• The Latent Potential of Bamboo

Bamboos, when first planted, don’t see light of day for months. They just ignore the urge to grow high to instead, quietly, focus on building deep invisible roots. Building these roots requires a great deal of care, and, more importantly, patience. Indeed, patience—because, after months of quiet and unrecognized effort, spring eventually kicks in, and bamboos suddenly begin to grow. And when they do, they really do - all at once, at an astonishing rate, sometimes up to a meter per day.

Too often, our daily efforts are unrewarded - as we push forward, frustration and doubt deepen, and corrupt our will to continue the daily work. But we must have faith in the value of our quiet invisible work and internalize the concept of “latent potential”. Each unrecognized step strengthens our foundations and individuality, which only need the right spark to suddenly, burst out and shine into the world - all at once.

Continue building your potential, even when the results aren’t immediate, but don’t forget to put yourself out into the world, seeking your own “spring.” The breakthrough often comes from a single, unexpected moment, which could never have led to anything without all the quiet work you did.

“It takes 10 years to build an overnight success”

• “If everyone did their best, everyone would have enough“

It is so curious that us humans haven’t collectively internalized this old and cheap trick to happiness. This trick.. - it not only brings joy to the tricker, but also to the tricked, and to everyone who witnesses the trick. It is so simple, so innocent - so unnecessary.

This is maybe what makes it so magical - it is profoundly unnecessary. Uncalled for. Uninterested. Perhaps most importantly, it is unexpected.

Random acts of kindness. They can come in all forms and shapes, but they always, always, bring joy on the face of its initiator - and to everyone who is there to witness it. Most curiously, the joy is so pure, so candid, that it seamlessly turns into lasting happiness.

I often recall the smile on the face of a man for whom I stopped my car at the pedestrian crossing in the middle of Casablanca - where no car ever stops at pedestrian crossing. The surprise and confusion on his face: “are you really stopping for me?” he seemed to think, while a beautiful smile was building up on his face. Weeks later, I still remember his smile, and it still makes me smile.

Imagine a world all of us showed kindness to our neighbors, every day. Taking 10 seconds of our days to bring a genuine smile to someone who does not expect it.

“If everyone did their best, everyone would have enough”

• Ramadan is not supposed to be won

Upon a conversation with Anas, where I told him I was suffering in these last few days of fasting for the month of Ramadan, he immediately responded - “Imagine people in war zones”. Of course, he is right - this indeed is the whole point of Ramadan - to feel a tiny fraction of the pain of the ones who are truly suffering. The ones who do not suffer because they choose to, but rather because they have no other way. Anas continued:

You’re not supposed to win it.

True control is not being able to control your body but being able to suffer and still be peaceful with the suffering because you know it’s nothing compared to the others’. That’s how you know you’ve achieved the right level of Ramadan consciousness - when it’s beyond your ego.

You’re not fasting because it makes you a better person, or because you can fight your urges. No. You’re fasting because it reminds your soul of what it feels like to be weak, and how lucky you are to be in control the rest of the time.