an itinerant observer

Introduction In the reflective journey of life, we encounter profound wisdom from various traditions. Taoism offers invaluable insights with its emphasis on living in harmony with nature and embracing simplicity. In this article, we delve into three key concepts: Wu Wei, the childlike spirit, and the harmonious flow. By combining the wisdom of Taoism with the concept of the Reflective Journey, we invite you to navigate life's complexities with grace, authenticity, and a harmonious flow. Wu Wei: Effortless Action and Non-Action Wu Wei, the core principle of Taoism, is often described as "non-action" or "effortless action." It teaches us to find balance between action and non-action, understanding that sometimes the most effective course of action is to refrain from acting. By observing nature's wisdom and flowing with the natural course of events, we can navigate life's challenges with ease and adaptability. Embracing Wu Wei allows us to focus on the

Part I  Meet the Biloongra family members.  BILOONGRA. The central character Biloongra is a fun-loving, compassionate, and mischievous kitten. The exact breed is unknown, but is likely a Persian (tortoiseshell kind), and looks like a much younger version of Luna (my Persian cat, picture below). Biloongra is special because he can talk. Thus he has the ability to comment on his human family members and their peculiarities, irrespective of any coherent responses from them. NOORI. The little girl around eight years old, I believe, is the main human child character. Biloongra and Noori have a special bond because like Biloongra, Noori is fun, carefree, forgetful, messy, loving, and caring. They tend to get into trouble together. Noori is assertive and outspoken. She does not take crap from anyone. She fights for her rights and those of other girls (and for her older brother’s too, when feeling magnanimous). Noori is not a bully nor will bully (maybe her family though!). Noori likes the g

Introduction In the realm of Sufi literature, a profound concept known as the Commanding Self, or Nafs-i-Ammara , reveals itself as a mysterious intermediary between objective reality and one's authentic self. As Idries Shah eloquently states in The Commanding Self, it is "the key to understanding my entire corpus of work." This captivating concept challenges Sufi teachers to communicate its essence effectively, despite facing accusations of maintaining authority and denying individuals access to higher levels of understanding. The purpose of this essay is to delve into the depths of the Commanding Self, explore its significance in Sufi teachings, and shed light on its relevance to personal transformation and self-realization. By unraveling the layers of the Commanding Self, we can gain valuable insights into the journey of the soul and the path toward inner awakening. The Commanding Self: A Closer Look "The Commanding Self thrives on convincing individuals that its

  T oday heralds the beginning of an era Not of interest to meaningless minds Regardless, the story must be told. Of an apparent merger of Yin and Yang In reality, the triumph of a trichotomy or perhaps a triumvirate? Since there was a He - the babysitter; a She - the divine feminine; and a Me - the Child Three companions on the trip of a lifetime whither thoughts were elicited, meaning sought, and purpose created, if not found. Let’s start at the beginning. But what was that? Or when? Was the origin the bright colors that tasted sweet? Or the vibration of chrysanthemums – a mere conversation with chlorophyll Or the music reverberating, drumming, thrumming…smelling of nostalgia  Or the tablecover’s patchwork of whorls That pulled you in when you felt the threads Drowning, then surfacing and breathing again, once called out Making love through head and hair And fingers reaching for one’s organic and inorganic anchors Or the appearance of dry figs and nuts    sitting atop the rugged b

As the year 2023 unfolded, I found myself standing at a significant crossroads—a milestone marking ten years since my relocation from Houston to Karachi. It was a moment of reflection, where the flickering ember of my muse reignited within me. As in the past, it beckoned me to embrace those very failures that had woven themselves into the fabric of my existence, for they had shaped my trajectory through academic rejections, professional setbacks, and personal stumbling blocks. Amidst those failures, I discovered the profound blessings of love, employment, research, parenthood, and caregiving—an epiphany that revealed success as nothing more than a redefined manifestation of failure. Guided once again by the gentle whispers of my muse, I found myself drawn deeper into the caverns of introspection, where profound growth was nurtured amidst pain. As I cast my gaze upon the retrospective lens, I acknowledged the inherent challenges and limitations it presented. It was in response to this

In the grand tapestry of life, milestones are the threads that weave our unique stories together. As I reflect on a decade since bidding farewell to the hallowed halls of Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Texas Children's Hospital (TCH), it's not just the years gone by, but the invaluable lessons learned that make this milestone worth celebrating, six of which I list below (in no particular order). 1. A Foundation Built to Last: My journey began at BCM and TCH, where dreams took root and a passion for medicine, genetics, and pediatrics flourished. The lesson here is that a solid foundation is essential, shaping the course of an extraordinary career. In 2003, earning my PhD set the stage for the path ahead. 2. Navigating Pioneering Trajectories: Completing Pediatrics and Medical Genetics in 2008, I embarked on a journey of discovery. Winning the Thrasher Research Fund Early Career Award, my work in the department showcased the potential of translational genomics in pedi

  "I see patients, I do research, I teach, I write, I create | innovate | startup, and I reinvent myself every few years..." These words, captured in my LinkedIn tagline, perfectly encapsulate the multifaceted journey I embarked on during my decade at Aga Khan University (AKU). Looking back, this milestone marks 10 years of profound growth, both personally and professionally, as I reflect on the invaluable insights that have shaped my path. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu Almost three decades ago, when I took my first step into AKU as a medical student, I had no inkling of the remarkable voyage that awaited me. After my MBBS from AKU, my fascination with human genes and genomes led me to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring journey of academic exploration and intellectual revelations. While at Texas Children's Hospital,

T oday heralds beginning of an era Not of interest to meaningless minds Regardless, the story must be told. Of rain, sea, wind and rock Nature’s elements gone wild A blessing or a curse to observe Their might and mystery? And yet, only gratitude, that I’m alive! But there’s more… A magnetism An attraction within to the storm without Shall I embrace thee? Stripped to my bare skin Drenched to the bone Shall I walk into thine storm’s eye? Then stand still, very still Slam dunk in the middle Just feel and be Accept chaos without to get to peace within                 Shall we merge tonight, my love? Nature and I, conjugal rite A divine oneness, a solo journey Of darkness unto light My soul’s union Of communion. And that said, esoterica from an insomniac’s dream must come to an end Like the wave front comes to an end at the shore, No matter how calm or agitated ocean or land may appear.   Where does boundary of self end and stars begin? Sh

  T oday heralds beginning of an era Not of interest to meaningless minds Regardless, this story must be told. On the anniversary of death One year later, Back from his journeys – inner outer. “You are no different!” says Shams The one - teacher, friend, lover Assumptions? Narcissus’ Shams - sun, mirror, lover And in that love’s reflection With many layers shed Love One year before, On the eve of death Girl on the second floor Who was she to Narcissus? To Shams everything And yet he wishes to turn back time To eliminate the darkness by the sea? Have you really not fathomed those indecipherable tattoos? That can be seen but not felt; if felt then not heard. And yet palpable to the eye and ear In the darkness by the sea. Pain Of continued separation. But what’s done is done And what’s done cannot be undone. One year was all it took For one to become one And in that one year, perhaps… This esoterica from an insomniac’s dream must co