Author: Mindful Team

Bali is one of those rare destinations that truly has it all – sun-kissed beaches, emerald-green rice terraces, spiritual retreats, and a vibrant art scene. It’s no wonder couples from around the world consider it the ultimate honeymoon escape. When I chose Bali, I wasn’t just looking for a beautiful place to relax; I wanted a destination that seamlessly blends nature, culture, adventure, and wellness in a way few others can. From the moment we touched down in Bali—following a journey through Kuala Lumpur that included a short layover—the island’s magic began to reveal itself. At the airport, we were…

Review by Rameesha Aman Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel “Gone with the Wind” captures everything that makes up life. In recent years, it’s been criticized for its portrayal of slavery, race issues, and the Confederacy. Despite this, it endures as a grand tale of eloquent love, the pursuit of happiness in the direst circumstances, and the unyielding human will to overcome overwhelming odds. Gone with the Wind follows Scarlett O’Hara, a tempestuous, stubborn, and strong-willed heroine. Scarlett is as unforgettable as any character in classical fiction, and it is perhaps her flaws that make her one of the most compelling female…

By Justice (R) Irshad Hasan KhanFormer Chief Justice of Pakistan IntroductionAmong the modern voices of Islamic reflection that combine poetic expression with profound theological insight, Misbah Momin stands out for her distinctive spiritual clarity, emotional resonance, and reverence for sacred tradition. In her celebrated poem “The Day of Arafat”, published in Mindful (Issue 11, July–September 2025), Misbah offers not merely a literary meditation but a deeply devotional rendering of one of the holiest days in Islam. Her language is neither ornamental nor detached; it is intimate, soul-anchored, and rooted in centuries of Quranic and Prophetic heritage. Misbah writes with the tenderness of…

Supplications have a powerful way of helping establish a profound connection and mindfulness. The beauty in reciting the following Dua is in asking Allah SWT for a united family unit. To have a spouse and children that would “bring comfort” and be a positive influence on the community by being “examples for the righteous.” These are core values and ethics with which we could build our behaviors and personalities around. Rabbana hablana min azwaajina wa dhuriyyatina qurrata A’yunin waj’alna lil- muttaqina imama “Our Lord! Grant unto us spouses and offspring(s) who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give…

Each time I fly back to Lahore from Karachi, I find myself drawn to the little bookshop at Karachi airport — a quiet corner that’s become my favourite pre-flight ritual. Its hushed shelves offer a small sanctuary from the airport’s restless hum. On this visit, I picked up “The Power of Du’a” by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan and managed to read through half of it during my 90-minute journey. It was a treat — written by a convert to Islam, the book stirred a part of my mind that rarely gets its due: reflection. What struck me most was that those born into…

Meet the Dreammakers Redefining Modern Weddings In today’s vibrant wedding and event scene, creativity has become a language of its own — one that fuses tradition with bold, contemporary storytelling. From intimate nikkahs to grand, transformative wedding stages, two women have been quietly yet powerfully redefining how we celebrate. Ayesha Akram of “Daisay Dot Events” and Cyra Ali of “Caisha & Co.” have each crafted a distinct design identity in an industry overflowing with ideas. Ayesha is known for her meticulous approach to atmosphere — where every flower, hue, and light placement feels deliberate — while Cyra has become synonymous with playful color,…

Most of us grow up hearing — and often romanticising — that “some thoughts are too delicate for speech.” Yet when it comes to a lifetime of commitment, silence can be a fragile foundation. In our desi culture, marriage extends far beyond two individuals; it’s a merging of families — two khandaan — bound by tradition and religious expectation. From childhood through adolescence, cultural and religious values are quietly woven into your very DNA. Without realizing it, you carry layers of inherited beliefs and the weight of expectations that were never entirely your own. These can either quietly suffocate you…

By Advocate Maha Shafqat As a divorce lawyer, I’ve seen the grandest weddings lead to the most disastrous marriages. What many fail to realize is that a wedding is merely the prologue to the book called marriage — each chapter filled with its own highs and lows. There’s no magic formula to ensure that a marriage will last, even when everything looks perfect on paper. A happy ending can never be promised, but what can be secured is a smooth exit if things fall apart. Marriage is a gamble anywhere in the world — which is exactly why tools like…

Glittering fairy lights stretch as far as the eye can see, chandeliers hang in abundance, sofas look like they’ve been plucked from the world’s most famous palaces, and the food? Fit for royalty. This is a typical Pakistani wedding today. Let’s pause and reflect though: is all that extravagance really necessary? For many Pakistani families, weddings are no longer just celebrations — they’re financial burdens. With soaring inflation and growing social pressure to “outdo” the last event, the true essence of marriage often gets lost beneath layers of designer clothes, elaborate décor, and endless functions. A standard urban wedding in Pakistan…

By Tehreem Jamal A bridal shower is far more than a pre-wedding gathering — it’s a celebration of love, friendship, and the luminous threshold of a new chapter. Yet behind the effortless charm of a beautifully hosted affair lies meticulous planning. From budget and menu to décor and mood, every element must come together in perfect harmony. In this feature, we distill the art of hosting an unforgettable bridal shower — and unveil an intimate celebration I hosted that seamlessly wove together elegance, culture, and modern flair. 1. Set the Foundation • Choose a theme: soft pastels, boho chic, tea…