Mindfulness
Dr. Hasnain Gulamali Walji is a recognized thought leader specializing in the intersection of technology, AI, and human behaviour. He serves as the President of Integrative Quest, developing e-learning products for the financial and healthcare sectors. With over 26 books on nutrition and natural medicine, his expertise is well-regarded in the field.
He is the Executive Director of the United Global Initiative, an international NGO committed to women’s empowerment and social justice. Its flagship program, CodeGirls, encourages girls from marginalized societies to join the tech sector. He also holds directorial positions with the Jaffer Family Foundation, the Oasis Center for Intellectual Development, and the Karbala Center for Humanity, and contributes to Harvard Divinity School’s ‘Ashura At Harvard’ study track.
With over four decades of service to the Muslim community, Dr Walji’s commitments include active roles on boards such as the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, American Muslim Health Professionals, National Muslim Catholic Dialogue, and the Interfaith Peace Ministry of Orange County, among others. As an oral historian, he produced the documentary “The Khojas – A Journey of Faith,” tracing his community’s heritage over seven centuries.
In his golden years, Dr Walji continues to dedicate himself to research, education, and social justice activism, driven by a vision to create a better world for his seven grandchildren. Digital Media marketing as well as Education.
“Y
esterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Rumi
In the poetic elegance of Rumi’s verses, there lies a profound wisdom, one that speaks of internal transformation and a profound sense of presence. Mindfulness, a practice deeply rooted in ancient traditions, echoes this sentiment. It’s not about altering the world around us but understanding and evolving our perceptions of it. As our lives become increasingly immersed in the digital realm, Rumi’s insights offer a beacon, guiding us towards a more mindful online existence.
Our digital era, with its myriad of screens, platforms, and interfaces, has become an omnipresent force in our lives. A single tap, swipe, or click has the power to connect, communicate, and create. As these screens cast their luminescent glow on our faces, there is an urgent need to ensure that the shadow of forgotten etiquettes and misplaced priorities don’t diminish our genuine human connections.
Using the digital medium is akin to navigating an intricate terrain – one where the steps are constantly evolving. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Rumi, who eloquently stated, “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder,” we must ensure that our digital voice nurtures and uplifts, rather than harms.
Rumi’s poetry often touched upon the theme of the interconnectedness of all beings. His words encourage listeners to dive deep within themselves, to seek out the quiet spaces of the soul, and to find solace in the present moment.
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear,” he said. This sentiment is at the very heart of mindfulness: a profound awareness and deep connection to the present, free from judgment.
In the hustle and bustle of the digital age, with its ceaseless notifications and trending hashtags, the noise can become deafening. Amidst the clamour, the essence of true connection – the kind Rumi spoke of – can be easily overshadowed. The challenge isn’t the technology itself, but the pace and superficiality it sometimes engenders.
Crafting Silence in the Digital Chaos
Crafting silence in our digital interactions becomes a conscious choice to elevate quality over quantity. Here’s how we can apply Rumi-inspired mindfulness in our digital lives:
- Deep Listening: Just as Rumi said, “Silence is the language of god, all else is poor translation,” practice deep listening online. Rather than skimming through content, engage with it meaningfully. Listen to what’s being said, and equally importantly, to what’s left unsaid.
- Purposeful Engagement: Before posting or reacting, pause. Is this digital interaction truly resonating with your spirit, or is it just a reflex?
- Seek Depth: The digital realm, vast and endless, offers both shallow streams and deep oceans of content. Dive deep. Seek out content that enriches, enlightens, and elevates.
- Celebrate Authenticity: Embrace your authentic self in the digital world. Rumi once mused, “When I am silent, I fall into the place where everything is music.”
Let your online presence be a true reflection of your inner music, not a cacophony of borrowed tunes.
Rumi’s words, though centuries old, are so apt, in today’s digital age, reminding us of the timeless nature of his wisdom. As we navigate the complexities of our online existence, let’s carry with us Rumi’s teachings on mindfulness, presence, and authenticity. In the vast digital expanse, it’s this profound connection to the present moment, to ourselves, and to one another that will illuminate our path.
- Detox: Every so often, immerse yourself in a digital detox. Carve out screen-free sanctuaries in your day or week, not only for your mental tranquillity but to reconnect with the world beyond the pixels. Quality always trumps quantity. Dedicate set times to peruse your social feeds or emails. This intentionality can curb anxiety and amplify focus.
Without a doubt, the digital revolution has reshaped our etiquette. Yet, by intertwining mindfulness, respect, and sincerity in all our interactions, we can harness technology to enrich, not eclipse, our human connections.
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Writers Panel | A Simple Thought | Obituaries | Ziarat Ashura | Islamic Calendar | Facebook | Instagram
