The movies that move us

Two films I viewed this month has made a strong impression. One was a old film from the 40's with the then famous film stars I am hardly aware in the 21st century set in NY city when the skyline had only a spattering of buildings. It was an inspiring tale of the individual spirit overcoming the pressures and defined construct of the collective. It took principles of freedom,liberty, creativity, integrity and objectivity to new heights in a way I have hardly seen in films of late. The film was based on a bestseller during that time that even today is sold to hundreds of thousands each year. Ayn Rand's Fountainhhead. Wow.

Although the dramatic film music was amusing and maybe a little overdone, the overall themes, the language used to convey the thoughts of the characters were brilliant. The film portrayed the heroism of the individual spirit, obviously an idea that resonates today when our society seems geared towards collective thoughts on lifestyle, fashion, politics and the quest of materialism. From a personal standpoint I know that the fact that Pieter chooses to write a novel as opposed to making a 6 figure salary in IT has always caused a pause and explanation...

Anyway, see this film if at any time someone feels "pressured" by social expectation. This film will at minimum cause some reflection, may change one's perspective, and maybe even impact others affected by that change as well.

The second film I had to walk out of halfway despite its very high ratings (8.5 out of 10 on IMDB based on 12,000 comments) I found it disturbing, without any benefit and over the top macabre. Pan's Labyrinth and if the name represents a puzzle or maze, I have to say at least that namesake holds true. I cannot imagine why so many people adored this film, a collection of images that evoked an empathy, sadness and injustice that was not reconciled through out the movie. It seems unfair and almost cruel to put audiences through this trust that when characters unjustly are tortured, punished, oppressed and vilified, that at least some sense of justice is felt by the end. The sheer fact that we are left alone in a journey within a dark reality without the triumph or even acknowledgement of human virtue spanning over a collection of minutes is something I prefer not to endure.

Overall I am so glad that there is this medium where visual arts demonstrate facets of the human condition. But in this time that we live in, where acts of heroism are overshadowed (sometimes) by the hardness of the global realities we face, it would be a gift to see more films that engage in improving the human condition and reflecting the true spiritual reality upon which we are based.

Roses...

Support can come in many ways; through friends understanding, through colleagues offering their congrats on a job well done; through the hug of a child with eternal love and smiles; and through the sweet gesture of having pink roses brought to me after a long trip away from home.

These are the moments I can play over and over again in my mind, the few seconds which linger and when remembered, brings a smile to my heart. While my husband Pieter works on his creative talent of book writing, and extrapolating the essence of what inspires a 21st century person to contribute to this world, I am reminded that work, discipline and focus is a talent we must all hone, and never ignore. Yet through this unending task, we need others to help us along the way. Whether prayer, meditation, chatting on the phone, laughing out loud at nothing at all, or just stopping to smell the roses, we all need that push to get us through the task when we run out of breath.

And so to my special friend with the simple initials of PB, thank you for your support and the unending encouragement, love and pink roses that you bring.

Merci...

Inspiration abroad...

Just when I think I can sit down and catch up on my blog (exactly a month now since my last post), I get involved with another task, duty, or work (oops duty calls again) Hold on...

Okay, just spent the last hour chatting with my Mom and finishing some chores before I go to bed. Finally, a second to write.

Anyway, in the last month, I have been abroad in Holland, and went there to present a paper for the 10th annual European Bahai Law Conference.

Going back to Holland was so much fun. When I arrived I had a day to spend time with my mother in law, Carla (and Henk) saw where she lived, bought some presents for Bella and Alec, had an amazing cappacino and enjoyed the Dutch culture all over again.

The following day, I presented a paper on how the role of in house counsel has changed in view of corporate misdeeds, increased regulation and compliance requirements in today's corporate world. The presentation was received well and it was amazing how many folks thought it was so relevant for today.

When I met other Bahai lawyer's (from all over Europe) in Holland, I was overwhelmed by the warmth, the respect, the love and the openness that these participants had in wanting to see a changed world. I was encouraged to write, inspired to re-think things and learned so much about what "COULD" be and how we as lawyers can bridge the gap to show that things "SHOULD" be.

