131. When Building is Being: Shariff Abdullah, author of ‘Practicing Wisdom,’ [reads] ‘The Timeless Way of Building’
Dec 13, 2022
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Shariff Abdullah, author of 'Practicing Wisdom,' shares his insights on societal flaws, open-hearted perspectives, and creating a world that works for all. He discusses 'The Timeless Way of Building' by Christopher Alexander and explores the concept of living beyond individuality for collective harmony.
Libraries offer diverse perspectives and ignite personal growth through accessible knowledge and exploration.
Sharif's journey from adversity to advocacy showcases the power of education and social consciousness.
Forgiveness is a transformative tool for healing and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of letting go of past grievances.
Channeling anger into positive action can drive social change and address systemic issues, fostering personal transformation.
Deep dives
Transformative Power of Libraries and Books
Libraries can significantly impact a person's life trajectory by providing access to books and new worlds. Despite facing initial discouragement from a school librarian, the speaker found solace and inspiration at a local library. Libraries serve as gateways to exploration, offering a breadth of knowledge and experiences that can shape individual perspectives and foster personal growth.
Overcoming Adversity and Social Change
The podcast guest, Sharif, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Camden to becoming a lawyer, revealing his epiphany about societal flaws at a young age. Despite facing adversity in a disadvantaged environment, Sharif's exceptional skill at standardized tests led to educational opportunities and critical self-realizations. His commitment to creating a world that works for everyone reflects a deep understanding of systemic issues and a dedication to social progress.
Forgiveness and Personal Transformation
Sharif recounts a pivotal moment of forgiveness after a traumatic incident, emphasizing the power of letting go of anger and resentment. Through spiritual grounding and practice, he navigated personal healing and embraced forgiveness as a path to empowerment and self-discovery. This transformative experience highlights the importance of releasing past pain and embracing a philosophy of compassion and understanding.
Timeless Wisdom in Building and Being
The discussion shifts to the concept of a timeless way of building and being, drawing parallels between architectural principles and human existence. Sharif delves into the essence of progress, questioning the impact of materialism and individualism on society's well-being. By reimagining communal living and collaborative efforts, he envisions a harmonious world where collective growth and beauty take precedence over personal gains.
Harnessing Anger for Positive Change
Exploring the dual nature of anger as a catalyst for action and a potential obstacle to progress, Sharif advocates for channeling anger towards constructive endeavors. By acknowledging injustices and utilizing anger as fuel for social change, individuals can move beyond personal grievances to address broader societal issues. Sharif's transformative journey exemplifies the power of converting anger into a force for positive transformation.
Joining the Movement for Collective Solutions
Listeners are invited to engage with Sharif's mission through his organization, the Common Way Institute, that aims to foster inclusive communities and impactful projects. By aligning with a network of like-minded individuals, participants can contribute to meaningful initiatives that address social challenges and promote holistic well-being. The podcast encourages involvement in the shared vision of creating a world that accommodates diverse needs and perspectives.
Exploring Universal Principles of Being
Sharif's reflections on humanity's evolution towards collective unity and societal harmony underscore the significance of transcending individual interests. By advocating for a shift from egocentric pursuits to collaborative endeavors, he envisions a future where interconnectedness and compassion guide human interactions. Embracing timeless principles of wisdom and community, Sharif encourages listeners to explore holistic approaches to personal growth and societal transformation.
I had two quite different experiences of a library when I was a child. My school’s librarian quite liked books but didn’t really like kids. I was basically scared away from that space. Luckily, my local library was a whole other adventure. There was the kid’s section upstairs where I could wander the stacks and find books I might like, and then came that moment when you go down and dip your toes into the grown-up section below, which opened up many new worlds. Books open up worlds, and libraries help you stumble over the books you never knew you would love, until you did.
Shariff Abdullah is the Director of the Commonway Institute, an organization that seeks to create a world that works for all. He’s well-educated, was a lawyer, is an author, has traveled the world, and has worked in over 120 different cultures across 45 different countries. It’s an impressive resume for someone who was raised in, according to Shariff, America’s worst city. Get book links and resources at https://www.mbs.works/2-pages-podcast/
Shariff reads two pages from ‘The Timeless Way of Building’ by Christopher Alexander. [reading begins at 25:35]
Hear us discuss:
“When I was 8 years old, I not only figured out that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society, but that we can change it if we actually want to.” [2:50] | Maintaining an open-hearted perspective. [7:27] | Identifying and practicing your version of perfection: “There is a win for all, but if what I want in my world is for you to lose, we’ll never get to that point.” [32:16] | Living beyond our individuality. [40:39]
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