Vasl

Mindful Musings
Your Weekly Dose of Knowledge

In the realm of human interaction, there exists a trove of conversations shrouded in silence—topics that tiptoe around our thoughts, rarely daring to emerge into the open. These are the conversations that dance at the fringes of discomfort, lingering on the periphery of our awareness. At Vasl, we make those conversations happen.

Hey there! October has arrived, and with it, the beautiful autumn weather that I’m absolutely loving. I’m still wearing shorts, much to the shock of everyone around me. But coming from Karachi, where weather like this is a rare treat, I’ll enjoy the cold as long as my body can handle it. Today, I want […]

Hey there! October has arrived, and with it, the beautiful autumn weather that I’m absolutely loving. I’m still wearing shorts, much to the shock of everyone around me. But coming from Karachi, where weather like this is a rare treat, I’ll enjoy the cold as long as my body can handle it. Today, I want […]

Hi there! The first week of September has flown by, hasn’t it? Today, I want to dive into understanding and considering the context of your environment on your actions. But first… Weekly Inventory Check The first week of a new month is always the most exciting one. It’s a time when we’ve shaken off the […]

Hi there! This week has been intense for me, and it taught me something crucial: life happens, and when it does, it’s okay if it interrupts your momentum. You can’t control every situation, but you can control how you respond. I’m going to dive into this a bit more today, but first… Weekly Inventory Check […]

Hi there! I can hardly believe it, but August has come and gone. As we step into September, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and reflection. This month marks a bit of a milestone for me – I’m venturing into something new, something I’ve never done before. I’ll be sharing my first ever scripted […]

Gif by peacock on Giphy Hi there! August is almost over, and it feels like another month just blew by. Time seems to be moving faster than ever before, and it’s making me more aware of the fleeting moments, especially as I watch my little one grow and change every day. It’s a reminder that […]

Gif by peacock on Giphy Hi There! As August unfolds, it’s a great time to reflect on our progress and set new goals. This month, we’re exploring the balance between individuality and community, focusing on how compromise plays a crucial role in both personal relationships and societal interactions. Weekly Inventory Check With the middle of […]

Gif by JacksonJay on Giphy Hi There! This week has been a mix of joy and reflection for me. On one hand, I enjoyed celebrating a milestone in my friend’s life—his little one just turned one! Seeing our children play together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, reminded me of the beauty of community and […]

Edit: Apologies for the delay, I am restructuring what I do with this newsletter and my online presence in general so stuff might feel different for a while. Hi There! As we step into August, it’s an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect on our progress from the summer months. This time of year invites […]

Setting Boundaries

The Hustle Dilemma: Rethinking Work Culture and Ethics Hi guys, July is almost over, and while some people around me are bummed about the lack of warmth, I’m quite enjoying the sub-20 degrees throughout June and July. Maybe August will bring us a delayed summer. Today, I want to delve into creating boundaries and the […]

The Hustle Dilemma

The Hustle Dilemma: Rethinking Work Culture and Ethics Hi there, We are closing in on the end of July, which means summer has officially started here in Europe. It’s going to be a very short summer because, for the last few weeks, it’s been raining and the temperature has stayed under 20 degrees, so it […]

Hi there, and this is a special day for me. As you read this, I am in a park, preparing for my daughter’s first birthday. We have ordered and rented everything to make this beautiful event happen in the middle of a gorgeous park in our neighboring city, Meerhoven. My parents are here with me, […]

Hi everyone, and happy election year! As we reflect on recent events like the US Fourth of July celebrations and the significant British elections that saw a shift after 14 years of conservative rule, I’m excited to delve into some intriguing discussions. But first, let’s share a quick weekly update. Weekly Inventory Check This summer […]

Hi there, It is a beautiful sunny morning, and I am feeling inspired to share some thoughts with you. Today, I want to delve into the art of acting on incomplete information, but before as we do every single time, let’s take an inventory check. Weekly Inventory Check June will be officially finished today, and […]

Embracing Balance

Hi there! Greetings from Bordeaux, where our journey is winding down with Paris as our final stop. We’re here celebrating my wife’s friend’s birthday, reconnecting with old friends, and enjoying the bliss of these moments that transcend distance. Today, I want to delve into positive psychology, particularly in the context of work, and discuss how […]

Reflections on Fatherhood

Hi guys, I am writing this newsletter from Lyon, France, where the weather is so great. I’m here on a road trip with my family, celebrating my little daughter’s upcoming first birthday. Weekly Inventory Check Half of June has passed, and as we always emphasize take stock, evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and most importantly, […]