I never realized that legal scholarship was so necessary and essential to my field of practice. Through seeing other legal issues presented so eloquently by students, academics and practicing lawyers, I found myself amazed to see how many connections exist between the current world issues (i.e. head scarfs), religious intolerance, human rights etc. and how the Bahai Faith and it principles, teachings and Writings are so relevant, inspiring and visionary.

Principles such as full equality of men and women; elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty; universal education and literacy; recognizing that there is an essential oneness in God; respecting the diversity of all people; eliminating prejudices such as racial, economic and political; the establishment of one federalized commonwealth with one currency; and the recognition that religion is meant to unify mankind, not to divide it is just some basic principles that was established back in the 19th century by Baha'u'llah but remain visionary, exciting and relevant for today.

One paper I heard was on the subject of religious plurality in society. The analysis presented how the Bahai Faith's principles definitely separates statehood from religion and creates unalienable rights in the individual to practice their own beliefs. The presenter went on to connect how the Bahai Faith would deal with a current practical issue of the headscarf, where in especially Europe, this has become a serious contentious issue.

The analysis was thorough, clearly presented and fascinating to hear...I really did not know that we could even imagine how a Bahai vision would explain current day issues. Perhaps I am not a visionary, but it made me excited to try to become one.

At the conference, I facilitated a workshop to discuss just this issue. How could lawyers, students and academics push the envelope on legal thought? Well, as a first step, we created a BLOG at nlwo.blogspot.com that stands for NEW LEGAL WORLD ORDER, a think tank to advance law, ethics and justice. Already, the articles have been streaming in...(and pictures too)

In a publication by the Universal House of Justice, One Common Faith, I found a relevant passage on connecting the Faith to today's issues:

"...Baha'u'llah's writings provide insights that can help to elevate discussions of religious issues above sectarian and transient considerations"[...]Bahais will come increasingly to appreciate that the Cause they serve represents the arrowhead of an awakening taking place among people everywhere, regardless of religious background and indeed among many with no religious learning"

So from now on, I will try to divide my time between this Mystic Logic and the New Legal World Order blog and some where find the balance, hopefully get inspired and continue on this quest...

The recharge moment

Today is the first day at work after a week off from the craziness. During my time off, I tried to wind down from the world that I work in; get plugged back in to a sense of calm and get recharged without distraction.

Suffice it to say that although my kids got sick, and work beckoned a few times during the week, prepared for my presentation in December for an upcoming Law Conference in Europe, and we even traveled to family for Turkey sharing etc I was somehow able to turn the volume way down and took a "pause". If anything it gave me a new perspective in how I perceive myself, in a lesser important sort of way. Although I have been involved with more responsibility at work and consider many more issues a day, some of which get Executive level attention; I was reminded that the job is a job and the job is not all that I am. I also remembered what my role is; and that is to do my best and to let go if things do not always go as planned.

When I am deep into work however, it is easy to get carried away, rolled up in the pressure, determined to do really well and to execute flawlessly etc. Even though this may be a good thing, it can overwhelm the sense of purpose I have and then I forget to breathe.

But the recharge helped.

I think the recharge moment happened when I was chatting with my husband, in our library when the candles were lit; book in hand, green tea in cup where I just enjoyed the quiet, the "non-activity" the solitude of not having to do something. There is much more excitement, happiness, life, energy, inspiration, dreams, hope and goodness beyond work. So much to be thankful for and even more to reflect on. We also caught up on a few films, met up with friends and caught up with Carla, Pieter's Mom and Bella's Oma (currently referred to as Aba by Alec who somehow refuses to call her anything else) is visiting us for a few weeks.

So despite the other issues I had to address during my week off, I woke up this morning ready for another day at work, and very cognizant that it is just that, not any more, not any less. I think that a vacation just needs that extra moment or two; when we realize stuff will happen with or without us and when we get back, it will be continue and still keep going...So why not look at it for what it is and keep things in perspective.

Peace

Increased capacity during challenges

Recently, I have been traveling weekly to DC and work on several new responsibilities as my job has expanded as of October of this year. Apart from being Area Counsel to the "Mid-Atlantic" area of the US consisting of 8 states, lots of dollars and contracts to negotiate, the area is now twice the size and include responsibility for the legal management of the"Federal" area of the business, and all that it implies.

