The Secret Powers of Time

"Many of life's puzzles can be solved by simply understanding our own time perspective and that of others."

I discovered this fascinating RSA video today. According to Professor Zimbardo there are three types of people: past-oriented, present-oriented and future-oriented. 

I don't necessarily agree with all of his statements such as, "The closer you are to the equator the more present-oriented you are." Many Malaysians and Singaporeans are very future-oriented people. In other words, very kiasu. 

And isn't it highly possible that we can be a combination of two or three of the categories for different aspects of our lives?

Nevertheless, I thought it was an interesting discussion especially because I believe a slower pace of life has many benefits. Watch the video and assess yourself. Are you past-oriented, present-oriented or future-oriented, or a combination of a few? Do you think your nationality or religion has contributed to your perspective of time? We often joke about "Malaysian Standard Time" or "Muslim Standard Time". Could this theory about time perspective explain why some cultures take punctuality more seriously than others?

Light Upon Light

 {original image : we heart it }

The Gift of Gaza

 Banksy graffiti on the separation wall in Palestine

When Operation Pillar of Cloud commenced in Gaza we turned to Twitter for coverage and commentary because the majority of mainstream media failed to deliver sufficient information. Harry Fear's live reportage of the 8-day war was one of the few that garnered worldwide attention on social media. From digital activism to real life activism, Fear is currently on a tour to speak about his personal experiences in the occupied land. It never crossed my mind that I'd listen to him speak in person someday but I did when he was in Kuala Lumpur a few weeks ago.

Style Sunday: Rosa

Assalamualaykum (peace be upon you)  

Some lovely ladies e-mailed and asked me to post more Style Sunday photos. I sense that I won't be doing that many Style Sunday's in the next one month so here are some shots I took quickly today. I attended my cousin's daughter's aqiqah ceremony for her baby boy. 

*Rosa means rose or pink in Spanish

Are Women in Media Getting Dumber?

Harsh words, I know, but I have your attention now, don't I?

Yesterday I thought about why journalism means a lot to me. It's not necessarily a field many women flourish in, particularly when it comes to investigative journalism. Where have all the women political journalists gone? Though it is subjective, why were only 22 women listed as outstanding journalists in the last century? 

A myriad of questions flooded my mind. Is the nature of the job incompatible with the role of women in society? Are women generally disinterested in current and political affairs? Are women simply being "dumbed down" by the media? Are men and women always telling women what they can and cannot do?

I had the opportunity to ask Mustafa Davis, a filmmaker and photographer whom I admire as someone who seems to be balancing his faith and career very well, what he thought about the role of Muslim women in media (2:15 - 3:33). Part of his answer was: "If you have an influence on people then keep doing what you're doing." It seems a bit silly that I felt I needed to be assured by someone (a man) but I wanted his take on the issue.


{courtesy of PerimeterOne Studio}

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Mini lanterns in front of a Chinese temple on Jonker Street, Malacca

One of the perks of living in a multicultural country such as Malaysia is the numerous public holidays that we get to enjoy throughout the year. We recently celebrated Maulidur Rasul, Thaipusam and now we can add Chinese New Year to the list. 
Gong Xi Fa Cai! ("Happy Chinese New Year" or "Have a prosperous New Year" in Mandarin) 
Cultural festivities usually mean an influx of tourists from around the country and world will visit major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. Over the weekend I had the pleasure of welcoming my friend Susan and her husband, Andrew who were transiting in Malaysia before heading back to New Zealand after a 2-month trip in Uganda.

Faith Friday: On Death & Dreaming of Paradise

We granted not to any man before you permanent life (on earth): if then you should die (O Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him), would they live permanently? Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good as a trial: and to Us you will be returned.

{Surah Al-Anbiya', 21 : 34-35} [Tafseer of verses 34-35]

On a Monday less than two weeks ago we buried a family member. He was a young man; my cousin's eldest son. Although I was not very close to him the news of his sudden death shook me. "Wan Radzi's son, Wawan (his nickname)! He just passed away! Today! Asthma attack...," announced my brother incoherently.

Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.

The four-hour drive to his hometown gave me more than enough time to contemplate. Wawan's death stirred up one of those hard-hitting, awakening "that could have been me" moments. Young people die everyday and in more tragic ways, I know, but Allahyarham* (may God have mercy on him) was family and he was only a year older than I am. 26 years young and lifeless because a traffic jam prevented him from arriving the hospital on time after an asthma attack. It was no one's fault but simply God's will. Fate, as they say.

Style Sunday: Sweet Melon

Okay guys, I'm well aware that it's not Sunday but that's how busy I've been.
These photos were taken on Sunday though so I'm not exactly cheating, right? ;)