No one of any merit disagrees with this one – live in the present – not in the past and goodness knows what the future will hold (for those not of the Islamic Faith). Do admit (reluctantly) that I have been indulging in overthink – most frowned upon by everyone everywhere. I was attempting to plot every movement of my new Saudi adventure. Fortunately I listened, Allah (SWT) beamed me in and there is now a new course of action. Make basic plans but leave room for some impromptu events which will add to the adventure. The definition of adventure most applicable to this undertaking: a daring and exciting activity calling for enterprise and enthusiasm. That says it all! There are few applicable synonyms happening, quest, and crusade. Quest is the best (and it rhymes). Quest is a long search for something. I am not sure of what I shall find, if anything, other than my long lost luggage. Well it wasn’t really lost, it is in the luggage room of the Riyadh Hilton patiently waiting for my return. Patience is absolutely necessary in this life, for people and for luggage. (Hahaha)
Patience is in the Quran, it is essential. In the Quran, Allah said: “And be Patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Quran, 8:46). From this ayat of Holy Quran, we can say that no matter what’s the situation we are facing we should be faithful and patient as Allah is with us He will never leave us alone.
Do admit that patience was never one of my virtues, but I am slowly getting it. Sometimes my patience utterly amazes me. I does work – sometimes everything has to be place, in order for something big to happen. These wise words were published in January 7, 2020 by Ismail Ahmed; The Reward of Patience
A person who loves Almighty Allah finds it much easier to be patient and to persevere. This is because he sees everything as coming from Allah, and if it comes from Allah, there must be a reason for it. A person who loves wants the Beloved to see him in the best of states, and so he proves the best of patience. Patience is a virtue, which enables the individual to proceed towards worthy goals. So many times in our lives something happens to us and we feel that this is the worst thing that can happen to us. But then after the trial, when relief and ease come, we realize that the difficult times had happened for good to come. So, it is important that believers have to be patient and know that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) is sufficient for us and is the best arranger of all our affairs. He will guide us to that which is good for us in this life and Hereafter too. If we don’t get the reward of Patience in this world then it will surely be saved by Almighty Allah for the Hereafter that will never end. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”
I will now provide an example of how my hard won patience paid off. I was very recently betrayed by an individual. Rather than getting justifiably angry, which was my old way of dealing with such situations, I remained calm, making no demands, not insisting that the individual keep their commitments. This was effective in many ways – if I were angry it would have been my fault and I would not be showing gratitude for gifts and attention bestowed upon me.
But I do have to admit (reluctantly) that I was quietly vengeful. I had a text conversation with CCC, who cannot only drive but also does double duty becoming a source of wisdom when the need presents itself. He had met the individual, we discussed the situation – not backbiting but trying to understand. Talking about ideas, not gossiping or backbiting. I informed him of my quiet resistance to this person.
Me: Well, it feels like I won the battle without fighting – sort of nailed it.
He: You are great.
Me: I am actually thinking I am not great. I need to focus on the faith and my Saudi trip and the good people who surround me. I see that I have been consumed with anger and revenge.
He: You are the best because you can introspect.
Me: Thank you!!! That is SO smart, Introspection is a true gift.
Then after some thinking about the subject I texted him again.
Me: Can I mention this conversation on the blog? I will, of course, use your nickname. It is an interesting concept that I had forgotten about.
He: Sure.
Fascinated with this topic did some research to find that introspection, in simple terms is a reflective looking inward: an examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings. Wikipedia came to my rescue again.
“Introspection is the examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings.[1] In psychology, the process of introspection relies on the observation of one’s mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one’s soul.[2] Introspection is closely related to human self-reflection and self-discovery and is contrasted with external observation.Introspection has been a subject of philosophical discussion for thousands of years. The philosopher Plato asked, “…why should we not calmly and patiently review our own thoughts, and thoroughly examine and see what these appearances in us really are?”[4][5] While introspection is applicable to many facets of philosophical thought it is perhaps best known for its role in epistemology; in this context introspection is often compared with perception, reason, memory, and testimony as a source of knowledge.”
