, which I hope now is the most telling “about me” section that I can provide:
» Surround myself with people who shine the brightest light, who smile from their hearts, who are genuinely genuine «
» Find my faith on my own «
» Create a collection of my thousands of photos «
» Remain present for the small moments «
» Climb mountains «
» Pursue inner peace & calmness of my heart «
» Read read read «
» Give what I have while I can to the people that need it more «
» Always choose fresh air «
» Pick myself back up «
» Direct myself towards purpose with remembrance of the life to come «
فِكْر and تَفَکُّر
My pursuit of inner peace included using the comfort I find through my camera and the calmness I feel being in nature. This led to me experiencing new parts of the world while also coming back to my roots. These photos are a culmination of seeing the world with my heart and finding the sweetness in this life.
The Arabic words, فِكْر Fikr and تَفَکُّر Tafakkur, translate to the action of being contemplative - to ponder, deliberate, and think. Through observing the beauty with my lens & witnessing moments that brought me joy, I found myself continuously reflecting on the design of intricate harmony found in nature, the exposure to different lifestyles influencing my outlook on life’s purpose, and the immense clarity of the truth found in all the blessings. Alhamdulillah.
May we all be of those who are reflective. Who look around the world in awe and gratitude. Who see the enormity behind it all - the mountains & depths of the oceans & trees & stars in the boundless sky - and remember our Creator.