Friday, September 4, 2015
BORN IN A MUSLIM FAMILY
Being born in a Muslim family is not a criterion that the child will grow to be a good Muslim. It is accepted fact that every child is born Muslim but his parents make him follow any faith they follow. Or he is taken away by his wrong observations and upsetting experiences to embrace other way of life. He is thus misguided from the right path. There is a hadith:
”There is none born but is created to his true nature (Islam). It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian quite as beasts produce their young with their limbs perfect. Do you see anything deficient in them? Then he quoted the Qur'an., The nature made by Allah in which He has created men there is no altering of Allah's creation; that is the right religion" (xxx. 33)" 'The Book of Destiny (Kitab-ul-Qadr)' of Sahih Muslim - 6423.
Never-the-less, it is true to the core, that a child, to which the world may not agree, when hears the words of 'Äzan' i.e., announcement that Allah is great, Muhammad is His messenger, call to the prayers and means to salvation, for the first time in the lap of his parents, these words are stamped in his back of mind; and if any thing betrays him to the wrong path at any stage of his life he always returns back to the right track and receives forgiveness and favours of Allah, the Almighty.
I was one of such children. I was born to Hussain and Saîn (means noble lady) on the first September 1931 as recorded in the of birth and death register maintained by the Headmaster of Primary School of village Kanga, Taluka and District Larkana in Sindh. Before I begin with my own story it is better to trace history of my parents and places mentioned above.
Hussain and Saîn were real cousins. Their fathers Sher Muhammad and Ismael respectively were real brothers, and along with their third brother Noor Muhammad lived in the same compound but in separate houses. Hussain was the only son of Sher Muhammad. Fatima was his sister. Ismael had two sons - Haji and Ghazi and two daughters - Saîn (my mother) and Halima.
The first born of Hussain and Saîn was Allahwarayo, my elder brother who died in his infancy, and hence my appearance in this world became a matter of immense joy for both the families and my birth is said to have been celebrated with great fervor. I do not know who recited Azan in my ear but I believe he was my grandfather Sher Muhammad on the premise that I developed great affinity with him due to his affection and religiosity.
My grand father was known as wade wate waro meaning ''the man with big bowl'. Every visitor to the village was his guest. This tradition continued to be custom of my family till the death of my younger brother Qadirdino who was called back by our Creator in the year 2009. He (my grandfather) was very generous to the poor and had made his nature not to eat a crumb of a morsel at dinner unless there was a guest or wayfarer staying in the mosque. He transferred this practice to me and my faith never failed me.
Friday, March 9, 2012
How do People Learn? Don Elkington
"How can you say that? How can you even think that?"
"You mean you study with the radio on? That would never work for me."
"Can you believe it? That guy didn`t get our point at all!"
How often have you heard people question the ways in which other people learn? As a trainer have you ever caught yourself saying anything like the comments above? As Klas Mellander (author of "The Power Of Learning: Fostering Employee Growth") has said: "The purpose of training is to make learning possible." So, as trainers, we need to make sure that we understand how our adult students learn. The problem is, it isn`t easy to quantify.
"Adults don`t fit into neat categories... I never seem to fit tightly into any single box when I submit to those style assessments... I don`t even look out of the same Johari window all the time." EOra A. Spaid in the book "The Consummate Trainer: A Practitioner`s Perspective"
Try asking a group of people how to spell a difficult word. Watch what they do...some close their eyes and whisper to themselves, some appear to be writing with an invisible pen, some hunt around for paper so they can write with a real pen or pencil. You see? Some people hear the spelling, some see it, and some feel it.
So if adults learn differently, what should we, as trainers, do to help? How can we possibly serve the learning needs of our students? There are two common sense answers to the question.
The first answer is asking them. A good trainer can use activities, instruments, or discussion to discover how students prefer to learn. The second answer is to make sure that you have a solid understanding of the commonalties of adult learners. There are certain basic things that you can take for granted when helping adults learn.
The Learning Process
Here`s the learning process in a nutshell. Attention makes us receptive to information, which we process together with prior knowledge, until we arrive at conclusions and understanding, which we then apply and test for confirmation.
Attention
The first thing a trainer should do is get the learner`s attention. I`m not talking about a joke or a shout, both proven attention-getters. I`m talking about helping the learner understand why today`s training is important to them. Why should the learner work hard to master this stuff? If you can answer that, you are well on your way.
Information
Since most groups of adults have a variety of learning styles, the training information needs to be presented in a variety of ways. Use written words, visuals, audio, live action, practice, etc. There needs to be a mixture within every session. If that were not the case, if everyone learned the same way, we could just give everyone a book and be done with it.