Hi there, June is officially underway, and with it, the good weather has people out and about, sunglasses on. Even my routine is getting more structured as it’s easier to get up in the morning now. Today, I want to talk about shortcuts to success and the various projects I’m working on and why I’m […]

Mental Masturbation

Hi there, This is Ahad, walking back from my first meeting with the friend I told you about. He just came back last week, and we’ve been meeting a lot since he’s only here for a few days. It’s been a lot of fun. I haven’t had these late nights out in a long time […]

Crafting Your Own Luck

Hi there! As May comes to a close, I’m thrilled to share that a very good friend of mine is visiting next week. I’m excited about the time we’ll spend together and the adventures we’ll have. Today, let’s dive into an intriguing topic: the concept of luck. But first, a quick inventory check as we […]

Hi, there! As the weather cools down in the Netherlands, I find myself reminiscing about the sunny days we’ve had recently. It’s always heartwarming to see everyone basking in the sun’s glow, even if I, hailing from Pakistan, might prefer a bit more rain. But hey, it’s perfect weather for some chai and pakoras, isn’t […]

Time Billionaire

Hi there! Today, let’s delve into the fascinating concept of the “Time Billionaire” and explore different perspectives on it. But first, let’s check in on our weekly inventory and see how everyone’s progressing towards their seasonal goals. Weekly Inventory Check As we embrace the warmth of the season, how are you enjoying your spring/summer goals? […]

Hi there, Today, I want to delve into a topic that’s been on my mind lately: hustle culture. Why do we often find ourselves admiring those who are constantly pushing for more, even when they seemingly have everything they need? But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to reflect on where we are […]

A Great Reset

Hi, there. Today, I’d like to discuss the process of revamping my routine, exploring how it feels and the noticeable productivity gains I’ve experienced, but first.. Weekly Inventory Check As April comes to a close, it’s crucial to address any unfinished projects, either completing them or deciding to defer them to the following month. This […]

TEDxEindhoven Pitch Day

Hi There! This week has been nothing short of extraordinary for me. I had the incredible opportunity to take the stage at TEDxEindhoven and present my pitch for the upcoming TEDxEindhoven 2024 Event scheduled for November. But first… Weekly Inventory Check As the month winds down, it’s a time for reflection. We often start the […]

Hi, there! Eid Mubarak to all those who are celebrating. This festive occasion, observed both in the Netherlands and worldwide, provided a beautiful opportunity for connection and shared jubilation. Walking through the streets, I found myself immersed in the Eid festivities, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds united by our common Muslim faith. Despite language […]

Hi there! After almost a month-long vacation in Japan, I am heading back towards Holland today. And just before I take my flight, I would like to discuss the notion that certain things will happen when they are meant to happen, and that I mean, not necessarily in a spiritual sense but rather in a […]

Perspective and lens

Hi, there. The cherry blossom season is in full swing in Japan and we are very lucky to be able to witness it now. Today, I’d like to engage in a thoughtful discussion about perception and the diverse lenses through which we view the world. Before diving into this topic, let’s briefly touch on our […]

Reflections From Japan

Hi there. This is probably the last newsletter that I am writing from Japan, knowing that our departure for the Netherlands is scheduled for next week. Today, I aim to discuss the contrast between expectations and reality, drawing from the lessons I’ve learned during our time here, but first.. Weekly Inventory Check As we enter […]

Embracing Different Lenses

Hi, there. As we find ourselves one week into our Tokyo adventure, I wanted to share some reflections on the lens through which we view our lives and the environments we inhabit. But first.. Weekly Inventory Check Since I’m in Japan, I’ve noticed I’m struggling to meet my goals. It’s important to recognize when our […]

Habitual Automation

Hi there! I’m writing this newsletter from Tokyo Japan – where I just landed after more than 24 hours of travel. This was the longest flight I’ve ever done in my life, and with a baby added to the mix, this was also one of the most challenging flights I have ever done in my […]

Hi, there! I’m writing this newsletter just before I head off on my holiday – my bags are packed and I’m all set to jet off to Japan. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be exploring Japan and enjoying some quality time, embarking on my first ever long trip with my daughter. I’m curious to […]

Reflections on Personal Style

Hi there! So, this week is going to be quite eventful for us. We have a series of birthday parties to attend over the weekend, which means we’ll be socializing with a lot of people. However, we’re a bit apprehensive because our daughter hasn’t had much exposure to crowds yet. But I guess that’s just […]

