Where do you find quiet contemplation in Qatar?
In today's world of rushing around to meet the demands of our daily lives, we rarely have time for quiet reflection. It is important for us all to find some space for our minds to be calm and time for ourselves to be quiet, away from the demands and voices of others.
The Prophet (pbuh) said "An hour of contemplation is superior to an entire year's worship."
Finding the time for this is one thing, among work and family commitments. But we do have 24 hours in a day and if we are honest, we all waste time on social media or watching TV.
But with parks full of families on the weekends, coffee shops always busy and shopping malls buzzing with a constant carousel of entertainment and activities, finding the space may not be so easy.
It is almost impossible to find true isolation but these are my favourite places for self reflection and contemplation:
Museum of Islamic Art Park
Although busy with families at times, the mornings here are quiet and sitting under a tree, or looking out across the water can bring a sense of inner peace and well being.
The Desert
Its not always easy to find an accessible place in the desert where you can be alone. But if you can find a quiet spot away from the popular areas, the desert is a perfect place for contemplation. There is no peace like desert peace.
The Pearl
This may be a surprising choice, but early on a Friday morning, it is possible to find a spot to sit and look out across the marina and simply be. Make sure to finish your reflection time before the piped music starts.
The Corniche
Taking a walk around the Corniche in the early morning or evening is a good chance to cleanse the mind while taking gentle exercise. Alternatively, one can sit and watch the dhows sailing in and out, and watch the waves lap against the promenade.
Do you have any tips for places to go for quiet contemplation in Qatar?
You can read more about my life in Qatar in my blog – Dear Doha Diary
An hour in the morning before the sunrises in a peaceful atmosphere of a Masjid with no mobile phone or any other gadget just thinking about the blessings of The Creator on you freshens the mind for whole day.
I am happier to see others happy .........................
I just spend an hour every friday, watching the plants and birds in the backyard of my villa. Its truly relaxing. And yes, your mobile phone and other gadgets are not in the viscinity.
I love my alone time and my idea of it is late night drives on the outer highways...with or without music...windows up or down...just me, my car and the open road...everything behind me and equally everything ahead of me... Good post, just the kind I enjoy :-)
As I said, it depends on the time of day. Early enough, and its possible..... But Im sure there are other places that may be better - Id love to hear about them.
Great stuff but with all due respect, quiet contemplation is not easy at the Corniche or The Pearl