The Better Blueprint

How Intentions Surpass Time

In my home's quiet upstairs room, I meditate twice daily for half an hour. During these times, I often think about how much time I have left before my next task or bedtime. Sometimes, it feels like I have plenty of time; other times, it feels like there's not enough.

I've realized that these feelings come from a misunderstanding. We never actually "have" time. The hours ahead are unknown and can't be held like our clothes or furniture.

For example, I might expect to live another 40 or 50 years, but I don't own that time. All I truly have is this moment. We can make plans, but we can't possess time.

Thinking we own time can cause stress, especially when things don't go as planned. Time is unpredictable and can surprise us with unexpected events. Relying on this uncertainty can make us anxious.

On the other hand, our intentions are within our control. We can decide what we want to do and focus on that, regardless of how time unfolds. By concentrating on our intentions, we can navigate life's unpredictability more easily.

Practical Tips:

1. Know What Matters: Think about what's truly important to you and set clear intentions that match your values.

2. Be Flexible: Accept that time can be unpredictable. Be ready to adjust your actions as things change, without losing sight of your main goals.

3. Stay Present: Focus on what you can do right now, instead of worrying about the future. This can help you be more productive and less anxious.

4. Let Go of Control: Understand that while you can't control time, you can control your intentions and how you respond to situations. Focus on managing your commitments rather than trying to manage time.

5. Review Regularly: Take time to look over your intentions and adjust them as needed to stay aligned with your changing goals and circumstances.

By focusing on our intentions instead of trying to control time, we can live more meaningful and less stressful lives.

When Expectations Hold Us Back

​Sometimes, it's not life that holds us captive—it's our expectations. We paint vivid pictures of how things should unfold: the dream job, the perfect relationship, the seamless path. But when life takes a detour, our hearts feel lost, as if the ground beneath has shifted.

Here’s the quiet truth: aim high, dream bold, but hold your plans lightly. Life isn’t a script to be followed line by line; it’s more like a river—flowing, bending, changing course when needed. The setbacks? They aren’t dead ends. They are the raw material, the compost from which new growth emerges.

Give your best. Show up fully. But if things don’t unfold as you hoped, whisper to yourself, “This too is part of the story.” Every stumble, every detour, every closed door—these are not signs of failure. They are simply chapters, not conclusions.

Trust this: life is quietly working with you, even when it feels otherwise. Everything you experience is material for the next move. Everything.

A Great Quote

"I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my soul." — Rumi​

Book Review: The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer's The Art of Stillness is a quiet rebellion against the noise of the modern world. In a time where movement, ambition, and constant connectivity are celebrated, Iyer invites us to pause, to sit, and to embrace the understated adventure of going nowhere. This is not a book filled with grand declarations or life hacks; instead, it is a reflective meditation on the beauty and necessity of stillness.

The Essence of the Book
Iyer weaves personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and insights from well-known figures like Leonard Cohen to illustrate the profound impact of stillness on the human spirit. He argues that true clarity, creativity, and contentment often arise not from chasing the next destination but from being fully present where we are. His prose is gentle yet precise, offering a kind of literary stillness that mirrors his message.

What Resonates
What makes this book compelling is its simplicity. Iyer doesn’t preach a rigid method or offer step-by-step instructions. Instead, he shares the idea that stillness is accessible to everyone—whether it’s through a quiet corner in your home, a moment of pause in your day, or the conscious act of disconnecting from digital noise. His reflections feel like a conversation with a wise friend, one who gently reminds you of things you already know but have forgotten in the rush of life.

A Personal Take
Reading The Art of Stillness feels like exhaling after holding your breath for too long. It’s a reminder that amidst our pursuit of more—more success, more experiences, more connections—there is a quiet, sacred space within us that thrives on less. Iyer's words are not just to be read but to be felt, to linger in the silence that follows.

Final Thoughts
This is a small book with a vast heart. It doesn’t demand much of your time, but it offers something timeless in return. If you find yourself overwhelmed, lost in the noise, or simply yearning for a softer pace, The Art of Stillness is a companion worth having. Not because it provides answers, but because it gently points you back to where the answers have always been—within.

About : Welcome to our fortnightly newsletter, where in each edition, you'll find two sections dedicated to personal growth, a meticulously curated quote to inspire, and a review of a life-changing book. Plus, we'll occasionally delve deeper into habits and self-improvement frameworks.