This new area is not completely foreign to me, since I worked in a heavily regulated area before going to my current job, and I was used to the government cultures which is starkly different from the commercial arena, with laws, regulations and public policy issues laden in every action, contract and issue.

When I took over this area, I was not sure what to expect; and even hesitant to dive deeply in the waters of the surrounding issues encompassing this Federal area. However, with utter support and confidence by my colleagues, some how I did not or have not yet drowned. Instead, I am making progress, trying to advise on improvements and almost feel strangely at ease. I do not believe however that this confidence or calm is stemming from me. Instead, I believe firmly that I am getting a lot of assistance from prayer, meditation, humility and trust in something way beyond me.

In a wonderful book by Dr. Youness Afroukhteh, called Memories of Nine Years in Akka, there are many inspiring words which come from the recently translated work by the author's memoirs who served Abdu'l Baha (son of Baha'u'llah founder of Bahai Faith) as his secretary and interpreter from 1900-1909. There was a point when the author was guided to change his profession from banking to medicine; at an age of mid 30's when he was sure it was going to be an impossible feat; and highly unlikely that he would succeed. However, through prayer, advice and consultation within own self-reflection; as well pearls of wisdom from Abdu'l Baha, he completed his studies and accomplished this difficult task.

One concept that was held close to his heart while attempting the new studies, was based on how to access assistance and Divine confirmation. Reciting the advice by Abdu'l Baha directly:

"In any and all endeavors, divine confirmation is wholly dependent on action. Persevere, so that the hosts of divine bounty may assist you"; "The hosts of divine blessing are poised behind this very window waiting for you to act. If you do not enter the arena of service, of what use are the hosts of heavenly confirmation? If the commander of the army remains idle and passive, how can the army achieve victory?"

How You Tube connects to the heart

Recently, I was at a business lunch and the conversation touched upon the recent You Tube phenomenon. Why did Google pay 1.6 Billion dollars for a company that enables mass sharing of video clips?

Apart from the market segments and analysis of people's trends and views etc. that it may generate, I think the value goes even further. On a grassroots level, it has the potential to connect people with each other thru an easy media, accessible and available to anyone.

This new pipeline enables the sharing of ideas with visual candy for the eyes. Great for an MTV generation that connects through music, action clips and reality TV. Since it is not however driven by corporate ownership, sponsors of commercials etc, it is grass roots, people sharing with people. And as our deeper connections with each other gets lost through our frenetic paced lives, perhaps something as simple as sharing a video clip can get us back to a more civilized, closer humane way of life. These 2 videos will help explain what I mean.

The 1st one is about a quest for Free Hugs, and a true story about a person who found ways to hug humanity. And all for free! (the clip seems to be sometimes available and others not, so try again soon!!)




The 2nd clip is a great insightful story about a person's path towards understanding why we should care about today's world, in today's time, and seek more answers than just what we are fed or witness. This completely sheds light on exactly why critical thinking about the "Why" is life can be too strong to ignore.



19 years from tomorrow, the path he took also became my own...and I am still finding new dynamic truths everyday.

Learning about my Dad

Today is my father's birthday, he would have turned 72 had he lived. But he passed on when he was 58, during my first year of law school. I spoke to my Mom about him and found out interesting stuff about his history, my history.

I have been reading In the Line of Fire, a memoir Pervez Musharraf, the President of Pakistan, which is the place where my parents are from.

In the beginning of his book, he describes his family's journey from India to Pakistan during the bloody partition which was deadly for both Muslims and Hindus, Indians and the newly formed Pakistanis. The President was about 4, and somewhere on that train or a train just like was a 13 year old boy named Tajammul Gill. My father was 13 when he joined thousands across the new border transferring into new land, hopefully to a new home. To avoid being killed, he was hidden under a carpet basket so that no one would notice, and luckily he escaped harm. How scared he must have been, wondering each moment whether it would be the end. Perhaps as a 13 year old, he was not in fear, but happy to leave India to go to Pakistan with his family, or perhaps he was angry or so terrified at what he witnessed on that ride. I will perhaps never know, at least not for a long while.

