an itinerant observer

Introduction In a world filled with endless possibilities, our personal journey takes shape through a series of transformative moments that mold us into who we are. This holds true for my own story, as I reflect on the words I penned on my LinkedIn profile: "I see patients, I do research, I teach, I create/innovate, and I reinvent myself every few years." Little did I know then that these words would perfectly capture the essence of my ongoing journey of transformation. Immersed in the profound teachings of Bildung, I have come to realize the incredible accuracy of those words. Bildung is an intriguing German tradition of self-cultivation - a lifelong process in which mind and heart facilitate personal growth through self-reflection. Looking back, it becomes evident that my life has been a constant process of reinvention, leading me on a path of purpose and personal growth. Turning Points and Transformative Phases To truly comprehend the transformative nature of my j...

In the center of my existence lies a visual life ring, a captivating symbol of the interconnectedness and profound significance of various domains that shape my journey. This vibrant tapestry encapsulates the very essence of my being, reflecting the pursuit of fulfillment and the relentless quest for growth across five transformative domains. Asad’s Life Ring . Powered by inner life (or inner realm) as the hub, my life ring includes four spokes emanating outwards, each with its specific touch points. The life ring exercise was from a Coursera course called Creativity, Innovation and Transformation that I completed in December 2020. The 2 nd version (V2.0) of the life ring was triggered by the unexpected passage of my friend Dr. Amir Shariff, one of the coolest general surgeons ever! Hence, it is dedicated to him. A detailed explanation of this figure accompanies the text.   At its core, the inner realm beckons me to rediscover the boundless wonders of life through the eyes of...

Introduction In a world that seems on the brink of self-destruction, the profound question posed by John Kaag in his book 'Hiking with Nietzsche' resonates powerfully: "What are the possibilities for human existence in an age determined to annihilate itself?" This query propelled me on a profound journey of self-reflection, marking my ten years in Pakistan after fifteen years in the United States. As I immersed myself in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, I began to explore the realms of nihilism, existentialism, and absurdism, searching for solace and meaning amidst the chaos and ambiguity of the 21st century. Nietzsche and Rumi The convergence of Nietzschean philosophy and the teachings of Rumi, the great Sufi poet and mystic, is a serendipitous encounter that has reshaped my perception of existence. While delving into Nietzsche's works, particularly through 'When Nietzsche Wept' by Irvin Yalom, I embarked on a journey through Turkey, traversi...