an itinerant observer

Introduction In our pursuit of happiness and contentment, we often find ourselves seeking guidance from various philosophies and concepts that offer insight into the art of living. Two such principles, Ikigai and Stoicism, hold profound wisdom that can illuminate our path to genuine fulfillment. By exploring the intertwining threads of Ikigai and Stoicism, we embark on a journey towards discovering the true essence of happiness and contentment. The Essence of Ikigai At the core of Ikigai lies the belief that each individual possesses a unique purpose, a reason for being. Derived from the Japanese culture, Ikigai represents the joy and goal of living. It is the harmony that arises when our passions, professions, vocations, and missions intersect. Embracing Ikigai calls for a deep introspection, a voyage within ourselves to uncover the hidden treasures that define our existence. Just as the Japanese proclaim, everyone has an Ikigai, but it requires a profound and often arduous sear...

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...

The day I started believing in bucket lists coincided with the day salsa became a potential need, not just a want, for me to become adept at. Well…perhaps not salsa initially…it was really the tango that I fell in love with when I first saw it performed by Al Pacino in the much acclaimed ‘the scent of a woman’ .  Over the subsequent decade or so I felt a really strong urge to learn the tango. It remained an urge at most. I never proceeded to the stage of learning it in order to become a tango expert. Perhaps it was the lack of an equally excited partner to get me to actively pursue the most elegant of dances. After all, it does take two to tango. Photo credit: Riaz Khan,  a photographer based in Houston One fine night I was chatting with a friend at a restaurant in Rice Village in Houston. We were discussing ‘ the itinerant observer project’ , a potential book of short stories for which my friend, a freelance photographer, was going to provide a visual piece. We both had our i...