Sunday, September 30, 2007
night of revelation
17 Ramadhan
most noble of all men
Rasulullah s.a.w.
a meeting with gorgeous light
an angel for messengers
Read!
Read!
Read in the name of Allah.
when the words of Allah
greeted by the universe
welcomed by the angels
their wings as strings of pearls
on clear pebbles
in awe in wonder
for words
as real as can be
as unseen as can be
how words could lead
giving strength and faith
that this is it
which connects you and your Lord.
note: my expression unpoetic, the Qur'an is just so hard to describe
am left speechless though it is such a beautiful thing, it's even hard to call it a 'thing'. it's just so special.
in remembrance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and this night, when the truth was revealed.
allahumma salli 'ala sayyidina Muhammad, wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
subhanallah wal hamdulillah wa laa ilaaha illALLAH wALLAHu akbar.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I miss this
I miss having my own table, cluttered with books and notes to read. having my own time to spend just studying. i.miss.this.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
on smart
Top 20 Qualities of Smart People
By: Michelle Casto
Adapted from www.hitechtrainer.fitpromag.com
In today’s competitive world, it pays to be smart. No matter how smart you are, I am sure there is something you could “get smarter” about. Below are some qualities of smart people. As you read the list, ask yourself: Am I as smart as I could be in this area? How could I get smarter?
1. Make Decisions Intuitively
Smart people listen to and follow their intuition. They know how intuitions and insights come to them and are tuned-in internally to make wise decisions.
2. Are Self-Aware
Smart people are aware of who they are--- strengths, weaknesses, personality, values, etc. As Confucious once said, “He who knows others is wise, he who knows himself is enlightened,” they know that the most important (and interesting) thing to know about is “self.”
3. Use Active Reflection
Smart people reflect on and learn from past experiences, finding out what works and what doesn’t, and then adjusts their course of action as needed. They think about things before jumping in, and also take the time after-the-fact to actively reflect to fully understand what happened or didn’t happen.
4. Think Out-of-Box
Smart people can easily entertain new ideas, thoughts, and ways of doing things. They crave progressive and forward thinking information, concepts, and people. They often come up with new and radical ideas on a regular basis.
5. Have An Open-Mind
Smart people are open to different perspectives and see potential where most people don’t. They would agree with what the quote, “A mind is like a parachute, it only functions when it is open.” They are comfortable with paradoxes and can relate to many sides of an issue or opinion.
6. Are Responsive
Smart people recognize and respond quickly to opportunities and people. They act and react fast, and take care of what needs to be taken care-of, well ahead of schedule.
7. Are Resourceful
Smart people don’t have to know it all, but they do know where to go to get whatever information, resources, training, education that they need. They are well-networked and have people to call on for resource referrals.
8. Question Authority
Smart people think for themselves. They do not blindly believe things so-called “experts” say, in fact, they ask deep questions to discover their own truth.
9. Upgrade Their Brain
Smart people stay smart because they are committed to being a lifelong learner. They continuously learn new things, and stay current with their skills, attitudes, and beliefs.
10. Have a Sense of Humor
Smart people do not take themselves or life too seriously. They recognize the importance of finding the fun in the irony and the comedy of everyday life.
11. Take Risks
Smart people are willing to try out new things, knowing that if it doesn’t work out as intended, failure is often cleverly disguised as a learning opportunity. They “swing out there” often, and it usually pays off.
12. Trust Themselves
Smart people believe and trust themselves first and foremost. They don’t have to check with others to make decisions, they instinctively know what is right for them and they go for it!
13. Write and List Things on Paper
Smart people have a well-developed life strategy that includes a written life vision/mission, purpose, and goals statement. They also write lists---one for “have to’s” and one for “want to’s.”
14. Are Productive
Smart people get things done, through whatever organizational/time management system that works for them. They make the most of each day and take action on important life tasks each and everyday.
15. Use Discernment
Smart people are able to discern (see clearly) other’s reasons and motives, so they selectively choose who and what to align themselves with. They surround themselves with only the highest quality people, programs, and places.
16. Read, Read, Read
Smart people tap into the collective brain power of others by reading books, magazines, articles---anything that is helpful for their own development. They are also able to filter out the information that fits for them and let the rest go.
17. Value Learning
Smart people value the process of learning for learning’s sake. They do not just learn for a specific end---to get a certificate, degree, title, etc. They learn because it is intrinsically rewarding for them.
