Finding Balance
May 24, 2008 · Reading Time: 1min 51sec · Print This Article
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I like looking at the sun and sky during sunsets, the stunning colours and blinding grace of the sky. It reminds me how we rarely look up. How ironically high we think of ourselves sometimes, of how strangely even our necks have been designed to look in all directions relatively easier… than up. There must be a purpose behind it. To humble us? To prove to us that we need effort to look up and be humbled?
Looking up in the sky reminds me often of how we need to wake ourselves up sometimes. Of how humbling the sky is, ever beautiful, silently up there, hovering above everyone, never needing to announce to us humans to stop thinking about ourselves all the time. The sky is God’s creation. It’s a creation teaching us a lesson in humility.
Sometimes people give you credit, and wish they were in your field too. So I often tell my friends “Business is not for everyone.”
Being a businessman, an entrepreneur or any other human-assigned role is not an obligatory duty, a fardhu ain. It’s a fardhu kifayah, the presence of one would cover the obligation of the sum of ummah. Besides, we were never businessmen when we were born. Coming out from our mother’s womb, we had no website, no friends, no academic distinction, no pride nor prejudice. We were all the same. And yes, we even cried together. Really.
And we will return stripped of our posts as well, stripped of our coats, our prizes possessions, our safety zones, to Him.
Don’t listen to entrepreneurs who go around asking people “Why are you still working for others?” They’ve clearly lost their plot and balance. They’ll learn, one day.
Whatever you’re doing now, I hope you find your balance. It amazes me how Islam, emphasizing the middle path, speaks of this justly: the pursuit of balance, never indulging in anything extremely. Do you feel at equilibrium with your lifestyle now? Does your heart tell you that deep down, you have to pack up and go?
There are essentially two ways to achieve work-life balance. Either you
- Work for years first with full effort and pain, then settle down very comfortably later, or
- Work and relax simultaneously.
Which way is better? It depends on you. Is the rich businessman staying in the towers better than the wise sweeper who smiles daily? There is no comparison to begin with. We each live our own lives to the best of our ability. Sincerely, we best know ourselves. So lets be more concerned with ourselves. And ask ourselves…
Have we found our balance.
Look to the sky.
Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of Night and Day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding.
[3:190]
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Many people, including muslims seem to disregard some of the important points in this article.
Most probably due to western influence. And I think my inner self is more oriented towards those who wish to live in constant bliss, insya allah. Perhaps, many corporate oriented people may not hold similar values that I believe in.
Masha allah, I am so blessed to know someone like you in this life.
May Allah give you strength and guidance so that you may continue to benefit others around you.
Amin!
Well sometimes the unbalances are the ones that makes you wake up and want to give a go to a new life.
great posts!!