“Be More & Achieve More!”

Hi,

You know how most political divides are mainly measured across 2 major axes: the economic one and the social one. The range of issues and policies across theses two principal lines is viewed through either a lens of liberalism or conservatism. And in a very brief nut shell this creates the democratic framework around us here in the West, where you can have economic freedom with some social constraints, or social freedom with economic constraints. But you’ll be hard pressed to find both social and economic freedom / constraints bundled together.

However, there is a third central axis that in my view is more elementary and requires a careful integration into the political spectra: the Spiritual Axis. It may already be present to varying degrees as personal values, but it is not appreciated as an order, an entity and an identified need in its own right. So despite outward loyalties or disagreements on policy and law, inwardly there seems to be a disparity between personal conscience, morals and values which is reflected in the shifting tides of political debates and positions.

I’m reminded of parts of the American Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Ingrained into history, collective creed, constitution and general infrastructure is the idea that “all men are created equal”. Yet I cannot rid myself of the belief that ours is a fragmented, fractured and contradictory society, where the individual and communal strands are in constant tension, and the struggle between self-identification is underpinned by state legislature and practice. The basis of the existing creed stated above was, I like to believe, one of sincere determination to uphold higher values and ideals. But, tell me

• Who creates the law?
• Where do values come from?
• What is Truth and how is it adhered to?

Is it possible to say that when stripping away social scripting, political bias, selfish interests and peer pressure, there resides within each of us a pure form of a human being that inclines towards higher virtues and ethics? Take a scenario: what were to happen if suddenly we were all to fall victim to a massive earthquake, would we then begin to sense that indeed we we are all created equal and that the fleeting labels, status, privileges, comforts and positions that tend to comfort us otherwise can do little in the event of such major catastrophe?

Would, and can, any advancement in technology or other modern sophistication’s help prevent or avert such a calamity? I think not, it never was possible and it never will be. We are all subject to a common end which is to meet our Creator and answer for our time spent here on Earth.

God’s message in all ages has been singular and we are better positioned when using His guidance as the criterion for measuring right from wrong, truth from falsehood, fact from conjecture. In the chapter of Jonah (10) we are informed:

But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against truth. Verily God is well aware of all that they do.

This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God. On the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds.

The final testament completes, confirms, clarifies and corrects all former scriptures and further elucidates the one true revelation - sent by the ONE TRUE GOD in all ages.

Whist on the topic of Declaration of Independence, values and spirituality, I just want to share with you some other aspect, as I’m pressed for time at present. I’ll cover-off some other aspects with you later, particularly in relation to Ch. 10. Here’s the other part:

The “Ten Points” appear every February 12 in newspaper ads honoring Abraham Lincoln. In fact, these aphorisms are from the pen of Reverend William John Henry Boetcker (1873-1962).

* You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
* You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
* You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
* You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
* You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
* You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
* You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
* You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
* You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and independence.
* You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

A. Lincoln is also claimed to have written the following to his son’s school headmaster:-

“My son will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.
It will take time, I know; but teach him if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found.
Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning, steer him away from envy, if you can.
Teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that bullies are easiest to lick.
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books…but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.
In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat…
[Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.]
Teach him to be gentle with [gentle] people and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.
Teach him to listen to all men; but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.
Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad.
Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to be beware of too much sweetness.
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders, but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob…and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in humankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow my son!”

Hope this helps.

For Success and Contentment,

Asad R Khan

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Hi,

I thought I’d make the audio transcript available here on the blog so that it’s more accessible to others.

Welcome to Ark2Ark! Let me begin by thanking you for taking a moment to listen to this introduction.

Ark2Ark is the place where you can feel at ease and be assured in the knowledge that you are coming into contact with valuable insights to help you move further, grow bigger, act better, get clarity and feel more centred and certain about the situations facing you and those around you.

Hi, my name is Asad Khan - and you know throughout my academic, professional, business and community life, I have dealt with a wide variety of people who talk about a range of issues that they are confronted with: be that in their organisations, their teams, their businesses, their study or work place, social circles, community and faith groups or even their families.

And I often wonder how the people seek to resolve their issues and move forward. After 12 years of being at the forefront of many diverse projects in an array of settings, my primary interests now are:

a) To understand the coping mechanisms of people who wish to excel in their field of ambition; and
b) To identify the critical features that distinguishes the ones who really make a mark for themselves - from those who just pass through time without really paying attention to their self-worth, destiny or legacy.

As you aware, we are now living in a global economy where the exchange of ideas, news, trade, people and culture are moving at rapid speeds and more than ever before, it seems clear to me that those who are keen to make significant progress in our times are the ones who get ahead of the rest by structuring key strategies into their mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual patterns.