18. Teach Others
Smart people are the teachers of the world, who share their knowledge with other people. They put themselves out there so the rest of us can benefit, and in exchange, their own learning grows and develops because they are actively talking about, researching, and understanding their subject.
19. Reinvent Themselves
Smart people do not like to stay the same, they love to grow and develop. They often play with their image, brand, company name, and expand or change it entirely. To stay ahead of the game, they often reinvent themselves time and time again.
20. Are Students of Life
Smart people not only know about specific subjects and topics, but also about what it means to be a human being at this time in our evolution. They are insatiably curious and want to know more about becoming bigger and brighter, as a result they naturally evolve.
As Lao Tzu said, “To gain knowledge, add things everyday. To gain wisdom, remove things everyday.” This is so true, our brain is like a computer and in order for it to function at a higher level, we must always be adding, while simultaneously taking away information that no longer serves us. Think about it, what do you want to remove from your database? And, what new software program will you replace it with?
By: Michelle Casto
Adapted from www.hitechtrainer.fitpromag.com
In today’s competitive world, it pays to be smart. No matter how smart you are, I am sure there is something you could “get smarter” about. Below are some qualities of smart people. As you read the list, ask yourself: Am I as smart as I could be in this area? How could I get smarter?
1. Make Decisions Intuitively
Smart people listen to and follow their intuition. They know how intuitions and insights come to them and are tuned-in internally to make wise decisions.
2. Are Self-Aware
Smart people are aware of who they are--- strengths, weaknesses, personality, values, etc. As Confucious once said, “He who knows others is wise, he who knows himself is enlightened,” they know that the most important (and interesting) thing to know about is “self.”
3. Use Active Reflection
Smart people reflect on and learn from past experiences, finding out what works and what doesn’t, and then adjusts their course of action as needed. They think about things before jumping in, and also take the time after-the-fact to actively reflect to fully understand what happened or didn’t happen.
4. Think Out-of-Box
Smart people can easily entertain new ideas, thoughts, and ways of doing things. They crave progressive and forward thinking information, concepts, and people. They often come up with new and radical ideas on a regular basis.
5. Have An Open-Mind
Smart people are open to different perspectives and see potential where most people don’t. They would agree with what the quote, “A mind is like a parachute, it only functions when it is open.” They are comfortable with paradoxes and can relate to many sides of an issue or opinion.
6. Are Responsive
Smart people recognize and respond quickly to opportunities and people. They act and react fast, and take care of what needs to be taken care-of, well ahead of schedule.
7. Are Resourceful
Smart people don’t have to know it all, but they do know where to go to get whatever information, resources, training, education that they need. They are well-networked and have people to call on for resource referrals.
8. Question Authority
Smart people think for themselves. They do not blindly believe things so-called “experts” say, in fact, they ask deep questions to discover their own truth.
9. Upgrade Their Brain
Smart people stay smart because they are committed to being a lifelong learner. They continuously learn new things, and stay current with their skills, attitudes, and beliefs.
10. Have a Sense of Humor
Smart people do not take themselves or life too seriously. They recognize the importance of finding the fun in the irony and the comedy of everyday life.
11. Take Risks
Smart people are willing to try out new things, knowing that if it doesn’t work out as intended, failure is often cleverly disguised as a learning opportunity. They “swing out there” often, and it usually pays off.
12. Trust Themselves
Smart people believe and trust themselves first and foremost. They don’t have to check with others to make decisions, they instinctively know what is right for them and they go for it!
13. Write and List Things on Paper
Smart people have a well-developed life strategy that includes a written life vision/mission, purpose, and goals statement. They also write lists---one for “have to’s” and one for “want to’s.”
14. Are Productive
Smart people get things done, through whatever organizational/time management system that works for them. They make the most of each day and take action on important life tasks each and everyday.
15. Use Discernment
Smart people are able to discern (see clearly) other’s reasons and motives, so they selectively choose who and what to align themselves with. They surround themselves with only the highest quality people, programs, and places.
16. Read, Read, Read
Smart people tap into the collective brain power of others by reading books, magazines, articles---anything that is helpful for their own development. They are also able to filter out the information that fits for them and let the rest go.
17. Value Learning
Smart people value the process of learning for learning’s sake. They do not just learn for a specific end---to get a certificate, degree, title, etc. They learn because it is intrinsically rewarding for them.
