Daily Pages: Still Deciding on a Theme

I am not sure but maybe this writing will guide my theme.

Lately, the term ‘Islah’ in Arabic has been ringing in my mind. The closest English translations for it are ‘reform’, ‘restoration’, and ‘renewal’. Traditionally, the word is used to refer to the reformation, the correction, and guidance of a society. I personally never thought to use it for myself, and I think now is the time.

I have a feeling that the upcoming months harbor a great tide, quiet for now but will probably be very dramatic and unpredictable. So maybe an anchor is what I should look for. Maybe I can find one through redefining who I am, what my values are, and where I am in terms of my vision for myself, in terms of the world and all that’s going on politically and morally. And what better month to do that than in Muharram? Of course the term ‘islah’ is inspired by Imam Hussein’s drive to bring about moral restoration. 

The book that I am reading is also pushing me towards the self-reflection and renewal route.

Action-wise, I think it begins with who I spend most of my time with, and I mean virtually. I feel the need to remove some of the people I’m used to watching during my morning breakfast, during the day when I’m bored, and right before sleeping. It is not that I do not like the people or content that I watch, but after spending a whole summer listening to them, and not between work, or just here and there, they started to be part of my thinking. And I’m not comfortable with them being a part of who I am, I think there are much more inspiring people out there that I would want to align myself with better. It’s difficult for me to admit  this because I am annoyingly loyal to my traditions and interests, and change almost always makes me feel uncomfortable and just sad. However, I know it’s needed.
I want a better environment for my identity to really grow in the vision that I placed for myself.