Monday, January 01, 2007

I added a New Year's Resolution

So, here's the recap:

1) Stop cussing like a sailor.
2) Stop being afraid of everything. Though, the firecrackers last night totally made me think of gunshots.
3) Be here now. After I finished writing in my journal last night, I realized that I spend too much time in my imaginary world. There are better ways to channel my imagination than in creating new scenarios of everyday life. Then I read a poem in the book "Love Poems from God" and decided to add the 'Be here now'. I am looking for tips, by the way - on being more present in my life, so feel free to suggest methods and tips.

The poem is by Rumi and since it's the 'year of Rumi' according to UNESCO - I thought it was a good way to start the new year.

Here's the poem:

THE CHANCE OF HUMMING

A
man
standing on two logs in a river
might do all right floating with the current
while humming in the
now.

Though
if one log is tied to a camel,
who is also heading south along the bank -at the same pace-
all could still be well
with the
world

unless the camel thinks he forgot something, and
abruptly turns upstream,
then

uh-oh.

Most minds
do not live in the present
and can stick to a reasonable plan; most minds abruptly turn
and undermine the

chance

of

humming.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

ha, one of my resolutions is to curse more. i think i have a problem with ignoring or pushing down my angry feelings, and i think that swearing more may help me to deal with those feelings better.

happy new year to you!

Alex S said...

The year of Rumi??? I already had a hopeful feeling, mostly anyway, about 2007 but this makes it even more so. What a beautiful writer he was whose words are just as relevant and poignant now as they ever were.

Kristin Ohlson said...

Oh, I have that book in this house somewhere! I love it. Must go and look for it now.

I bet you curse better than a sailor!

Anonymous said...

E: Aahahahha. Do it and report back on your new resolution to cuss more.

A: Yes, I have always liked Rumi and now I'm trying to read more poetry. I always realize that I miss it when travelling.

K: Yes, do find it.

Ladies, I am not getting sufficient support to stop cussing... ;)

Anonymous said...

I just watched Little Miss Sunshine. Have you seen it? I recommend it with an asterik.

*it is dark humor that addresses sensitive issues ranging from suicide, to female sexuality - do not watch with parent-like figures or others with whom you might get uncomfortable.

be here and now... every 15 min look away from the comp screen or book and close your eyes, stretch your neck, and take 3 deep breathes, and when you open them, marvel at the wonder of existance of whatever your eyes see first.

a. helps with eyes strain

b. keeps you calm and breathing

c. gives you chance to marvel at the here and now.

ex. eyes open to sight of roll of clear tape - though process: how did that happen? who made tape? how do you make it sticky? who can it be clear? etc.

Anonymous said...

C: That's the 2nd rec Ii've gotten for that movie, i'll check it out.

i'll also try your meditation method today -thanks!

Atash Parcha said...

wow.. u like rumi too? i'm in love with poetry!
i finally came across someone wiht the same objectives as myself (from the west, willing to make a living in Kabul).

it's my first time ever seeing afghanistan *drops head in shame* it's only been a week and i could fall in love with this place!

i'm looking for a job, hoping to do my part for this nation.

You're an inspiration! You're blog is great, mashallah!

would like to remain in contact..

Happy new year!

PS good to know that u want to quit the cursing, doesn't go well with your eloquent writing (as evident in your blogs) ;)