Many of my mentors share this and I practice it daily. I invite you to also:
- Stop, sit, and meditate or give thanks.
- Exercise: Walk, dance, ride, whatever you can do to move your body.
- Stay connected to people.
- Acts of kindness.
- Self-development.
- Gratitude
- Giggle, guffaw, and belly laugh.
Check this out from my friend, Randy Gage: YouTube: https://ow.ly/5ArE50Pvp9x
This is an essay by my friend, The GREEN* Sheikh in the UAE:
“A Magical Biscuit”
After the morning exercise routine, a calm jog, and enjoying the London summer’s weather in August 2023, amidst the green grass, trees, and a sky filled with clouds, I found myself immersed in the atmosphere of the city. People were walking, jogging, riding bicycles, and gliding with wheeled shoes. As I ran, I savored the moment and listened to the different voices reciting the Quran, including the voice of Salman Al-Mutairi. I connected the spiritual aspect with mindfulness, the physical with movement and flexibility, the mental with contemplation, and the emotional with observing children playing and elderly couples reminiscing.
Returning home, still fasting, my stomach was only filled with a bit of water. I immediately took a cold shower, which symbolized various reasons: environmental consciousness, health benefits, and temperature regulation. The cold water helped increase oxygen-rich blood flow and balance my body temperature after the moderate jog.
Refreshed from the shower and dressed, I took six round biscuits with me, enjoying two of them alongside a cup of Italian cappuccino. I sat outdoors, relishing the moment and appreciating its value. I left the remaining biscuits to fate, hoping they would bring goodness and blessings.
Living a life of simplicity is beautiful. The true beauty lies in dedicating one’s life to God’s service. Savoring the coffee, I remembered a café in Australia during my doctoral studies, and a serene moment in London made me chant, “Ya Wadood, Ya Wadood,” invoking blessings, goodness, health, and vitality.
After the first sip, I thought of the remaining biscuits. Suddenly, an English homeless man appeared, silently signaling his hunger. I offered him two biscuits, which he eagerly devoured. This simple act of giving brought immense happiness. As I thanked God, I realized the power of small gestures.
Walking home, I encountered a woman selling religious items. She seemed sad and dejected. Offering her a biscuit, she initially refused, but I insisted. With gratitude, she accepted, and I noticed her eyes light up with joy. I learned that a simple act of kindness can transform someone’s day.
The joy of giving continued when I met a familiar face at a restaurant. My mother insisted we treat him to lunch, reminding us of the importance of generosity. We recognized our heritage as Emiratis, embodying the traits of strength, giving, and goodness.
In the end, I kept one “magical biscuit” as a symbol of generosity, and I realized that the power of giving extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, carries immense value and impact. It was a day that reminded me of the blessings we often overlook and the joy that comes from sharing and caring for others.
The morals of the story “A Magical Biscuit”: teach us that embracing simplicity, practicing kindness, and sharing with others can enrich our lives and create a positive ripple effect in the world around us.
NOTE: *GREEN= “Guiding, Respectful, Environmentalist, Educator, and Nature Lover Sheikh.” The “Green Sheikh” a transformational leader and global campaigner, has been recognized worldwide for his high social and environmental impact activities.
And finally, Krista Mashore, my newest mentor: trains me to create a success mindset by doing the seven (7) habits above highlighting laughing, showing gratitude, and having a positive mindset. www.kristamashore.com
So, we have the tools, let’s go out and seize the day!
Aloha🌺,
Denise
