In this session, we continue exploring how emotional reactivity derails communication and what we can do about it.

We discuss how the reptilian parts of our brain hijack our thinking brain so that we end up "flipping our lid".

We then spend quite some time discussing the concept of compassion and selflessness which show up as public service in the world. By taking on problems bigger than ourselves, we can bring back emotional and mental balance within ourselves and respond from values rather than based on triggers.

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In this session, we continue exploring how emotional reactivity derails communication and what we can do about it.

We discuss how the reptilian parts of our brain hijack our thinking brain so that we end up "flipping our lid".

We then spend quite some time discussing the concept of compassion and selflessness which show up as public service in the world. By taking on problems bigger than ourselves, we can bring back emotional and mental balance within ourselves and respond from values rather than based on triggers.

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In the third lecture of the series, we talk about two challenges to mindful communication

The first challenge is that of self-love: human beings have their own agenda and this makes it difficult to make room for another view

The second challenge is that of emotional reactivity: we bring emotional baggage and reactivity into conversations with loved ones which hinder our ability to connect with each other.

In order to develop equanimity or emotional balance, we need to cultivate two essential qualities: those of hilm or compassion and ithar or selflessness. This is of course, easier said than done! We talk about practical strategies in managing our emotional reactivity.

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The topic for this year's lectures is Mindful Communication as a Spiritual Practice.

Lecture 1: Introduction: The Ability to Communicate is a Gift of the Creator

In this lecture, we began by reminding ourselves of the role of Azadari in our lives and our intentions and behaviours during the month of Muharram.

We discussed the value of different groups of participants in the Azaa and how each of us can best fulfill our roles.

We then introduced the topic for the year and discussed how the ability to communicate is a gift of the Creator which comes with the responsibility to use it mindfully and for a good purpose.

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In the third lecture of the series, we talk about two challenges to mindful communication

The first challenge is that of self-love: human beings have their own agenda and this makes it difficult to make room for another view

The second challenge is that of emotional reactivity: we bring emotional baggage and reactivity into conversations with loved ones which hinder our ability to connect with each other.

In order to develop equanimity or emotional balance, we need to cultivate two essential qualities: those of hilm or compassion and ithar or selflessness. This is of course, easier said than done! We talk about practical strategies in managing our emotional reactivity.

Please rate and review this show and share the link with others.

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In the second lecture of the series, we discuss

• What is Mindful communication
• The difference between MC and Effective Communication and
• The five foundational attitudes of heart and mind for Mindful Communication.

We also go through an example of communication which goes wrong and see what we could do differently in such situations.

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The night of 15th Shabaan holds the promise of clearing our past. It holds the potential for starting afresh and leaving the burdens of the soul behind.
This does take a little bit of effort though!!
Let us start with the easier one first
Seeking forgiveness from God
أَفَلاَ يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى اللّهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَهُ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
[5:74] Will they not then turn to Allah and ask His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Allah is continually inviting us to reconnect with Him when we turn away from Him. Our souls are not in peace until we are reconnected but several things stop us:
Barriers to forgiveness;
- overwhelm – we don’t know where to start
- laziness – it seems too hard
- procrastination – we think we have time!
- Shaitaan tells us to despair (most dangerous psychological state is that of hopelessness) whereas before we sinned it, he encouraged us - understand hope and fear. Shaytaan invites us to hope before we sin and enables us to...

By His Grace and Mercy, one of the most blessed nights of the year is upon us once again.

The Holy Prophet (saw) has said that during the night of 15th Shaba'an the Almighty takes decisions in the matters of sustenance, life and death and welfare of the people. Next to the “Night of Qadr” the night of 15th Sha’baan is the most auspicious night (also known as “night of Baraat”). Allah swt has promised to fulfill every legitimate desire put forward to Him tonight. During this night Allah (swt) bestows on His people from His bounty & forgives them out of His Grace & Generosity. (Narrations from Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) and Imam Sadiq (as))

"Therefore, stay awake this night in prayer and worship and encourage your Ummah to also keep awake this night in order to get closer to Allah through their actions since this is a noble night.
This is a night in which not a single person supplicates to Allah except that his...

Sura Shams is a short chapter of the Quran which contains the greatest number of oaths at the beginning of any chapter. Why does Allah swt use all these oaths? Why does He, the All Truthful need to use oaths? What is of such importance that 11 important things such as the sun and moon are used to indicate its importance? 

This is a recording of a live session of the Quran Study Circle from 2009

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Continuing with our study of Sura Rum, in this section we reflect important and well known verses of the Holy Quran. Verses 30 - 40 of Sura Rum have so many important verses to discuss and reflect on including the concept of Deen of Fitra, of giving to the near of kin their due and the philosophy behind the prohibition on usury. :

Verse 30 talks about how there can never be a change or alternation in Allah's creation

Verse 38 talks about giving the near of kin their due. We review the story behind this verse 

For more resources on Practical Spirituality, please visit www.livingthequran.org

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