“Close your eyes and get into your postures,” calls out the voice, resonating with calmness. “Straight back and feet on the floor. Begin to connect with your breath.
“As you breathe in, call upon the perfection of mercy and as you breathe out, call upon the perfection of compassion.”
The room falls silent. Cars whisper past nine storeys below, muffled by thick glass windows. The central air conditioning grows into a drone set against the uncluttered mind’s silence.
“Once you’re settled, bring to mind an image of your most dear loved one, the person with whom you carry the deepest affection and in your mind, repeat with me: ‘May you be well, may you be happy, may you be safe, may you live with ease’.”
Thus begins the boundless friendliness practice, a meditation method used to stave off ill will towards others.
It is a technique that Amanda Lindhout, a former hostage, is keen to share with others, to demonstrate the power of forgiveness.
“Feel the sense of love and affection filling your body, as you connect with these feelings. Shift your focus to yourself and, again, in your mind, repeat: ‘May I be well, may I be happy, may I be safe, may I live with ease’.
“Now, lastly, imagine a person towards whom you harbour some resentment. Begin to direct a feeling of compassion and well wishes for them, as you repeat after me in your mind: ‘May we be well, may we be happy, may we be safe, may we live with ease’.”
The glamorous Lindhout holds her head high as she speaks. Her audience weeps and thanks her for sharing her experiences. “I will keep this with me forever,” says one person.
Lindhout, 33, has achieved much since a US$1million (Dh3.6m) ransom was paid to secure her release in 2009.
She founded the Global Enrichment Foundation to cultivate peace and leadership in Somalia, and is a member of the Women’s Executive Network, which voted her one of the most powerful women in the world. She has also contributed to many other humanitarian causes.
Lindhout's memoir, A House in the Sky, documents her painful transformation from soul searcher to world changer, and made The New York Times Best Seller List. It has won awards and options have been bought for a feature film. But the Canadian is just getting started.
“I have lived through something really extraordinary and I have learnt a lot, so I feel a certain sense of responsibility to share what I learnt,” she says. “Of course, I have the choice to either do nothing with this story, and just sort of sit on it and live with it personally, or to share what I learnt with other people.”
Although today she is synonymous with strength in the face of adversity, Lindhout spent much of her life searching for a higher purpose. In her youth, she worked as a cocktail waitress, saving tips to travel across Latin America, Laos, Bangladesh, India, Sudan, Syria and Pakistan.
She sensed her future lay in journalism, although she had no formal training. It was a decision that saw her travel to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, where she began reporting for Press TV, the Iranian state-backed news channel.
But this career change also led her on a fateful expedition to Somalia where she hoped to freelance with her former partner, photojournalist Nigel Brennan. After just four days, the pair were kidnapped by members of the Somalian Hizbul Islam insurgent group, who held them captive for more than 15 months.
“For many, many, many months in captivity, I was angry. Those first seven months, I was just furious and full of, not even just anger, but self-pity and regret, and all these negative emotions, which do not feel good inside of you,” says Lindhout.
She was routinely tortured, beaten and sexually assaulted, particularly after an escape attempt in early 2009. Her internal suffering eventually snowballed and began to cripple her, to the point where she became ill and was constantly in pain.
But after seven months of “cultivating” such negative feelings she says she had a breakthrough, almost halfway through her 460-day captivity, when she began to see those holding her hostage as damaged human beings.
“I had a moment with one of my captors, where I just understood that he was a human being with a painful story of his own; that a person who hurts another is always hurting from a place of their own suffering.
“A person who is happy and healthy has no desire, nor capacity, to hurt another human being.”
The realisation was surprising and confusing to her, but immediately provided relief from her own internal negativity, and she began actively pursuing this empathy. Such compassion for her captors did not come easy but it was something she “just had to learn” for her own survival. Although she was spiritual in her 20s, she says captivity provided the opportunity to practise the true power of positive thinking, affirmations and visualisations.