The Wikipedia discussion goes on, more than I ever wanted to know. If you want to know more look it up for yourself. It discussed its role in some religions but not the Islamic Faith. It is possible to make additions to Wikipedia, if you can cite to recognized authority. I will either a) submit to Wikipedia OR b) write about it at a later time on this blog. I am thinking that (b) is the best alternative, but with me one never knows. Not even me. Hahaha
I have not left Edmonton as yet so still remain involved in what is going on here. I want to transport myself and my thinking to Saudi Arabia, steeping myself in the Islamic Faith but apparently that is impossible. Just learned from AB Today, this disturbing news.
As of Monday afternoon, there were 76 active wildfires, with 24 out of control, in Alberta
- There are six evacuation orders in effect with three evacuation centres set up.
- Evacuees from Edson and other areas of Yellowhead County now qualify for one-time emergency payments, with residents re-evacuated six weeks after an initial evacuation.
- That fire grew 70,000 hectares over the weekend to 204,284 hectares.
- So far this wildfire season, 35,000 people have been evacuated from communities, with 14,046 still evacuated.
- As of Monday, a record 1.4 million hectares have burned so far this season.
I only hope when I return from Saudi Arabia in early August that there is something to come home to. This topic was discussed in an email to MCERA (the people that provide my generous retirement)
Me: Coming back home was the best thing I ever did. The wild fires here are quite awful but as I live in a city next to the Alberta Legislative Building, housed in an apartment brick building I should be safe. The wildfires are ruining US air quality I have read. It is not too bad here although the town my aunt lived in – some 125 miles away had to be evacuated.
Do admit that I rather enjoy the fact that Canada’s fires are ruining US’ air quality. Someone posted a hilarious reel on Instagram – a man ‘apologizing’ for all of the smoke that is blowing their way. I responded to the person who posted the story.
Me: This is the funniest!! Me a former American, a county I now detest. I loved the guy saying that they were trying to help by waving the smoke away with hockey sticks that caught on fire. I am going to SF for two hours on the way to Saudi Arabia. Long enough for my wishes and the First Class Lounge should have gun control. Hope so anyway.
That person did not respond, she never does. Goodness knows why. She clearly knows who I am – we are distantly related – her aunt has the same last name as my moniker on Instagram.
As I write it is Tuesday morning and All praise to Allah (SWT) it is raining, complete with thunder and lightning – which is a little frightening I do have to admit. It is so powerful, the thunder and lightning.
Me: How can anyone not believe in the Creator when one sees lightning and hears the thunder.
Alter Ego: Alexis, may I point out that you were an atheist for most of your life?
Me: True! But I did recognize my folly before death. AND at my age I have less time and opportunity to sin.
Alter Ego: You are entirely correct and your previous sins were forgiven.
Me: Yes. Traditional Muslims are very jealous of reverts. We had the fun but we get a perfectly clean slate to commence our faith.
Folly is the lack of good sense; foolishness. The folly synonyms describe my pre Islamic behavior: foolhardiness, silliness, inanity,, rashness, imprudence, injudiciousness, lack of caution, lack of foresight, lack of sense, indiscretion, craziness, daftness.
Antonyms of folly are wisdom and good sense.
I have finally shown wisdom and good sense. But I do admit that I am still a bit crazy and daft around the edges. Hahaha.
The photograph attached to this blog is rather heart stopping – well to me anyway. Do not panic I have been given a clean bill of health. Compare a clean bill of health to a foul bill of health which is a certificate given to a ship’s master at the time of leaving port indicating that there was an epidemic at the place of departure when the ship left.
Back to the photograph. It pictures the Alberta Legislative Building – taken in a loving, adoring manner. I very recently learned, through writings of my mother, that William Dryburgh was a decorative plasterer. I knew he left Scotland in 1910 to do plaster work at the Edmonton Legislative Building during its construction. But the word decorative added a completely new dimension to the story. There is decorative work on the outside of the building (as well as the inside). It is beyond belief. William’s great niece Alexis should find herself in Edmonton, living a less than a couple of blocks from his handiwork with an iPhone in her hand and a huge world wide audience able to view his hard work. By the way, if William is my grand uncle, then I am his great niece. I am not going grandiose on you.
