A Mindful & Productive Summer
What are you doing for self-improvement? I’m consumed by two fascinating courses that have the potential to literally change my brain. My work impacts improvement for Islamic schools and halal businesses, and now my repertoire includes research-based strategies for mindfulness, emotional intelligence, character development, and productivity.
Define 360 has been on my radar for several years, as I was acquainted with the founders since we overlapped in our interests in education and business. I’m in the first cohort of the Character Coach Certificate Course, and it is truly rich and ambitious, reflecting the excellence of the international team that has designed it.
Meditation and multi-faceted nuances of the Self are in the curriculum and have become my daily practice. Added to this is a vast array of wisdom and quotes from a variety of sages. fMRI imaging has verified increased brain connectivity, and studies report better academic performance, increased focus, reduced anxiety, improved emotional control, reduced blood pressure, and a change in blood flow correlated to a more profound spiritual experience in prayer. I’m finding validation in my journey.
“The Productive Muslim” is a book I’d read a few years ago; but in bumping into its author, Mohammed Faris, recently in New York City, it resulted in me taking his Productive Muslim Masterclass online. I’ve found the 4th edition of his book to have even more research and resources than my previous edition. We have weekly assignments and experiments, and I must admit that the most significant life hack has been to eliminate most notifications from my phone. I’d never realized how often I’m distracted, and it took some adjusting to let it go. Another benefit, even though I’d known of it before, was to schedule blocks of focused work periods into my calendar and utilize scheduling software for my consulting calls. Mohammed also fortifies the research with gems from Islamic sources, of which the greatest is about our own mindset, motivation, and reason for existence. What is your Why? Do you think the work you do is truly a source of blessings?
Both courses feature mastermind accountability groups which have resulted in new friends from around the globe who share the passion for sincerely trying to improve ourselves.
Yet, the greatest evolution I have is that I’m juggling this, as well as practicing yoga, studying a little Spanish each day, completing a copywriting course, and adopting a year-long school project in northern California, with caring for my 4-month old grandson during work hours each week. These courses certainly have come at a fortuitous juncture in my life, as I juggle time, productivity, and cultivate him with my newly learned emotional intelligence and mindfulness insights.
Hopefully, your summer has been filled with growth and restorative fun! What do you want to learn about in the next term?