One Minute of Presence Amid the Storm

Hello my dear friends,

I hope that despite everything happening, the sadness has not fully dimmed the light of hope in your heart. History shows that darkness always tries to do this - especially on the land of Iran.

We are not the only people who have suffered cruelty, invasion, and loss. Yet again and again -through Mongols, Arabs, Alexander, and others - this land and its people have returned. Like the phoenix, rising from ashes, rebuilding life and dignity after destruction.

What is spoken about less is how these memories live inside us.

Some researchers and modern thinkers suggest that collective trauma is carried not only in history books, but in our bodies , in our nervous system, our hearts, even our genes. When painful events happen again, old wounds surface. The weight can feel overwhelming .

As many of you know, I left my corporate work in 2020 when COVID began. Since then, I’ve spent much of my time studying - philosophy, psychology, technology, and more.

Since February of last year, I’ve focused deeply on one subject: awareness - quietly and consistently.

I’m not trying to explain here what I’ve learned or convince anyone why this works.

I simply believe that anyone can spend one minute on something different from what usually

occupies us.

Real change does not begin outside us. It begins inside.

I’m simply sharing a small, quiet practice.

It belongs to no religion, no politics, and no group. It does not require belief.

You don’t need to believe in anything for this to work.

What matters is repetition and numbers.

When more people pause together- even for one minute - something shifts.

Not as a belief or ritual, but simply as shared attention - a quiet act that can bring us together again, and gently remind us of what it feels like to be proud of our Iranian roots through collaboration, not division.

This practice is held with one clear intention:

no hate, no bad wishes - toward anyone.

Only a pause from judgment, blame, and anger, even if just for a minute. For that one minute, just try to feel love, for your wife or husband, for your baby , your friends, or pets.

The practice:

Every night at 10:00 PM Tehran time,

for one minute:

• Sit quietly

• Bring gentle attention to your heart and your breathing

• Imagine a soft light entering through the top of your head

• Let it pass through your heart, through your body, and down into the earth

That’s all. One minute.

If it feels right, set your clock, invite others, and begin.

You can do this with any background or belief.

you’re welcome to join, share it, or adapt it in your own way.

No pressure. No explanations. Just presence.

With love 🤍

Jan 22 2026 - Toronto