by umasoona69 | Oct 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
“I am sorry – I have a phobia of dogs. I was bitten by a dog as a young boy,” the estate agent explained why my timid corgi-cross had to be removed from the couch where she usually has her afternoon naps.
“I understand. That kind of experience sits deep,” I said. “I... 
by umasoona69 | Oct 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
“All you need is love.” This is the same message the Beatles sang, religions preach and science has recently been promoting, under the term of ‘social support’ rather than love, of course. Emotional and practical support is beneficial along one’s life trajectory in a... 
by umasoona69 | Apr 26, 2017 | Uncategorized
If you have ever wondered what it means when someone talks about gender being performed and produced, then look no further – I have the perfect example for you from my everyday life. I attended a one-day motorcycle training workshop for beginners in London, and my... 
by umasoona69 | Dec 9, 2016 | Uncategorized
“Loneliness is the emotional pain of involuntary social isolation.” With these words, George Monbiot, a British writer and activist, opened his lecture at King’s Place in London. In the flyer for his talk, there was also the promise that he would not only delve into... 
by umasoona69 | Oct 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
“I shall plant my hands in the gardenAnd I will grow. I know. I know.” “Look at Forough’s birth certificate,” Professor Milani directed, pointing to the screen on the wall of the lecture hall. Farzaneh Milani, an Iranian-American scholar of Middle Eastern Studies, was... 
by umasoona69 | Oct 13, 2016 | Uncategorized
“If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere.” By now most of you must have heard these crass words from the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. Many were taken aback or felt downright offended by her view, but if we are honest, we... 
by umasoona69 | Sep 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
Travelling through life’s twists From ancient mythology and early religious traditions to modern psychology and popular culture, travelling has not only touched our imagination, but also provided the language for meditation on life. Similarly, my constant search for... 
by umasoona69 | Sep 15, 2016 | Uncategorized
Finding the right Guide for life twists “Which way?” I murmured. My guidebook said I should be standing at a shrine under a pine tree, next to a small house with a fenced garden, on an asphalted road. But the long stretch of Italian olive groves and vineyards before... by umasoona69 | Sep 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
As I read the letter, I felt a swelling of disappointment but not even a tinge of surprise: “Though it seems like it will be a great read, I didn’t connect with it,” read the response of the representative of a renowned agency in reference to the submission of our...