Apparently, my Father's family had not always been Muslim. A few generations back (Great grandfather I think), a Sikh family with the name "Gill" had several children, including boys and girls in a family of landowners.

Since there was a family near by of Muslim faith, and that family could not have children, one of the sons was provided with love and trust to the Muslim family. That boy was raised Muslim, and began my Father's heritage to end up in Pakistan.

I never knew these details, nor the path that my Father took to bring himself over to Pakistan. I often wish that he could tell me stories to answer the hundreds of questions I have for him. As a Mother, a wife, a lawyer, a woman of Pakistani/Sikh and actually Afghan heritage (that part was from my Mother's side), I discover new questions everyday that I would love to ask him. A long time ago, when he was around, I often sat with him and chatted about how I believed the world would be a world of peace one day, and that my life would be one of hope. He was a happy man, and despite his many sufferings, he could always find a smile and find time to take a walk with me and just chat, as a Father and as a friend. But when I was younger, I knew so little about what life would become, and I often miss his great advice, and he was so reasonable!!! At least in my eyes, he was just, considerate and very funny, always full of charm.

Well, it is his birthday today, and I think he is listening. I love you Dad and miss you all the time. My family, Pieter, Isabella and Alec would have absolutely adored you, but for what they do know, I think they already do. Bella even said a prayer for you this morning to remember you! : )

Becoming Fruit

I have recently subscribed to Oprah Magazine, a magazine that has more content than advertising, at least it seems that way. It contains multi-generational/racial images that seem more positive and inspiring that most other "female" oriented magazines.

Anyway, inside are random poems, quotes etc. that sometimes strikes the perfect chord.

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
---Dawna Markova

The woman who wrote this has a site called: smartwired.org it is a very smart website aimed to help each parent find the gems hidden in each child/which really relates the children's best qualities which are sometimes not always visible or apparent under our current educational system. I completely support this and actually Pieter and I are beginning to find new ways of spreading this notion to others in our community.

We started "fruit classes" a class that aims to help children find their noblest selves through games, stories and activities on virtue training. This was originally developed and based on RUHI 3, a book on spiritual education that was developed originally by a grassroots organization in Colombia (the country, not Ohio) but is now translated and used through out the world. Ruhi classes (so far there about 7 different themes) are based on a new type of learning, not by a standard "teacher-learner" model but rather a facilitated program provides a method so that each person can learn as you go, actively and organically with everyone involved. This is very cool when this is applied to children since they have amazing imagination, an untapped potential and great energy.

Bella already told me that she will be a MANGO in the fruit class. The "fruit class" name is based on thinking of a seed of a wonderful fruit and finding our true and best selves through these activities which will last every other week besides holidays etc. until May of next year (a total of 15 in all). We have invited Bella's friends and I hope that some of them will join us, share, learn and grow together so they can find what fruit they can become too.

Bella's little painting adventure

Bella was almost in trouble last Saturday morning. I got up and Bella was already downstairs. Usually she waits for us and plays computer games until Pieter and I slowly wake up. It is one of the only days we can kind of sleep in...till 8:30. (oh the days of waking up after 10...)

Anyway, I saw her come to my room and happily tell me that she had painted a flower and wanted to show it to me. I kind of brushed aside her statement since I thought that "painting" must be the wrong word she used, since she couldn't possibly know where the supplies are, how to make sure the paint would not spill and get all the prep she would need. Plus I was still waking up and trying to get my toothbrush and get Alec dressed at the same time.

After getting ready, she kept on pushing me to come down and see what she did. I was getting slightly worried. If she did actually PAINT, she would have definitely made a mess. Each time she does we go through a long process, finding some old newspaper, getting some water to wet the brush, opening some paints from the higher shelf in the closet, etc.

I came downstairs, saw her table and to my surprise, her desk was covered with paint stuff...not paint all over on the table as I would have suspected, but a neat pile of newspapers underneath some drawing paper, about 5 different types of paint open but not spilled, a small container of water to wet the brush, and a paint brush.