Process With Prior Experience
All adults compare new information with their previous knowledge and experience. As a trainer you need to give learners the chance to reflect, question, and compare. Perhaps you could use small group discussions to give learners the chance to draw from their past and link it to today`s information. A smart trainer builds this step into the program, because the learners are going to do it anyway. How many times have you heard learners say things like: "This isn`t the way we did it before." "When I worked at Freddie`s Fish House we did it this way." "I just wasn`t raised to see things this way." It makes common sense that a trainer will allow the learners to discuss these thoughts in an open and supportive way.
Conclusions And Understanding
It is the learner`s job to draw conclusions for themselves about how the training will be used. All learners have their own unique perspective, experience, and learning style, and that will affect how they finally understand the training. The trainer`s job is help the learners move through the material in an orderly and effective way, giving them time to practice new skills, and draw their own conclusions.
Application And Testing
After training is over, the learners will go back to work and try to decide if the information they received in training is worthwhile or just a pile of compost. No trainer looking over their shoulder, no flip charts, no videos, no prizes, and no doughnuts. The learner will experiment, test, and ultimately accept or reject the training. There is nothing the trainer can do to stop them. So, the common sense trainer builds this into the program. Encourage learners to experiment. During the follow-up phase of the program, the trainer can check on the experimentation and eventual application of the training.
Feelings
There is another issue that clouds the adult learning process...adults have feelings. Adults usually manage to look calm and rational, especially at work, but the prospect of training can stir deep feelings. For those of you who read The Hobbit earlier in life, you may remember this quote: "He had a feeling that the answer was quite different and that he ought to know it, but he could not think of it. He began to get frightened, and that is bad for thinking."
When dealing with learning, especially with adults, it is important to address the feelings the learners may have. So, what feelings may be present? The long list could include:
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Embarrassment
Excitement
Fear
Frustration
Happiness
Resentment
It makes sense, then, that a smart trainer will plan for the emotions that accompany learning. Plan for an environment that encourages, welcomes, and rewards the sharing of feelings.
Poetry As Summary
Looking at ourselves as trainers it is important to ask, "Why do I do what I do?" Here are some thoughts on teaching and learning from the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. The first time I read this poem I was disturbed that it didn`t rhyme. I now realize that this is a translation from the original Danish (I wonder if it rhymes in Danish?). Look at yourself, what is your motivation for being a trainer?
If we wish to succeed
in helping someone to reach a particular goal
we must first find out where he is now
and start from there.
If we cannot do this,
we merely delude ourselves
into believing that we can help others.
Before we can help someone,
we must know more than he does,
but most of all,
we must understand what he understands.
If we cannot do that, our knowing more will not help.
If we nonetheless wish to show how much we know,
it is only because we are vain and arrogant,
and our true goal is to be admired,
not to help others.
All genuine helpfulness
starts with humility before those we wish to help,
so we must understand
that helping
is not a wish to dominate
but a wish to serve.
If we cannot do this,
neither can we help anyone.
"You mean you study with the radio on? That would never work for me."
"Can you believe it? That guy didn`t get our point at all!"
How often have you heard people question the ways in which other people learn? As a trainer have you ever caught yourself saying anything like the comments above? As Klas Mellander (author of "The Power Of Learning: Fostering Employee Growth") has said: "The purpose of training is to make learning possible." So, as trainers, we need to make sure that we understand how our adult students learn. The problem is, it isn`t easy to quantify.
"Adults don`t fit into neat categories... I never seem to fit tightly into any single box when I submit to those style assessments... I don`t even look out of the same Johari window all the time." EOra A. Spaid in the book "The Consummate Trainer: A Practitioner`s Perspective"
Try asking a group of people how to spell a difficult word. Watch what they do...some close their eyes and whisper to themselves, some appear to be writing with an invisible pen, some hunt around for paper so they can write with a real pen or pencil. You see? Some people hear the spelling, some see it, and some feel it.
So if adults learn differently, what should we, as trainers, do to help? How can we possibly serve the learning needs of our students? There are two common sense answers to the question.
The first answer is asking them. A good trainer can use activities, instruments, or discussion to discover how students prefer to learn. The second answer is to make sure that you have a solid understanding of the commonalties of adult learners. There are certain basic things that you can take for granted when helping adults learn.
The Learning Process
Here`s the learning process in a nutshell. Attention makes us receptive to information, which we process together with prior knowledge, until we arrive at conclusions and understanding, which we then apply and test for confirmation.