Navigating Life’s Continuum

Hi there! Valentine’s Day has recently gone by, and I hope those who celebrated had a great time, while those who didn’t, still found joy on a Wednesday evening. Today, I’d like to delve into how our perspective on habits greatly influences our ability to establish them effectively, but first.. Weekly Inventory Check As we […]

Incorporating Mindful Living

Hi there! Valentine’s Day is here, and it brings along a lot of influence to do something special on the 14th of this month. It’s basically a marketing trick, and our biases are exploited in trying to adhere to these marketing schemes. I want to discuss how we are exploited through this and how to […]

Hi there! We’ve just stepped into February, and I find myself tempted to stray from my New Year’s resolution of achieving financial sustainability by contemplating new ideas for implementation this year. However, it’s crucial to exercise restraint and recall my initial goals. The purpose of reflecting at the end and beginning of each month is to […]

Hi there! The climate in Eindhoven is gradually improving, which has positively impacted my daily routine. I am now waking up on time, and my schedule is gradually returning to normalcy. My daughter and I have resumed our regular walks, and overall, it seems like we have overcome the extreme weather conditions. However, it’s important […]

Hi there! It’s January, and things are busy. I have taken on a new project that requires me to go to the office occasionally. This week, I had to make the trip three times, which is unusual for me. The trains were not running smoothly because of the weather, so I had to drive instead. […]

Decision Paralysis

Hi there! It’s 2024, and I hope you are as excited as I am. With the new year, we often make lots of plans, set goals, and have ideas. However, we sometimes find ourselves spending too much time planning and not enough time taking action because it feels overwhelming. Today, I want to talk about […]

Resilience in Parenthood

Hi there! Happy new year to all. This is the first newsletter of the year and I hope 2024 brings us all great things. One important lesson I learned in 2023 is about resilience, and I want to carry that into 2024. I gained this resilience through a unique parenting experience, and I would like […]

Focus Forward

Hi there! 2024 is just commencing, like tomorrow and I am really looking forward to hearing about your plans and activities for the year. I hope you approach them with enthusiasm and a fresh start. Today, let’s talk about staying focused as you plan your goals for 2024 but first… Weekly Inventory Check Last week […]

Reflecting on 2023

Hi there! We are in the second-to-last week of the year. I don’t know about you, but I am super excited about 2024. I cannot wait to see what’s coming, especially with the start of our roundtable conference. Get ready for a year of building accountability and transparency but first… Weekly Inventory Check What did […]

Responsibility vs. Reassurance

Hi there! It’s mid-December, I was in Pakistan last week, as I mentioned in my newsletter last week, and it got me thinking about the difference between responsibility and reassurance. Let’s talk about that, but first.. Weekly Inventory Check As we get closer to the end of 2023 each week, it’s a chance to look […]

Planning and Life

Hi there! We’re in the midweek of December and I’m writing this one from Pakistan. I am here for the weekend due to some family reasons. Today I want to talk about planning in life, but first.. Weekly Inventory Check Each passing week brings us closer to the end of 2023, offering an opportunity to […]

Hi there! November’s done, and here we are in the last month of the year. It was quite a month for me. I kind of slipped from my usual routine and ended up having more sugar than I planned. I usually set aside just one day for it, but life’s been zooming by, and I […]

Hi there! As November wraps up, my wife and I are in the thick of a tough stretch dealing with our child’s sleep troubles. It’s been a whirlwind of sleepless nights, messed-up routines, and overeating. But oddly enough, I wouldn’t swap this chaos for anything else. Sometimes, just rolling with the chaos without stressing over […]

To Err is Human

Hi there! Winter has arrived in Eindhoven, bringing a week-long spell of continuous rain and gradually dropping temperatures. With shorter days, the sun sets earlier than anticipated, and the nights are misty and chilly. Today, I want to talk about “to err is Human” but first…. Weekly Inventory Check Have you successfully reached your goal, […]

Quality Matters

Hi there! We are in the second week of November. This month has been super important for me because it has been all about maintaining foundations that I tried to build earlier in the year. After my mom left, I really needed to get back into a routine. So, I made some decisions. I’m making […]

Hi there! Daylight savings has changed my daily routine a lot. Now, it gets dark early in the evening, around 5 PM, but it’s getting a bit lighter earlier in the mornings. So, my mornings are improving, but my evenings are getting worse because by the time I get done with the work, it’s already […]

