The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best supplication for seeking forgiveness is (Syed-ul-Istighfar)". It has even been described as the Chief of Dua's for forgiveness.
overstimulation is killing us, it's removing my sense of feeling present. Sometimes just no AirPods, no podcast, just walk, silence, boredom. Lets you sort out your thoughts and relaxes the brain.
Certain apps like TT are killing us without us really knowing. The constant context changes, addictive sounds and attractiveness can't be good for us. Some extreme dopamine levels there affect us enjoying simple things and seeking enjoyment 24/7.
Even seeing others doing things you'd want to do or so can leave in a sense of seeking more. We need to remember all our lives are different in pace, characters and outcomes. Learn who you are/want to be, tolerate your use of social media and you'll definitely enjoy life more.
Idk about others but I feel like my memory retention has decreased a lot because of all the information I take in + there’s even times where I download opinions I don’t even agree with. Control is necessary.
Something I’ve started recently was limiting my time on social media with a password through apples screen time feature. Lock it with a password that a close one makes for you and it’ll deffo make everything sweeter, I have been struggling icl but it’s for the better.
One of my favourites is Atomic Habits, a great book for those who want to change their bad habits and form new ones, edging you slowly towards that person you want to be. The difference between us and our goals is the system that drives us, not us, so renew it!
Reading.
I probably only started reading about self-improvement 2 months ago but I wish I started earlier. Reading allows us to develop new ideas to tackle the same problems we deal with, such as lack of concentration, lack of mental clarity, procrastination and presence.
Secondly Deep work, I’m not done with this book yet but seems to be a game-changer for me. Great book for those who want to develop great concentration skills for quick learning or any sort of knowledge/skilled work.
Didn’t expect this many people to see/agree with this, so I thought to add a few more things that can help us with some of the negative symptoms of 21st-century life and for our journey of reclaiming ourselves.
Clarity tools.
Journaling, I just started a month ago but definitely provides a sense of mental clarity for an overthinker like me. I like to start with gratitude journaling and then some of my current reoccurring thoughts or worries etc.
A 21st-century behaviour is to capture before experiencing, remember that photos are fine but they should mainly be for yourself, a sense of experience catching, An image that sends you to the feelings and senses you were feeling at that moment.
Try to experience it first.
Lastly Presence.
The constant seeing before experiencing on social media can affect our presence and true experiences. To truly feel present there includes an ingredient list. This includes mental clarity, a sense of gratitude, a slight concentration and all engaged 5 senses.
Back in the day one of dad friend’s used to act disabled so he could get a seat on the train. He got in an accident a few years ago and now he’s permanently in a wheelchair🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
Thirdly, some books I’m yet to read but will eventually do are here below, if you got some good books you’ve read let’s help each other and QT this with the book and what you’ve learnt from it.
Remember that as someone on their self-improvement journey, relativity is key and accepting your and others’ uniqueness is required. Understand and be happy for them.
Improving our concentration at work/school will allow us to have more time for things we want to do and for our loved ones. Good work = intensity of work x time taken. To reduce the time taken, and increase the intensity, time and concentration are inversely proportional.
Meditating, I don’t personally meditate as I have religious beliefs which allow me to pray daily which is similar in a sense. However, meditating is a VERY powerful tool for isolating thoughts and clarity. If you’ve got any meditation tips for me and others, QT this tweet.
A Daily to-do list with mini-deadlines to do things. Deadlines give tasks a time and place to live either on paper or on a list and will extremely boost the likelihood of it happening !! Certain apps like
@Todoist
+
@Swipes
or
@Notion
are good for this.
Like I already said, setting physical limits for our social media, definitely makes a difference. Being on social media apps allows us to see things we may desire to be/do and feel like we are behind where we should be relative to others or simply lacking.
Quick Reminder to listen to people properly . One thing I realised is how often we talk over others or finish their sentences . It’s subconscious but once you’re aware you become more attentive to it and can realise how properly listening can make others feel better heard.
I personally am a part of this project of rebuilding the SNU library and am on behalf of the Mandeeq Foundation, we are raising money for the re-establishment of SNU Cabudwaq National Library, Somalia.
They make people think Uni is the right way forward, it ain’t. People should make sure to look into degree apprenticeships, trades, starting a business etc
something about making 17/18 year olds decide what they wanna do for the rest of their life and then putting them in 50k of debt by 21 doesnt sit right with me
ELM rating : a strong 8.6
Great space , lots of floors and available space . Great recitation with variety of reciters ( one teenager as well ma sha Allah) , what let down the experience was the feet to feet iso , lack of feet contact down below but great experience overall.