Epiphany
An ah-ha moment....
A moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way - Source Webster.
Fights and Disagreements
Why do we fight? Why do we disagree? Why do humans see the same thing so many different ways?
Most fights or disagreements are rooted in the fact that we don't agree on the truth. Be it religion, politics, relationships, or any aspect of human life, I believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. Every truth has many versions and you pick the one that suits you best, just like everybody else. Facts and reality often don't seem to have the power to sway that choice.
Once we decide the version of truth that best fits our interest, we collect facts to support it. Facts that support any other version don't seem to matter.
To really end an argument or a disagreement, give the other version of truth a chance. That's all it takes.
Punctuality
I don't know why punctuality is so important to me. My brain is hard-wired. I tend to take it personally when someone isn't punctual and have to work hard not to be offended.
I've noticed that problem is severe in ethnic cultures. As an ethnic person myself, I think it's rooted in the fact that we're used to saying or hearing things that aren't supposed to be interpreted literally. For instance, when we look at the clock and it says 12:20 PM, I don't think it registers the literal time. All that registers is 12-ish. We then start negotiating with reality about how much time is left before my 1 PM appointment, for example. Instead of realizing that we have 40 minutes left, we'd rather negotiate with reality - there's a lot of time left and I only need 30 minutes to get ready (which actually takes 45).
Animals
I love animals. Everything about them and all animals. I see divinity in animals. Islam places humans at the top as the "peak of creation" which I find extremely egocentric.
Animals have a better moral compass than humans, they are transparent in their intentions and have no ulterior motives. Ever. I find that a lot more attractive than any human quality I can think of.
The Future of our Kids
If India's future is to change, we have to stop raising timid and submissive kids. Teach them independence, let them be who they are. Stop raising them to arbitrary standards of good husbands, wives, doctors, engineers and what not. We have to stop raising them with a specific purpose that we have picked for them. The better they align to that purpose as they grow up, the more we accept them and offer love and praise in return. If they don't align or want to pursue something else, they're ridiculed, often by the parents themselves, for not being focused, being confused or lacking ambition.
Children at a very small age are given a purpose. You should study hard and become a doctor, an engineer or something else. If it's a girl, you should behave yourself and be a good, pious women so you'll find a good husband. Learn to cook so you can make your husband happy. Stop! Just stop! Let them be who they are born to be. If there's no opportunity in what they want to do, believe me, they will create their own. Indians are one of the most creative people on the planet! If we let this creativity loose, we will change the world, in my opinion!
A Life to Live
During my visit to Hyderabad in March 2018, I met Hadi, an autorickshaw driver in Hyderabad. I liked him. He's very helpful, knows the area well, honest and hard working. On my way to visit the daira (family burial yard), we started talking about Raza Mama (my mom's brother), who also happens to be my all time favorite uncle.
His genuine praise and admiration for Raza Mama touched me beyond measure. When Hadi spoke about Raza Mama, it sounded like he was mourning the loss of a close relative. He wouldn't stop narrating what they talked about...what Raza Mama said, when, how...just about every detail he could think of. I could tell that he was genuinely relishing reliving every moment of those conversations.
Ironically, they only met a handful of times when Raza Mama visited India, and probably spent just a few hours together commuting places. That's all it took for Hadi to fall in love with him. That's just the kind of person he was.
When we got to the graveyard, he was ahead of me trying to wash Raza Mama's grave and offer fateha (prayers). It broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
This is how I would like to go from this world. Money can't buy it, religion can't make it happen and neither will charity. Being remembered as a good human is just about impossible to achieve!