Bringing authenticity into your life and it's consequences.

As we look at the world around us, we see that no two things are identical. No two snowflakes are ever the same – nor are they intended to be. Rather, each form is a distinct expression, and this applies to us as well. The universe does not intend our life to be a copy of someone else’s life. We are each magnificently unique, and the inner impulse to express this is what drives us to be authentic. - 

A move into greater authenticity is always a move into greater levels of empowerment, creative self-expression, and overall wellbeing

This is because we are moving towards our truer and greater self. Our interactions with the world and with others become more fulfilling and more alive. Our joy and fulfillment rise to higher levels -

 See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/authenticity-a-closer-look?utm_source=October%20Newsletter%20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=October_2013_Newsletter#sthash.x5oIWswU.dpuf 

Love of the Beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) Mercy for the multiverse.

Beautiful tale of the Love of the Beloved of God, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), The Mercy for the universe and Multiverse, How the Prophetic Companions (Sihabah) loved him.

A companion came to meet the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and said: " Oh Prophet of Allah! By God! You are dearer to me than my own life. You are dearer to me than my own family. And you're dearer to me than my children. Whenever I am at home and do not see you, it becomes difficult for me to endure, so I come to see you. Whenever I think of the time when you and I will pass away, It disturbs me that You will be among the Prophets in higher abodes in jannah and even if I enter jannah, I will not be able to see you."
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) did not immediately reply him and soon this Ayah was revealed:
(Nisa:69) "وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ ۚ وَحَسُنَ أُولَٰئِكَ رَفِيقًا
69. اور جو کوئی اللہ اور رسول(صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) کی اطاعت کرے تو یہی لوگ (روزِ قیامت) ان (ہستیوں) کے ساتھ ہوں گے جن پر اللہ نے (خاص) انعام فرمایا ہے جو کہ انبیاء، صدیقین، شہداءاور صالحین ہیں، اور یہ بہت اچھے ساتھی ہیں

And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) are the people who will be in the company of those (spiritual dignitaries on the Last Day) whom Allah has blessed with His (special) favour: the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the most pious. And how excellent these companions are!

(Tabrani: Mu'jam-ul-Aosat
Haissami: Majma'uz-Zavaid 7:7
Qazi Ayaz: As-Shifa 2:566
Mullah Ali Qari: Sharh-ush-Shifa, 2:39,40)

Bekhudi Besabab nahiin Ghalib.. in the mesmerising voice of Abida Perveen

Phir Kuch Is Dil Ko Beqarari Hai
Sina Zoya-e-zakhm-e-kari Hai


Phir Usi Bewafa Pe Marte Hain
Phir Wahi Zindagi Hamari Hai

Phir Diya Para-e-jigar Ne Sawal
Ek Fariyad-o-ah-o-zari Hai

Phir Hue Hain Gawah-e-ishq Talab
Ashqbari Ka Hukm jari Hai

Dil-o-mizshgan Ka Jo Muqadma Tha
Aj Phir Us Ki Rubqari Hai

Bekhudi Besabab Nahi 'ghalib'
Kuch To Hai Jis Ki Pardadari Hai 

The Sufi gratitude

Whatever happens in your life, no matter how

troubling things might seem, do not enter the

neighbourhood of despair. Even when all doors

remain closed, God will open up a new path only for

you. Be thankful!It is easy to be thankful when all is

well. A Sufi is thankful not only for what he has

been given but also for all that he has been denied.

(Forty Rules of Love: Elif Shafak)

Moving towards higher consciousness..

The possibility of achieving the highest level of actualization exists only if we are surrounded on a regular basis with others moving towards higher consciousness.

In the face of overwhelming challenges all around us, the only thing we can do is make our little corner of the world more safe, welcoming, friendly, kind, caring and loving.

Read full article at:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationship-skills/2013/09/breaking-the-cycle-of-loneliness/

Playing your instrument..

"Your Destiny is the level where you will play your time. You might not change your instrument, but how well to play is entirely in your hands."
(Elif Shafak, Forty Rules of Love)

Misleading Myth about education!

One of the most dangerous and misleading myths that still endures in the field of education is the idea that tests used to measure and compare students to one another are scientifically objective. They are not, in my opinion, absolutely not. 

Young people are not inert rocks or chemicals in a test tube, and they are not machines. They are curious, creative and continuously changing living beings. As such, the use of high-stakes testing to sort and compare children with one another can be very misleading and potentially destructive. 

That doesn't mean that assessments play no role in education, they most definitely do. What experienced teachers understand is that whenever you provide a child with an assessment on their abilities you must be very careful about it. 

Well designed assessments are given to help students become aware of their weaknesses, so that they can improve in those areas. 

This is how the best teachers and coaches motivate and inspire their students. They are constantly giving the learner feedback on little details of their progress, with the shared goal of helping them improve their skills and abilities, to master what they are learning. 

Assessment of learning is key, but the subjective component is always in the forefront of the teacher's mind. Feedback given in this way promotes growth, motivation and greater learning. It is a key component of the student/teacher relationship, grounded in trust, respect and an awareness of the learner's potential.

The care, flexibility and personal support the teacher demonstrates is a crucial component of the process. This is why teaching is more an art form then a science, as is also true of learning. 

Every child is different, with different strengths, weaknesses, motivations, learning styles and interests. If you use standardized test results to compare them to one another the effect is to decrease motivation for those who fall into the bottom of your assessment basket. 

The result is that schooling becomes "miseducative" for far too many children, as John Dewey described it.

~Christopher
The Art of Learning

Beautiful Scene of ducks in small pond in Islamabad

beautiful scene of ducks in a small pond in Islamabad, Pakistan.