reversion

This episode walks through the story of what made me fall in love with Islam. </p>Initially, I felt that this episode did not meet my standards. For a variety of reasons but particularly in regards to the insights I share towards the end on what really made Islam pierce my heart. I wanted to get every detail narrated, a full timeline, a full depiction of all events. But then I remembered something obvious - I'm neither a scholar, nor a historian. I will eternally have so much to learn. I'm a human, inherently designed with imperfections. All I can do is share what I think and how I perceive. If I don't allow myself to freestyle here, where will I?</p>If anything, let this plant a seed. Learn about what happened. Learn from people who know much more than I ever will. Listen with an open heart. </p>Humanize us. </p>---<br /><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><br />If there are any mistakes or misunderstandings in my conclusions or delivery, please correct me with adab. </p>

00:45:44

the truth about Palestine

VIDEO LINKS:<br />https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7PYbfuNdq/<br />https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6GVHfuj_R/</p>Jewish Voice for Peace:<br />https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/take-action/</p>Ceasefire:<br />https://ceasefiretoday.com/</p>BDS:<br />https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott<br />https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/3/29/are-bds-boycotts-hurting-brand-israel<br /> </p>

00:20:34

audio_journal1

reflections, stories, and a glimpse into my reconnection with Islam.

00:42:00

emotion + perception

feel your feelings, man.

00:12:29

nafs | (ego)

On the first episode of the smiley brain 2.0, I explore the meaning of the word "<strong>nafs</strong>" in the Islamic tradition. While Carl Jung referred to the shadow and the ego in the late 1800s, the Qur'an detailed the trials of the soul and the ego over 1400 years ago. In this episode, I begin a humble and introductory [<i>attempt at</i>] unpacking of 3 stages of the <strong>nafs</strong> (<i>ego's journey</i>.) </p>Ultimately, through <strong>jihad</strong> of the <strong>nafs</strong> (<i>struggle/purification of the ego</i>) the devotee reaches <i>higher states of awareness</i> and consciousness and surrenders into submission of faith and trust in the Beloved. </p>I have much to learn. I look forward to deepening my knowledge and insights and sharing reflections with you along the way. </p>PS: if you are interested in signing up for classes through Aleff Institute to deepen your knowledge of Farsi and Islamic mysticism and poetry, you can do so through <strong>https://aleffinstitute.com</strong>. I highly recommend this for people who are willing to invest dedicated energy to learning through a highly informed and perceptive lens. </p>PPS: please forgive any mispronunciations or misunderstandings on my end. You are welcome to inform and educate me! </p>

00:20:58

authenticity

This episode is an integration of thoughts and reflections that started off around November, the start of eclipse season, (a window that just closed with the recent full moon.) In this episode, I explore the topics of authenticity and vulnerability and how reclaiming these powers helps to align you with your highest expression of life. </p>It's a joy to share these reflections with you. Thanks for being a part of this ride! </p>PS: if you are interested in working with me one-on-one, I will be reopening my private practice soon. Keep an eye out for session availability! <br />alchemizeyourmind.com</p>

00:26:34

a gift

A gift for you before I depart on my next adventure. </p>

00:22:22

opposition

I saw something on Instagram that activated a lot of reflections on opposition of thought. Why are we humans capable of incomprehensible violence when faced with someone expressing an opposing viewpoint? I explore these thoughts in this episode. </p>Content warning: this episode contains mention of violence/death. </p>

00:24:28

shed (+integration)

This episode is for anyone who embodies the martyr archetype. If you are an over giver and have a hard time forming healthy and sustainable boundaries, I see you. I'm working through this too. This episode is a real-time integration for myself regarding recent events and realizations. The recent Venus/Pluto conjunction brought a lot of things to light and this episode is a part of my integration from those realizations. </p>

00:50:05

self imposed suffering

In this episode, I share some recent reflections I've been having regarding our experience with suffering. So much of our pain and suffering is self imposed based on the shadows and mental projections we are experiencing. In this episode I speak about this at length, and talk through ways to release ourselves from these outdated cycles. </p>

00:35:16