Interview on Faith

Excerpt from an interview with Anne Crossey, Swiss Radio International, Berne - (1994) on FAITH.

QUOTE

 A. You have a very flexible approach to religion. Where does that come from?
M. I was brought up in a very multi cultural multi religious background. My parents were liberal and I was exposed to many religions without any prejudice.
A. A. Did you feel confused as a child because of that?
M. For a while perhaps but I soon learned to analyze and compare and reflect on things, and realized that there was only one God so it did not really make any difference where I prayed.
A. A. Do you follow any specific religion now?
M. Well I was brought up as a Christian so its natural when I pray that I pray to Jesus but it doesn't really make any difference. I also recite Indian Hindu Mantras when I meditate and I believe in Buddha as well. I believe all prophets were messengers of God. I don't think that it makes any difference what religion or belief you follow. Its what you feel and what you do that counts.
A. Do you believe in a Higher Presence?
M. Absolutely. I have always been aware of a Higher Presence that is constantly with me. I have never any doubt on that.
A. Most Christians go to church on Sundays. How do you practice your faith and keep it alive?
M. I don’t have any specific pattern. I can go to a church or a temple. Whatever is available if and when I feel like it. I don’t have to do anything to keep my faith alive. It just is. My faith is alive and with me constantly.
A. Did you have a cultural shock when you arrive in London from Baghdad?
M. Yes I did but in a pleasant way. I was born liberated so I enjoyed my first experience of the London life very much.
A. Your time in New York was very exciting as you told me. What did New York do for you?
M. In New York I could be myself. In Baghdad I got in to a lot of trouble because of my charisma, dynamic personality, love and curiosity for life. These qualities were not desirable in a girl. Well in New York I found they appreciate these qualities, so naturally I bloomed.
A. You give workshops in Positive Thinking. This is kind of new for us here. Can you tell us what is positive thinking?
M. Positive thinking is an attitude towards life. Its an inner good feeling of belief in oneself and in one’s environment and people.
A. How can one develop a positive thinking attitude? Can you give us some tips on that?
M. Well to spend some time regularly in solitude and stillness on a daily basis. Reading books on self development on a regular basis. Taking care of one’s health and eating habits. Excercising. Surrounding oneself with positive happy people. Being open and tolerant towards others and being good to oneself. Liking oneself too. Above all observing and reflecting.
A. How do you deal with growing older?
M. I don’t! I just live my life to the full so I have no time to think about getting older. I mean it is the most natural process in life to grow older. So why should worry about it? I don’t think about my age. I believe every age has its own charm and advantages and I make the most out of the present whatever it is. I personally find the more people worry about their age the faster they look and behave older. Men and women who are active, happy with themselves and do not worry about their age, always look good and youthful. Its the attitude that counts.
A. How do you manage to do so many things, writing, painting, teaching, training, plus your family and personal life.
M. I don’t think about it I just do it. I am blessed with a lot of energy and I enjoy being active because I have many interests. I am also blessed because I don’t need much sleep. I do have times when I am less productive but that’s a part of it too because when I’m productive then I’m super productive. So I have to regenerate in between of course.

UNQUOTE