Attention
The first thing a trainer should do is get the learner`s attention. I`m not talking about a joke or a shout, both proven attention-getters. I`m talking about helping the learner understand why today`s training is important to them. Why should the learner work hard to master this stuff? If you can answer that, you are well on your way.
Information
Since most groups of adults have a variety of learning styles, the training information needs to be presented in a variety of ways. Use written words, visuals, audio, live action, practice, etc. There needs to be a mixture within every session. If that were not the case, if everyone learned the same way, we could just give everyone a book and be done with it.
Process With Prior Experience
All adults compare new information with their previous knowledge and experience. As a trainer you need to give learners the chance to reflect, question, and compare. Perhaps you could use small group discussions to give learners the chance to draw from their past and link it to today`s information. A smart trainer builds this step into the program, because the learners are going to do it anyway. How many times have you heard learners say things like: "This isn`t the way we did it before." "When I worked at Freddie`s Fish House we did it this way." "I just wasn`t raised to see things this way." It makes common sense that a trainer will allow the learners to discuss these thoughts in an open and supportive way.
Conclusions And Understanding
It is the learner`s job to draw conclusions for themselves about how the training will be used. All learners have their own unique perspective, experience, and learning style, and that will affect how they finally understand the training. The trainer`s job is help the learners move through the material in an orderly and effective way, giving them time to practice new skills, and draw their own conclusions.
Application And Testing
After training is over, the learners will go back to work and try to decide if the information they received in training is worthwhile or just a pile of compost. No trainer looking over their shoulder, no flip charts, no videos, no prizes, and no doughnuts. The learner will experiment, test, and ultimately accept or reject the training. There is nothing the trainer can do to stop them. So, the common sense trainer builds this into the program. Encourage learners to experiment. During the follow-up phase of the program, the trainer can check on the experimentation and eventual application of the training.
Feelings
There is another issue that clouds the adult learning process...adults have feelings. Adults usually manage to look calm and rational, especially at work, but the prospect of training can stir deep feelings. For those of you who read The Hobbit earlier in life, you may remember this quote: "He had a feeling that the answer was quite different and that he ought to know it, but he could not think of it. He began to get frightened, and that is bad for thinking."
When dealing with learning, especially with adults, it is important to address the feelings the learners may have. So, what feelings may be present? The long list could include:
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Embarrassment
Excitement
Fear
Frustration
Happiness
Resentment
It makes sense, then, that a smart trainer will plan for the emotions that accompany learning. Plan for an environment that encourages, welcomes, and rewards the sharing of feelings.
Poetry As Summary
Looking at ourselves as trainers it is important to ask, "Why do I do what I do?" Here are some thoughts on teaching and learning from the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. The first time I read this poem I was disturbed that it didn`t rhyme. I now realize that this is a translation from the original Danish (I wonder if it rhymes in Danish?). Look at yourself, what is your motivation for being a trainer?
If we wish to succeed
in helping someone to reach a particular goal
we must first find out where he is now
and start from there.
If we cannot do this,
we merely delude ourselves
into believing that we can help others.
Before we can help someone,
we must know more than he does,
but most of all,
we must understand what he understands.
If we cannot do that, our knowing more will not help.
If we nonetheless wish to show how much we know,
it is only because we are vain and arrogant,
and our true goal is to be admired,
not to help others.
All genuine helpfulness
starts with humility before those we wish to help,
so we must understand
that helping
is not a wish to dominate
but a wish to serve.
If we cannot do this,
neither can we help anyone.
Creating a Culture Built on Kindness By Cat O'Connor
Imagine a world, where the currency was kindness, rather than dollar bills. Imagine that we rewarded people with acts of kindness and well-being for their integrity, ethics and authenticity; rather than rewarding those that climb to the top of the corporate ladder, taking out anyone and anything that might get in their way, with financial wealth.
Picture a culture, where the most revered individuals were those that held true to the basic, fundamental truths of this world:
Life is impermanent; value it and all that is alive.
Do good, be kind, treat others only in ways that you yourself would like to be treated
Speak kindly, both to yourself and to others
Practice compassion. Act with the intention of creating a better world – for all living things.
Consider how differently we, as human beings would behave; valuing kindness, rather than dollars; Striving for compassion, rather than financial gain.
Imagine raising our children to place honesty, integrity and caring at a higher standard than academic success and monetary wealth.
If this world were to exist, would we not have everything required to not only survive, but to prosper? In a world like this, we would care for our neighbor and recognize each individual as a person of equal value. This world would not allow for us to turn our backs on people in need – our currency would be kindness, with each one of us striving towards providing a higher quality of living for all. Rather than arguing about perceived differences, we would embrace our diversity and celebrate the true uniqueness off all living beings.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture for a moment this world, which is within our collective power to create. Choose to be in this world. Choose to honor yourself and all of those around you, by contributing to this world.
