Our moments of inspiration are offered to us, should we lend an ear to listen and a heart to accept. What is most useful, is to act through those moments; before time robs it of the essence we so wish to cling to. How could I ignore the whispers offered to me? Recently finishing a reread of The Alchemist, I am reminded…

…every blessing ignored becomes a curse.

Words can’t describe difficult times. When times are hard, they just are. Emotional and physical pain are manifestations of that. I was trying to get some work done mid-day earlier last week, and found my mind in static motion; I felt like one of those old TV sets when the channel goes all grey and fuzzy. There is grace in knowing when to give yourself a break. My Alchemist book on the table was lightly hinting at a read and my parent’s backyard hammock was a welcoming and calming view. I always loved swinging and mentally decompressing there, ever since I was young. 

So I took to my text and swung as I read the last few pages. They spoke words of the language of the world and elements of the universe. Words aren’t fair when it comes to emotion. I was feeling so hopeless and so helpless in those moments until I read words of listening to the wind, and the power of the sun. It was written that the only thing stronger than both are the hands that made them. Suddenly, upon reading those words, I remembered that there is a broader narrative for me, and that my story and golden thread in life is written by an author so great. I began to cry, and suddenly out of no where, in that moment, the wind came with a great burst. Sitting and swinging under that mulberry tree, so many berries shook to the earth; I think the wind wanted to be noticed. All I could do was laugh with the tremendous comfort of that breeze. How could I not thank it for reassuring me that everything will be alright? 

I am certain that there are perfect moments manufactured for those who see them, and hear them, and use their hearts and mind to understand them. I think our senses and free-will are maybe just ways designed for us to live our best human experience. These moments are there, and they are real. I recently started recognizing the many passages within the Quran that lend to the believing and seeing of signs. That means something. 

I hope my heart always has depth and openness to see. 

Anna Badrieh