I think you will agree, that we are all facing challenges at multiple levels of our everyday lives – whether that be dealing with customers & clients; patients & colleagues; relatives or spouses; friends & neighbours; public authorities or others…right through to the other side, where one needs to get clear their own career aspirations & promotion; finances & health fitness; lifestyle habits; relationships & companionship; learning & contribution; and sense of purpose.

This I think is the dilemma of our times – and we are, as the Chinese saying goes, “living in interesting times”. I mean take a look around you and you’ll see we’re making great advances in areas such as science & technology, media, transport and construction, yet at the same time so many of us seem to lack the recognition of vital factors such as higher purpose, values and judgements.

This makes me want to strive to understand not only human needs and motivation, but also the prominent features that stifle progress and harmony in all areas of our lives.

The reasons for this is as you can see: that for some their material resources far outweighs their spiritual resourcefulness, so they begin to feel a sense of urgency to get clear on what their actual aims of life are, and how they can make meaningful contributions back to others; this way they aim to feel truly fulfilled.

Yet with others, their emotional wellness seems to be far greater than their material bank, but then they may find it hard to manifest their inner yearnings into the practical world.

I’d like you to understand that at any given moment in time a person is in one of two conditions: (a) fortunate; or (b) unfortunate. From my personal experiences, it isn’t always clear as to which category one may actually be in – however they may appear to be otherwise on the outside.

Take myself for example: I had everything going for me – career wise, social status, finances, professional credibility and a track record of achievement - till life dealt me another hand – and I ended-up losing a significant portion of those advantages that I took for granted.

In retrospection, life was teaching me major lessons - far greater than I had expected – and I am actually grateful for the opportunity to have been afforded the time for serious self-reflection and the space necessary to study my own value system.

This was a chance for me to really take stock of my experiences and begin to consider more carefully the full direction of my life and the features that are most important to me – such as

•    Time – Health – Family;
•    Skills Set – Goals – Abilities;
•    Opportunity to Give Back to Others;
•    Authentic Values & Overall Purpose.

What transpired as a result was Ark2Ark – and what it really is about is helping people - at every level of society - to get their personal balance right - so not only do they get on track to achieve their ambitions – but also feel complete whilst doing so.

Now I know the challenges are great - and so they require equally great solutions, and I believe this can only happen through a dialogue – an opening if you like.

We aim to help create the environment where you are given both the time and space to open-up to the challenges and face them authentically. The greater the scope of challenge around you, the deeper the moments of reflection that are required to muster-up the strategies to help solve and overcome them.

This is where you will be engaging your whole existence – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centres to become focussed on achieving outstanding results.

That’s why we aim to help you get full alignment of your mind, body and soul so that you feel confident and comfortable with taking vital decisions that will affect any areas of concern, and also have a lasting positive impact on your future.

Remember, it was not long ago when Nelson Mandela was sitting in his prison looking out of the small cracks in the walls of his cell - having spent 26 harsh years for wanting to bring about a change in the condition of his people. But it wasn’t just the sunlight or air he was seeking through those gaps, he was envisioning his plans for materialising the dreams that he had incubated for several decades.

He is one living example of the power a person gets when living on purpose and with passion – and it is this inner world that I wish to demonstrate to you as the most potent and meaningful – because this is the place where the greatest and most profound transformation takes place first – and be sure to know that every human soul has the gift of choice in using it for their benefit.

So allow me to ask you this:– despite what you may have achieved so far; where you have been; whom you’ve interacted with; what you have done; or what you may acquired or amassed; what you may cherish, value or believe in – tell me in all truth and sincerity – is this all there is, or do you think there is more?

I, for one, would like you to think that there is more and to not have to settle with accepting anything less.

So really, my team and I help you to uncover the fundamentals of your being through asking searching questions in an attempt to help you to discern the reality around you.

And let me also add this: it doesn’t matter to me whether you are:-

•    the janitor of the building or the CEO of the blue chip company housed within it;
•    the student attending a place of learning or the specialist delivering the material;
•    the social entrepreneur wanting to make things happen or a national politician working to bring to the people what you claimed;
•    the home maker, professional, executive or anyone else –

In fact it doesn’t matter to me whether you’re tall or small; thin or large; dark or light; single or partnered; wealthy or impoverished; male or female or whatever -

For what truly matters to me is the place you are at right now – deep inside of you – and even more, the processes that you are undertaking to understand

• Which side of the fence you wish to be & which way you wish to evaluate things?
• What you are trying to achieve & what factors are your true callings?
• How you wish to feel & how do you desire to be remembered?