Hi there! October is ending, and it was a crazy month for me. My mom visited, I broke my no-sugar rule several times, and both my daughter and I fell ill. Dealing with all these challenges made it hard to stick to my routine and stay disciplined. Today, I want to talk about how being […]

Treadmill of Self-Improvement

Hi there! It’s the last week of October, and it’s finally getting cold here in Eindhoven. The chilly weather seems to have come later than usual this year. Climate change is definitely real. I didn’t expect to experience such high temperatures this year. Today, let’s discuss the concept of the “hedonic treadmill” in self-improvement but […]

Life without a Smartphone

Hi there! We are halfway through October, but Eindhoven’s weather is unusually warm. This is the warmest October I’ve seen in the past six years. I’m having an amazing time with my family, especially because my mom is visiting and meeting my daughter for the first time. I’m really cherishing these moments and appreciating life. […]

Hi there! October has started, and I hope your month is going better than mine. My wife and I have taken on the challenge of not eating out, and honestly, it’s tough. Not being able to enjoy takeout and having to cook at home is becoming quite challenging. Plus, we miss all the junk food […]

Mastering Discipline

Hi there! I celebrated my first birthday with my daughter this week and it has been a wonderful experience. Today I want to talk about discipline and how it’s not always going to be perfect but first…. Weekly Inventory Check September is over, and now we are heading towards October. When a new month begins, […]

The Mind-Body Connection

Hi there! We are in the last week of September and the rainy season is in full swing here! Today, I want to talk about physical self-care and its impact on our mental health while sharing my personal experience but first.. Weekly Inventory Check It’s the last week of September and the rainy season is […]

Achievements in Society

Hi there! Today, I want to talk about the concept of achievements in society and how it’s linked to the rise of narcissism but first.. Weekly Inventory Check We’re in the third week of September, and autumn is approaching in the Netherlands. Are you making progress on the goals you set for this month, or […]

The Yardstick of Comparison

Hi there! Today, I want to write about the common habit of comparing ourselves to others and why it’s often more productive to use ourselves as our own yardstick. But first… Weekly Inventory Check We’re well into September, the 9th month of the year, which means it’s a good time to reflect on our yearly […]

Dirty Hands Problem

Hi there! September is on us and it’s a special one for me as it is my birthday month. And this year I am even more excited because I will get to celebrate it with my daughter. Although, we won’t be able to dine out or do anything fancy but it’s simple moments spent together […]

Balancing Ambition and Life

Hi there! As we wrap up August, I can’t help but notice how quickly time has passed. It feels like just yesterday when it was January, but here we are, almost at the end of another month. This last week of August marks the conclusion of the eighth month of the year, bringing us closer […]

Altruistic Motivation

Hi there! It’s August and things have been busy for me as I return to work after a break. I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions, guilty to restart work but also excited because sometimes you need that mental stimulus besides being engaged with the baby chores – which brings me to the topic. Today, […]

Charity

Hi there! August is in full swing and the weather here in the Netherlands is getting much warmer compared to July, which was cooler. I am not aware how climate change works but this sure, is something interesting.I’m officially going back to work now, after a really nice month off at home, enjoying time with […]

Parenting and Ambitions

Hi there! August has started and things are getting cool here in Netherlands so let see what this month has in store for us. Today, I want to talk about the concept of Parenting and Ambitions but first… Weekly inventory check As we draw the curtain on another month, it’s time for a formal review […]

Embracing Parenthood

As we enter the final week of July, I find myself reflecting on the natural progression of life and the adjustments I’m making to embrace this significant new change: welcoming a baby into my life. And that’s exactly what I want to discuss today but first.. Weekly inventory check As we conclude yet another month, […]

Time Management

July is nearly over, and with its conclusion comes the end of the month in which my daughter was born. I couldn’t be more thrilled despite the sleepless nights; it’s all been worth it. Now, as we move on to discussing time management, especially as a parent, I find it crucial to understand these aspects […]

Nuance

This weekend, my precious little one entered the world and joined our family. I am filled with immense joy as I embark on this journey of fatherhood. Today, I would like to address a prevalent issue in our society—the absence of nuance—and discuss ways in which we can work towards its improvement. However, before delving […]

Facts and Opinions

Hello, there. I hope your July has started well. I am waiting patiently for my little one to arrive – our due date is just around the corner, so I am really excited. Today I want to summarise the discussion that we had in our first ever podcast that was on facts and opinions – […]