This is my wish, for this world, on Valentine’s Day.
‘Imagine all the people, living life in peace… You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one’…Simple words, from a simply brilliant man, who understood. Inspired.
Namaste and Happy Valentine’s Day.
image via
Published February 14, 2012 at 4:00 PM
About Cat O'Connor
Cat O'Connor - Student of Yoga, writing, motherhood, and life. Cat says 'Some say, the best way to learn, is to teach and so I'm also dipping my toes into the yoga instructor experience, hoping to make yoga accessible to everyone that I can. Namaste.'
Twitter: @YogaCat4life
Picture a culture, where the most revered individuals were those that held true to the basic, fundamental truths of this world:
Life is impermanent; value it and all that is alive.
Do good, be kind, treat others only in ways that you yourself would like to be treated
Speak kindly, both to yourself and to others
Practice compassion. Act with the intention of creating a better world – for all living things.
Consider how differently we, as human beings would behave; valuing kindness, rather than dollars; Striving for compassion, rather than financial gain.
Imagine raising our children to place honesty, integrity and caring at a higher standard than academic success and monetary wealth.
If this world were to exist, would we not have everything required to not only survive, but to prosper? In a world like this, we would care for our neighbor and recognize each individual as a person of equal value. This world would not allow for us to turn our backs on people in need – our currency would be kindness, with each one of us striving towards providing a higher quality of living for all. Rather than arguing about perceived differences, we would embrace our diversity and celebrate the true uniqueness off all living beings.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture for a moment this world, which is within our collective power to create. Choose to be in this world. Choose to honor yourself and all of those around you, by contributing to this world.
This is my wish, for this world, on Valentine’s Day.
‘Imagine all the people, living life in peace… You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one’…Simple words, from a simply brilliant man, who understood. Inspired.
Namaste and Happy Valentine’s Day.
image via
Published February 14, 2012 at 4:00 PM
About Cat O'Connor
Cat O'Connor - Student of Yoga, writing, motherhood, and life. Cat says 'Some say, the best way to learn, is to teach and so I'm also dipping my toes into the yoga instructor experience, hoping to make yoga accessible to everyone that I can. Namaste.'
Twitter: @YogaCat4life
Sunday, October 31, 2010
KINDNESS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Clean up trash and refrain from littering. Keep your neighborhood looking its best by promoting a regular neighborhood cleanup day for homeowners.
To reduce air pollution, consider these options instead of driving: carpooling, taking public transportation, biking, or walking.
Plant trees and plants in your yard.
Recycle all aluminum, plastic, newspapers, papers, etc.
After obtaining permission, plant flowers around a school, church, park, or other public area.
Make signs with tips on how to save energy and water. Post these reminders in stores and other well-traveled areas.
Fix faucet leaks promptly, and don’t leave water running.
Use a clothesline to dry your clothes instead of a dryer.
Cut down on the energy you use by lowering the heat and turning off lights, TV, etc., when you are not using them.
Decide what you want before you open the refrigerator.
Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes to save water, electricity, and soap.
Make sure your car has a tune-up regularly. Unchecked cars can waste fuel and pollute the environment.
Create contests for poster, T-shirt, bookmark, and stationery designs. Proceeds from the sale of these items can be used to support environmental action groups.
Take short showers to conserve water.
Make or buy recycled paper.
Investigate the purchase of recycled paper for school use.
Try not to buy any foam packing materials or aerosol products.
Make birdhouses and feeders or other wildlife feeding stations. These can be sold as a fundraiser.
Give house plants to teachers, friends, or coworkers to display as air fresheners.
Give people a mug for coffee or tea to cut down on the use of disposable cups.
Begin recycling programs in your school, business, or neighborhood, or analyze the ones already in place and suggest
improvements.
Organize spring and fall clean-up projects. Choose an area that needs attention and collect debris, abandoned items, and other materials that have collected in the area.
Plan a school field trip to a sewage treatment facility, sanitary landfill, zoo, arboretum, or nature center.
Make a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles about environmental issues. Include labels from products that are and aren’t “Earth friendly,” and explain why.
Help maintain park, bicycle, and recreation trails.
Make a large Earth on a bulletin board and have each student trace his or her hand and write one thing they can do on it to save our planet. Staple the construction paper hands around the world and post this message: “The future of the Earth is in our hands.”
To reduce air pollution, consider these options instead of driving: carpooling, taking public transportation, biking, or walking.
Plant trees and plants in your yard.