“I have learnt the very hard way the value of forgiveness, but was I before this experience someone who applied and practised what I knew about spirituality?” says Lindhout. “Was I an especially forgiving person? No, I was just like everybody else.
“But because of what I went through, I had to learn how to cultivate that inside of myself, so as not to be limited and bound by what happened to me.”
She was able to see through her captors and realise that the degree to which they enacted suffering was a reflection of their own suffering. In their case, she states, “it was so clear they were products of a war-torn environment who were very damaged individuals”.
Lindhout now spends much of her time jet-setting around the world to tell her story, although she makes the most of her stints back home in Canada.
Some of her forgiveness exercises are based in Buddhist methodology, drawing on meditation, breathing exercises, visualisation, mantras and other techniques.
She coaxes her audiences into dipping their toes into the world of mindfulness, to great effect. Many seem to emerge from their brief meditations pleasantly surprised at the resulting calm.
Lindhout has various methods for maintaining peace and harmony.
“I don’t use the same one every day, and actually the thing that I do for myself every morning isn’t something that I lead everybody through, but it’s a visualisation technique. That’s what I did in captivity.”
She says she tries to picture not just her kidnappers, but anyone she is feeling anger towards and who she would like to forgive.
“I’m not saying that every day I’ve forgiven, but I’ve come a long way. It’s much easier than it was for me three years ago. It’s been five-and-a-half years and it gets easier and easier.”
Other recent developments in the same period have proven difficult to deal with. Lindhout says she is always deeply troubled to learn of the fates of other captives, such as the western journalists murdered in the desert by ISIL.
She also once had a knife pressed to her throat in the middle of the desert and now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“They put me on the phone with my mother,” says Lindhout. “I thought I was going to die like that, and as these terrible stories have come out of the Middle East, of course I feel incredibly lucky to be alive, and incredibly sad for those families, but it brings back the trauma of my own kidnapping. It’s very hard.”
But she remains determined to spread positive change through her work, which she calls “compassion in action”, and says it is only made possible through the choice she makes every day to forgive and seek compassion. This, she says, helps her to cleanse herself and delivers freedom from negativity.
“You move through life holding on to your resentments and bitterness, and you think that’s normal. It’s only because I went through something so heavy and so severe that I realised I needed to do that. But then you realise that it applies to everything in life, all of the daily little things.”
Anger, Lindhout believes, is a big problem in the world.
“When we can learn to cultivate peace inside of ourselves and learn to let go of all the little things, like the driver who cut you off, or big things like what I went through, and when you can have peace within yourself, you then contribute to living within a peaceful community, a peaceful country, a peaceful planet.
“That’s what we have the power to do, as individuals.”
halbustani@thenational.ae
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Spec%20sheet
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7%22%20Retina%20HD%2C%201334%20x%20750%2C%20625%20nits%2C%201400%3A1%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20A15%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%204-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%2C%20f%2F1.8%2C%205x%20digital%20zoom%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%2B%40%2024%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%2B%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%20HD%2B%40%2030%20fps%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFront%20camera%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7MP%2C%20f%2F2.2%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3B%20HD%20video%2B%40%2030fps%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2015%20hours%20video%2C%2050%20hours%20audio%3B%2050%25%20fast%20charge%20in%2030%20minutes%20with%2020W%20charger%3B%20wireless%20charging%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Touch%20ID%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP67%2C%20dust%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%201m%20for%2030%20minutes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C849%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Guardians%20of%20the%20Galaxy%20Vol%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJames%20Gunn%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chris%20Pratt%2C%20Zoe%20Saldana%2C%20Dave%20Bautista%2C%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Bradley%20Cooper%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Lady Parma, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Tabernas, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash.
2.45pm: Handicap Dh95,000 1,200m
Winner: Night Castle, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,400m
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Mutawakked, Szczepan Mazur, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Tafaakhor, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Cranesbill, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