I was speechless, confused and almost angry. Part of me wanted to let her know that this was not acceptable behavior and that she KNEW she should have asked first. But the other part was amazed at her neatness, consideration and intelligence around creating her little masterpiece. Her picture speaks for itself.

I did remind her that next time, she should really ask us before she does this again. But I did thank her and tell her I was proud that she remembered all the steps all by herself, and that her flower was very beautiful.

Lets see what she comes up with tomorrow morning.

Children's classses the REMIX

Recently, things have gotten very BUSY, people staying over, house issues to fix, school transfers (public school to Montessori for Bella), new responsibilities, a paper to prepare for, and classes to start (2 that I am actually teaching, and this is outside of work) etc. I am getting tired.

The "teaching of classes" is getting a bit daunting, as one of them starts tomorrow morning and the otherin a few weeks. Part of my struggle lies in learning how to teach children and find the unique potential "gems" in each child and enable them to help see themselves as special, unique beautiful individuals that can be empowered to take decisions that assist others and themselves. This is particularly challenging when this society does not recognize that spiritual education and moral leadership is as essential as reading, writing and math. There are no "exams" or school ratings based on how they teach values in humanity or diversity training, multi-cultural respect, service to others etc.

A recent initiative by the global communities of the Bahais is to multiply these "spiritual education" classes in as many places as possible, so that all children are educated in this light, regardless of religion, creed, economics or politics. It is a wonderful initiative and I am proud to be a part of it in coordinating growing classes in our "central jersey" area.

Around the world, I have read stories from Columbia, Russia, UK, Senegal and even Nicaragua (HI BRAD AND CYN!!) that have inspired me where these initiatives have been successful, and children and parents realized that these classes actually impacted the way their kids acted on a day to day basis...for the better.

So, back to my little goal for Hillsborough NJ.

We decided to launch locally (from our home) a class called "Raising Peacemakers" a Bahai inspired conflict resolution class which has been modified by a great resource called Ruhi Book 3 "Teaching Children's Classes". The class materials are great, and includes art, music, stories and inspiring quotes so I am assuming, with a little luck the class will be fun, and an attractive learning experience for children from our neighborhood. The class will hopefully provide practical measures that children elementary school aged (from 5-10) can take and apply in the playground, at school etc. to assist them in becoming learning how to act like moral leaders. One practical example is sharing with others, preventing bullying, realizing that not getting your way is really okay...etc.

We hope to get enough interest to actually sustain a class. We will be launching it here in a few weeks. The results will be interesting. (Stay tuned)

Anyway, I am also preparing for a Bahai education school that starts tomorrow morning in Somerset (and kind of I am delaying preparing by writing this blog entry) I had to listen to something that might help me find more inspiration and found a great song by MERZ that hits the point perfectly... (go to Merz.co.uk.com for a download, or ITUNES for more great stuff from them)

MYSTIC TRANSFORMATION (by MERZ)

teacher teacher do us a favour
not sure we are getting any cleverer

the kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do
we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation

trip of the time is that we're not all here
all messages collide into an oval sphere
there's something in there there's something without
dreams are reality that's what times about
all of natures not natural i love you then i don't
i'll be there when you need me but then again i won't
how did it happen? who can he be?
if life is worth living then show me

philosophy's recycled does that make it green?
does waste apply to our thoughts when we dream
lets deeds not words be your adorning
lets deeds not words be you

need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation

everything you know is wrong i saw that on a sign
i thought that sign's clever i'll make it mine
search should be a sport in the Olympics
people shouldn't have to spend their lives jumping into sandpits
reflection should be our conversation at times
just sit there and listen as time drifts by
there are hidden gems of knowledge stored in our minds
and education can bring out what's inside
we can create we can administrate
we can live our lives in a film script state
it's within human power to let the force shower us
with it's bounties and blessings it's features and lessons

i don't have to spell things out in black and white
cos it's not a jam jar storage kind of life
for the benefit of those who say i've got mine
there's something out there it's moving
it's leaving you behind

teacher teacher do us a favour
i'm not sure we are getting any cleverer
kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do

we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation

(I'll settle for this area of NJ)

PS: Oh and by the way, if anyone who reads this have started similar children classes in their area, please share any hints, help and feedback you have gotten. I would love to hear...