Cultural Empathy

June has officially ended and summer is in full swing. Today, I want to talk about cultural empathy and how we need to be aware of the concept while living in a multicultural environment. But before we do that, let’s delve into the weekly inventory check. Weekly Inventory Check: Another month has ended and that […]

June is almost ending and with that, our house is ready for the arrival of the third family member. Today, I want to discuss pressures that are on you as an individual but before we do that, let’s dive into the weekly inventory check. Weekly Inventory Check: June is near to an end and it’s […]

Biases and Lens

Officially this is the last month before my parenthood begins and I am nervous and excited at the same time. Moving on to today’s topic, I want to discuss the concept of bias and your own lens in life Weekly Inventory Check: We’re about halfway through June, and in the summer, people often don’t feel […]

I hope your start of June is going great and you’re achieving what you have planned for the summer. Today I want to talk about an interesting topic. Before we begin.. Weekly Inventory Check: There’s a fresh perspective on goal setting that goes beyond the typical weekly, monthly, or yearly approach. It’s the concept of […]

The month of June has started and summer vacations are on us. What are your plans? Before we dive into our topic for today lets pause for our weekly inventory check.. Weekly Inventory Check: As we enter the month of June, a fresh set of goals awaits us. Have you taken the opportunity to reflect […]

Digital Minimalism

Weekly Inventory Check: The Month has ended, you know what that means. Review, Recuperate, and Renew. Check what was done, what wasn’t done and why. And start planning for the new one. Digital Minimalism Recently, I have been too hooked to my phone, and technology in general. As unbelievable as it sounds, I used to […]

Tradeoffs

Hi there! We have reached the middle of May, and there are only 9 weeks left until my life changes for the better (I cannot wait). I hope you also have something to look forward to this summer. Everything in life comes with trade-offs, such as me having a baby and sacrificing my sleep, but […]

Foundations of Learning

Hi there! May has arrived and with it, the sun is shining in Eindhoven. However, the weather is in-between; it’s too chilly for t-shirts, but too warm for jackets. I’m looking forward to warmer weather, so I don’t have to carry a jacket in my arms. Before we dive into our topic for today lets […]

The Feedback You Need: How to Filter for Growth

The Feedback You Need: How to Filter for Growth

Does Context Really Matter? A Fresh Take on Decision-Making

When Life Hits Pause: How to Bounce Back and Keep Moving Forward

Do You Feel Lonely While Being Surrounded With People? Here’s Why.

Behind the Scenes: My TEDx Journey and The Power of Accountability

Balancing Individuality and Community: The Role of Compromise in Relationships

Beyond the Bias: Understanding the Other Side

Embrace the Unknown: Insights on Personal Growth and Risk-Taking from an Expat’s Journey

Setting Boundaries

The Hustle Dilemma

Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Insights

Perspectives on Democracy and Media Integrity

Embracing the Art of Acting on Incomplete Information

Embracing Balance

Reflections on Fatherhood

The Myth of Shortcuts to Success

Mental Masturbation

Crafting Your Own Luck

The Human Connection Chronicle

Time Billionaire

Exploring Hustle Culture

A Great Reset

TEDxEindhoven Pitch Day

Impact of family in a community

Embracing the Rhythm of Time

Perspective and lens

Reflections From Japan

Embracing Different Lenses

Habitual Automation

Rediscovering Emotional Intimacy

Reflections on Personal Style

Navigating Life’s Continuum

Incorporating Mindful Living

Mapping the Unseen Territories of Empiricism – Part 2

Mapping the Unseen Territories of Empiricism

Embracing Discipline in Chilly Challenges

Decision Paralysis

Resilience in Parenthood

Focus Forward

Reflecting on 2023

Responsibility vs. Reassurance

Planning and Life

What does it mean to live a meaningful life?

Not everyone waves, but almost everyone waves back

To Err is Human

Quality Matters

Navigating Life’s “Prickles”

The Power of Collective Genius

Treadmill of Self-Improvement

Life without a Smartphone

Finding Strength Through Stories of Resilience

Mastering Discipline

The Mind-Body Connection

Achievements in Society

The Yardstick of Comparison

Dirty Hands Problem

Balancing Ambition and Life

Altruistic Motivation

Charity

Parenting and Ambitions

Embracing Parenthood

Time Management

Nuance

Facts and Opinions

Cultural Empathy

Peer Pressure Surrounding You

Biases and Lens

Cancelling vs. Holding People Responsible

Empowering an Informed Society

Digital Minimalism

Tradeoffs

Foundations of Learning

Scroll to Top