18. Teach Others
Smart people are the teachers of the world, who share their knowledge with other people. They put themselves out there so the rest of us can benefit, and in exchange, their own learning grows and develops because they are actively talking about, researching, and understanding their subject.
19. Reinvent Themselves
Smart people do not like to stay the same, they love to grow and develop. They often play with their image, brand, company name, and expand or change it entirely. To stay ahead of the game, they often reinvent themselves time and time again.
20. Are Students of Life
Smart people not only know about specific subjects and topics, but also about what it means to be a human being at this time in our evolution. They are insatiably curious and want to know more about becoming bigger and brighter, as a result they naturally evolve.
As Lao Tzu said, “To gain knowledge, add things everyday. To gain wisdom, remove things everyday.” This is so true, our brain is like a computer and in order for it to function at a higher level, we must always be adding, while simultaneously taking away information that no longer serves us. Think about it, what do you want to remove from your database? And, what new software program will you replace it with?
Sunday, September 02, 2007
saying ok
it is such an understatement. most times when we ask people, are you ok??? and people tend to say 'yeah i'm ok' but deep inside you, you know they are not ok. you know something is troubling them. something is just so wrong. i'm ok has become such a favourite clause, that everytime people said it, you tend to take it for granted, taking it that people are really ok, and live it at that, not wanting to know more. just ok.
i think i want to stop asking 'are you ok'? because people will automatically, sometimes without thinking, and says i'm ok. or sometimes, because they want to conceal their real feelings, what's really bothering them, maybe because they do not want to hurt other people, or spoil the day by talking about what's troubling them. or because it's just not the right time.
and when people say i'm ok, it became a full stop. don't ask anymore, i don't want to talk about it. and ended up keeping them at heart, hurting oneself more, but then, keep talking about it, and you'll be more hurt. so just stop. don't ask.
but then again, i'll be fooling people telling them i'm ok when am definitely not. and i know you know i'm not ok. but why do i say i'm ok??
i don't want to ask, neither do i want to keep quiet about it. i need an honest question, for i want to give an honest answer. it's just me. i always say i'm ok. when i'm not feeling that. i'm ok, just because i don't want to talk about it, just because i'm ashamed, just because it hurts to talk about it. just because it doesn't matter.....but it matters.
life has never been easy. never. we won't value life without its hardships. we had it hard because there is a reason for it. because the Lord knows, only we, are strong enough to get through it. other people might give up and falter. but not us. the hardship has chosen us, not to fail us, but to be touched by Lord, to be the strength to go on and realise a dream. if things were easy, it won't be sweet.
i just want to think of the good things. i have always told myself. don't think of the things that deters me from doing what i want to. because these 'things' simply don't deserve my attention. they just don't.
i want to wake up to another day. smile a real smile. and say today is going to be a good one. i love me. i love what i'm doing. i have all these people around me who do care. i will not disappoint them.
i think i want to stop asking 'are you ok'? because people will automatically, sometimes without thinking, and says i'm ok. or sometimes, because they want to conceal their real feelings, what's really bothering them, maybe because they do not want to hurt other people, or spoil the day by talking about what's troubling them. or because it's just not the right time.
and when people say i'm ok, it became a full stop. don't ask anymore, i don't want to talk about it. and ended up keeping them at heart, hurting oneself more, but then, keep talking about it, and you'll be more hurt. so just stop. don't ask.
but then again, i'll be fooling people telling them i'm ok when am definitely not. and i know you know i'm not ok. but why do i say i'm ok??
i don't want to ask, neither do i want to keep quiet about it. i need an honest question, for i want to give an honest answer. it's just me. i always say i'm ok. when i'm not feeling that. i'm ok, just because i don't want to talk about it, just because i'm ashamed, just because it hurts to talk about it. just because it doesn't matter.....but it matters.
life has never been easy. never. we won't value life without its hardships. we had it hard because there is a reason for it. because the Lord knows, only we, are strong enough to get through it. other people might give up and falter. but not us. the hardship has chosen us, not to fail us, but to be touched by Lord, to be the strength to go on and realise a dream. if things were easy, it won't be sweet.
i just want to think of the good things. i have always told myself. don't think of the things that deters me from doing what i want to. because these 'things' simply don't deserve my attention. they just don't.
i want to wake up to another day. smile a real smile. and say today is going to be a good one. i love me. i love what i'm doing. i have all these people around me who do care. i will not disappoint them.
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