🌈 1247 – Saturday, 17 August 2024 22:19
London
Al-Mughani.. Al-Manie
Are the two words I’m have been reciting today, as much as I remember to keep the mind controlled instead of taking over start the constant chatter of thoughts one after the other.
Whatever my state of mind will be tomorrow, let me live now with this moment.
Traditions encapsulate the beliefs, needs, and emotions of past generations, shaping our cultural identity. They are a powerful blend of historical influences that continue to impact us today. Just as biology has revealed the transformation of life through evolution, traditions evolve over time, reflecting the progression of society and the collective experiences of a race.
In the past, when people travelled long distances on horseback and approached a city or town, they would often spot a tall tower from afar. In Europe, this was usually a church tower, while in Arab nations, it would be a minaret—much like a lighthouse seen from the sea. These towers were the center of civilization, with communities built around them. In times of rain or natural disasters, people would seek refuge beneath these towering structures. Today, you can still find these tall church towers in nearly every part of London and Europe, as well as minarets in Arab cities and domed mosques in Hyderabad.
Not too long ago, even when I was younger, religious books were filled with stories of magic, mystery, the supernatural, and parables. Humans are naturally drawn to the unknown and the unseen. Religion, in essence, is shaped by one’s own thoughts—stop thinking, and religion fades from memory. These stories and parables, preserved and passed down through generations, in the form of books, are essentially literature. If we stop thinking about them, religion loses its grip. Similarly, stories were removed from the church, and people stopped going.
I mention this because as I sit at my desk and type, I can see a church tower in Trafalgar Square at my 10 o’clock position. I’ve sat on the stairs there many times; it’s just to the left of the National Gallery. Behind it, in the distance, I see another tower of similar shape but much farther away. Although it appears the same size, the distant tower is actually three times taller—it’s the Shard, the tallest skyscraper in London and Europe.
Is civilization still centred around the church tower in Trafalgar Square? Not anymore. The area around the tower has become a tourist zone, filled with heavy traffic, large buses, and constant noise. People no longer seek shelter in the church, whether they’re visiting the town or in need. The church doors are almost always closed, only opened once a week by the caretaker for an hour during mass before being shut again.
Is civilization built around the Shard tower? Not really. The area is dominated by the busy London Bridge train station, a massive hospital, and overpriced high street shops. The thought of the area often brings the hospital to mind. People don’t come to rest around the Shard; it’s a place for business or specific dealings. While there’s a sky garden and a bar on one of the highest floors, going there feels like a special occasion, where drinks cost three times more than at street level. It’s all a bit bewildering!
(The scaffolding is blocking the good picture, so I will upload a decent on soon.)
3 things I felt grateful for today
Had a catch-up with Mother and we had a sort of thing on the last call when we spoke, today everything was different.
Grateful I tidied up so many things today, clothes, balcony, plants, books, and relations.
Grateful for a good workout late this evening, only did a few sets but good ones, 4 x sets of 10 reps of pull-ups, lateral raises on the pully, and then the same lateral raises on the machine..
Around the rest of the human world today –
Russia-Ukraine war – Ukrainian Himars strike destroys key Kursk bridge used for Russian reinforcements.
Israel and Hamas war – Gaza truce talks open in Doha as Israel-Iran tensions simmer.
GPs are next in line for a public sector pay rise as doctors who are currently taking part in strikes hold out for a more generous offer.
What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times bigger, thicker, more energetic, confident, happy, healthy, and wealthy.. wake up with a fresh mind, make it workout in the morning, and everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around and then have a relaxing, relaxing relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?
Goodnight, good luck!
Ash Khaleem