It is this sense of meaning and interpretation of your surroundings that Ark2Ark offers individuals, teams, organisations and communities - at every level - unparalleled service and insights.

Combining time-tested skills from both eastern and western best practices, we are helping people to bridge the gap between the levels of mere sensory inputs and that of higher cognitive processing. We are here to help people come together on a shared platform of progress and harmony.

So, go ahead and get your workbook now - which details some key ideas for you to digest and raise awareness about the beauty and power of your uniqueness. Look around the site and when you are ready, join our online community where there are great conversations taking place from people around the world -  who have a chance to raise their voice and share their thoughts on 3 principal areas of:

• Leadership and management;
• Personal and social effectiveness; &
• Health and Well-being

Once you have signed-up, be on the look-out for updates revealing information on forthcoming live events – as well as providing top tips aimed at bringing higher perspectives straight to you –equipping you with essential knowledge to help you advance further in the game of life with the,

Science of Success and the Art of Contentment!

Asad

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..then this is the time to take stock of some of the most important things in life, such as your:

• time and energy;
• talent and creativity;
• intellectual and rational abilities;
• health - sight, hearing, sensing, feelings;
• relationships with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues;
• opportunities to contribute back to others and the greater good.

We can choose to between doom and gloom or live by a sense of certainty that we are created for a purpose - a purpose that extends way beyond credit crunches, looming threats of recession and talks of depression. I know that it may be difficult for some of us to come to terms with, especially if we consider that collectively we’ve probably had one of the most prosperous times in history. Suddenly we are faced with prospects of losing our life savings, the quality of life we’ve built over the years, the business plans we intended to conduct and carry through, and possibly the roof over our heads. This is bad news at any rate.

But if we always fell foul of external pressures without relying on inner conviction that things would turn around for the better then anyone could easily fall prey to depression. Apart from some of the practical measures that need to be taken in such times like cost-reduction programmes, re-cycling and waste-control, energy-saving action and programmes, mutual co-operation (financially and otherwise), we also need to remember the things (listed above) that we would normally take for granted.

This helps to get a grounding on the essentials of life: what can be more important than your time, health and the ability to reason so that you can cancel the negative vibes around you, as well as those inside of you, and then focus your energies on being innovative, caring, daring and productive?

We all know that the mind can play tricks with us - making us shape a perception of circumstances that are not true. This can happen through exaggerations, distortions, deletions and negations. Similarly, our emotions can work us up no end too: hopelessness, anger, humiliation, frustration, anxiety, stress etc. One can see how fear and panic can quickly set-in leading one to live a life of denial, laziness, blame and regret.

Amongst the best ways to combat this is to ‘rebuild your plane’ so you can fly high. For this you’ll need two special wings (a) The Wing of Gratitude: be grateful for all the things that you have accomplished to date. Be grateful for all the things that you have acquired: knowledge, insights, relationships, inner and outer resources, skills, experiences and values. Being grateful is a huge resource any person can have and deploy in a moment to give an instant boost to the morale and general well-being. Negative vibes and thinking can easily be swept away when we concentrate on things that have gone right in our lives and being thankful for having life, time and energy to do more good. Being grateful helps you add colour to issues and events, it changes the emotional state and grants you greater power and resources to face the future: in short, it helps you to create a totally different experience and grasp a greater meaning of life.

But once you are attempting to get things back on track be sure that life has a tendency to throw things at you again only to try you, to tease you and ultimately, to test you. Here’s when you’ll need (b) The Wing of Patience: - there’s no point in trying to rush the ascent if you’re only going to topple over and fall down - head first, nose diving. We know how gratifying it can be when we demonstrate patience and not allow pettiness or frustrations to rule us. Being patient can afford us enormous advantage that cannot be bought at any price. It is like the master key to all doors - it will lend itself to helping you get pass any challenging door that seems to block your way to peace, security and success.

Remeber also the 3 keys that successful leaders deploy in times of hardship and crisis:

1. Don’t see things worse than they are;
2. See them as they are and the advantages within them;
3. Do somethings purposeful: be pro-active and take positive, purposeful action

Wrenching-up the nuts and bolts to fit these two wings onto to your plane requires careful, deliberate and step-wise action. And so Ark2Ark is here to help you through with the tailored Training Seminars and the Personal Coaching service.

I can say without question that these two elements of Patience and Gratitude, if practiced well, are a panacea: a universal remedy for almost all mental, emotional and spiritual dis-eases - and dare I say, probably certain physical ones too!

Well, till next time take care and look forward to a brighter future.

For Success and Contentment,

Asad Khan

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