Recycle all aluminum, plastic, newspapers, papers, etc.
After obtaining permission, plant flowers around a school, church, park, or other public area.
Make signs with tips on how to save energy and water. Post these reminders in stores and other well-traveled areas.
Fix faucet leaks promptly, and don’t leave water running.
Use a clothesline to dry your clothes instead of a dryer.
Cut down on the energy you use by lowering the heat and turning off lights, TV, etc., when you are not using them.
Decide what you want before you open the refrigerator.
Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes to save water, electricity, and soap.
Make sure your car has a tune-up regularly. Unchecked cars can waste fuel and pollute the environment.
Create contests for poster, T-shirt, bookmark, and stationery designs. Proceeds from the sale of these items can be used to support environmental action groups.
Take short showers to conserve water.
Make or buy recycled paper.
Investigate the purchase of recycled paper for school use.
Try not to buy any foam packing materials or aerosol products.
Make birdhouses and feeders or other wildlife feeding stations. These can be sold as a fundraiser.
Give house plants to teachers, friends, or coworkers to display as air fresheners.
Give people a mug for coffee or tea to cut down on the use of disposable cups.
Begin recycling programs in your school, business, or neighborhood, or analyze the ones already in place and suggest
improvements.
Organize spring and fall clean-up projects. Choose an area that needs attention and collect debris, abandoned items, and other materials that have collected in the area.
Plan a school field trip to a sewage treatment facility, sanitary landfill, zoo, arboretum, or nature center.
Make a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles about environmental issues. Include labels from products that are and aren’t “Earth friendly,” and explain why.
Help maintain park, bicycle, and recreation trails.
Make a large Earth on a bulletin board and have each student trace his or her hand and write one thing they can do on it to save our planet. Staple the construction paper hands around the world and post this message: “The future of the Earth is in our hands.”
LAY THE FOUNDATION
Every one is an important personality. I request every one to lay a foundation of any thing you like.
Kindness Ideas
We were in a restaurant and I noticed an elderly couple with a helium balloon tied to their table. When I asked them what the occasion was they told me it was their 50th wedding anniversary. I was glad and sad for them. Glad, because they still cherished each other. Sad, because they were all on their own. No family, no friends. As I went back to our table I thought that I should pay their bill. I tried to do it anonymously, but the restaurant manager was curious: what is this, who are they to you, who are you, why are you doing this? Finally, I told them I was a church pastor and felt prompted to do it. The elderly couple were stunned speechless at the counter when told a total stranger had paid their bill. They were nearly in tears. We were all nearly in tears: the couple, the manager, the waitresses, and me. Two months later I got a call. “Have you got the latest Woman’s Weekly?” “No, I only read the Man’s!” I said. Deb, who was with us in the restaurant, rang to tell me that my simple act of kindness was reported to the magazine (from memory, it was either the restaurant manager or the elderly couple). I wasn’t expecting anything in return, but that $44 or so random act of kindness touched the hearts of thousands. Imagine what would and could happen if we all practice random acts of kindness on family, friends, neighbors and strangers even for the next 30 days? Firstly, it will do something beautiful on the inside of you. And you never know what it will do to others. Go on, do something special, be creative and make someone’s day! I’d love to hear your story. Be blessed as you bless others in kindness.
Kindness Ideas
We were in a restaurant and I noticed an elderly couple with a helium balloon tied to their table. When I asked them what the occasion was they told me it was their 50th wedding anniversary. I was glad and sad for them. Glad, because they still cherished each other. Sad, because they were all on their own. No family, no friends. As I went back to our table I thought that I should pay their bill. I tried to do it anonymously, but the restaurant manager was curious: what is this, who are they to you, who are you, why are you doing this? Finally, I told them I was a church pastor and felt prompted to do it. The elderly couple were stunned speechless at the counter when told a total stranger had paid their bill. They were nearly in tears. We were all nearly in tears: the couple, the manager, the waitresses, and me. Two months later I got a call. “Have you got the latest Woman’s Weekly?” “No, I only read the Man’s!” I said. Deb, who was with us in the restaurant, rang to tell me that my simple act of kindness was reported to the magazine (from memory, it was either the restaurant manager or the elderly couple). I wasn’t expecting anything in return, but that $44 or so random act of kindness touched the hearts of thousands. Imagine what would and could happen if we all practice random acts of kindness on family, friends, neighbors and strangers even for the next 30 days? Firstly, it will do something beautiful on the inside of you. And you never know what it will do to others. Go on, do something special, be creative and make someone’s day! I’d love to hear your story. Be blessed as you bless others in kindness.
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