As a certified character coach with DEFINE 360, a mindfulness and emotional intelligence learning engine, my training entailed reading With the Heart in Mind by Mikaeel Ahmed Smith. It is a short read with profound depth that addresses many of our nascent issues which are degrading the health of our psyches and society. Among them is the sole reliance on intellect, or reason, to guide our perspectives. Smith guides the reader to the genesis of a belief that religion is antithetic to using reason and scientific analysis, as though they cannot be complementary to each other.
The Heart-Mind concept, as related by many great Islamic thinkers and evidenced by the Qur’an and hadith. Illustrative anecdotes are used from the life of the Prophet Mohammad which highlights his application of emotional intelligence and wisdom in working with people in terms of their receptivity to receiving the message from the Creator. During this time of tolerance and intolerance, it was very useful to explore the correlation between increased disregard for religion, the disintegration of the family, and how that affects society.
This book confirmed my appreciation for the Character Coach Course that beautifully integrates Islam with pedagogy, psychology, habits & performance enhancement, wellness, resilience, mindfulness and awareness, and references substantive research, articles, books, and videos. This course is worth triple the $499 and includes several guided meditation practices and mini practices set to train the student. Much of this content can be adapted for use at home and at school; I have found many people implementing it, as I do to relieve stress, anxiety, and the occasional foul mood. I invite you to join the next cohort starting on January 15. You can register at this link.
