Life in Stillness | The Universe's Vacation / by Hussein Abdullahi

Over the last month, life has taken a couple of strange turns. Given the time of today’s climate we are facing a global pandemic with the COVID-19, also we are witnessing a world REVOLUTION. The excessive forms of racial discrimination how reached an all-time high, the death of George Floyd has awakened our nation from a global level. During these unprecedented times a few consistent themes that I’ve kept at the top of my mind HUMAN CONNECTION, HEALTHY DIALOGUE, and ADAPTATION.

HUMAN CONNECTION

First, Human communication. This Covid-19 experience has brought an illuminating light in various areas of our daily lives. Often as individuals, we are so accustomed to being on-the-go that we tend to turn a blind’s eye to cultivating human connections. Life in quarantine has presented a golden opportunity for people to develop a deeper sense of human connection with their peers, friends, and family members. With the increasing number of deaths revolving around Covid-19, individuals have shown empathy and strive to make a more conscientious effort to reach out to others. Self-Quarantine has its perks, I’ve felt the need to take a break away from my work so I can reconnect with my friends and family members. Putting the effort into making a phone call, sending a text message or an email can change the dynamics of a friendship, relationship, and connection. Let continue to lead with humanity!

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CONNECT

Take the time to check-in with your loved ones on a daily basis. Don’t underestimate the power of human connection.
— Hussein Abdullahi

Healthy Dialogue

During today’s world climate, our culture has been brainwashed to follow a trend in the current social revolution. The vast majority of the black community has been fighting against an alarming rate of racial discrimination, police brutality, and systemic racism. It’s time that our race must collectively stand together and create spaces that enforce healthy dialogue. According to the report of music and entertainment, the average individual watches 11 hours of TV so entertainers have a strong influence on what we consume on a daily basis. As humans, our daily interactions are influenced by several components such as our environment, social circle, and human interactions.

Through our digital platform here at TGQ Inc., we strategized several ways to combat for our fellow members of the black community. We launched our first podcast title Culture Conversation hosted by Founder @twingq, our objective is to create a safe space for healthy dialogue. Each week the podcast has a featured guest from a diverse industry across the sports + business field, discussing topics on cultural capital, social justice, and sports. Our long list of honorable guests includes SLAM creative producer & LeagueFits founder Ian Pierno (@ianpierno), NBATV Host Akil Augustine (@akilaugustine), Toronto basketball legend Myck Kabongo (@kabongoonfire), Toronto Entrepreneurs Randy Osei (@randyrozaay), Antwi Atuahene (@noiretnoire), + more. Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM ET. vi Instagram Live. Culture Conversation is available across major streaming platforms.

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@akilaugustine

H/T:Culture Conversation

Episode 1: Ft. Nathaniel Elliot, Randy Osei, Antwi Atuahene

Episode 2: Ft. James Clark (@clarkj22)

Episode 3: Ft. Watswitandy, Ian Pierno, Bernard Bowen

Episode 4: Ft. Charlie Max Torres (@bucketsworth)

Episode 5: Ft. Warren Ward (@warrenward10)

Episode 6: Ft. Myck “2-EZ” Kabongo (@kabongonfire)

Episode 7: Ft. Matt Manhire (@mattmanhire)

Episode 8: Ft. Akil Augustine (@akilaugustine)

Episode 9: Ft. Antwi Atuahene (@noiretnoire)

Episode 10: Ft. Tut Ruach (@tutmyownhorn)

Healing for everyone looks different and when you heal, you’ll become your highest self and a clear example of what to be.
— Akil Augustine (NBATV Host + NBA Reporter)

Adaptation

With the recurring effects of COVID-19, unique challenges leave humans in a state of discomfort, vulnerability, and unease. Instead, coping during this pandemic has become the new norm for many individuals, One word to describe the emotional repercussions is Adaptation. To attack Covid-19 head-on, we must Adapt to the current normalities of this pandemic, millions of individuals are fighting the same fight globally. The new norm for working, shopping, travelling, exercising, + more has changed the dynamics of our world, confining to a life where social distancing is at the forefront.

The renowned political activist George Bernard Shaw once quoted that “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. ” With that being said, the only way we progress as a human family is by adapting to ourselves to the world’s current climate. One valuable lesson that COVID-19 has taught us is that things take time, be grateful for what you have today because tomorrow isn’t promised. The universe gave us a vacation so we must take advantage and hyper-focus on relationships with ourselves from a physical, mental, emotional, social, humanistic standpoint.

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
— George Bernard Shaw

Often as humans, we conform to a way of living where we are constantly rushing through life and neglecting the true essence of solitude. The value of time must be spent with a deep sense of appreciation, life in quarantine has taught us the true meaning of taking our time with everything we do. In retrospect, it’s great to get a hard reset coming out of quarantine life, Let’s take advantage of the opportunity the universe has created for us and cultivate a deepened sense of gratitude for our current life experiences.

Control your environment and never let your environment control you. On a positive note, we are halfway through 2020 which is a relief for most, remember on the other side of a side come a full ray of sunshine. In hindsight, we will look back at this moment in history and reflect on these times of unprecedented challenges and how it made us stronger from an elevated humanistic side. I always look at my glass half-full rather than half-empty; perspective is everything.

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ADAPTATION

Location: Top Secret


Written & Produced by TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)

Art Graphics by TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)