Page 19 - Issue217

ـه1441 بـــجر Forum 19
م2020 س�راـــم 217

a dilemma ThRough Time:
Books oR movies? The saudi hospiTaliTy

Written By: Rida Khan
Do you remember the last time you watched a movie? Were you at the edge Written by: Ahmed Gammash Moreover, there is the infamous Arabian incense known
of your seat as the intense scene played out or bawling your eyes out over the No doubt that traditions and etiquette differ from one for its persistent usage in most traditional occasions.
death of your ‘bias’? Indeed, films with their extraordinary audio-visual effects, country to the other, but what’s common between all Oud and incense are two of the distinctive features of
have an ability to sweep you away from reality. Movies are just great, aren’t they? Arab countries is the great hospitality and generosity the Saudi house because of their exotic feel and unique
Nonetheless, books are better as they let you become the wizard that brings about to their guests. These are inherited ethics followed fragrance. That’s why incense is found abundantly in
a revolution or a half-blood fulfilling a prophecy; they allow you to apprehend, until today. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, hospitality many houses, parties, weddings, and family gatherings.
perceive and appreciate every moment. Although some young adults disagree, traditions differ from one region to the other and It is customary to make sure you burn the incense in an
reading books is far more superior to watching movies because reading, along from one family to the other. Still, there are some adorned censer before the guests arrive to fill the room
with stimulating one’s creativity, enhances the quality of life. common traditions followed by all Saudi such as the with its aroma.
Essentially, reading books greatly stimulates one’s creativity by using smart drinks, Arabian coffee, and dates. There are some Furthermore, there is the long-established “Tea after
rhetoric. For instance, in Veronica Roth’s bestseller- Divergent, “the aptitude test” Arabian etiquettes for serving coffee that are passed Dinner.” After serving the dinner, invite the guests to
has been described exceptionally, with such precise details that you witness the from generation to the others, and one of the most the table and help them get seated comfortably. You
entire scene unfold right in front of you. “A good book is like the door to another important ones is pouring the coffee with the left hand, can also introduce the main dishes to them and then
world, the beginning of an adventure that you may share with hundreds of other filling a third of the cup and serving the cup with the start serving the food. Juices and green or red tea
people reading the same book, but it is unique to you and your own imagination.” right hand leaning towards your guest so that they can be served with dessert after dinner. Note that
Furthermore, readers can experience a worthwhile story at their own pace. When don’t need to exert effort to take it. After that, you tea works as a wonderful enhancer for digestion, and
one reads, they explore the minds of the characters, connect with them and serve a plate of dates or desserts and hand your guest that’s why it’s one of the best things to drink following
become a part of the story. a napkin. Avoid making your guests pour the coffee a traditional and cordial Saudi dinner. These are some
Another exemplary advantage of reading books is that it enhances the quality of themselves. It’s also recommended that you fill the of the fundamental Saudi traditions of hospitality that
life as one adopts lessons from the story. The non-fiction genre of books like Helen coffee three times, and then serve the juice. However, may differ from one house to the other, but they all
Keller’s The Story of My Life, and Malala Yousafzai’s I am Malala- are excellent in some regions, you can start with the juice and then aim at serving the guest as generously as possible and
examples of life-changing publications. These women, despite facing atrocious serve the coffee afterwards. making them feel as welcome as possible.
situations, battled head on with strong wills and inspired millions with their
stories. Even among fiction, one of the many lessons we learn from The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho is- “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life
interesting.” Accordingly, readers learn to cope with real-world problems better as
they have experienced them through books countless times.
Movie enthusiasts claim that, films have the phenomenal ability to stir the
audience with their exceptional audio-visual effects; they are like a well shook
bottle of soda which on opening, explodes and grabs us, by surprise. Moreover,
films being time oriented, with their remarkable
framework leave a person dumbstruck as they experience bursts of emotions in
seconds. An article says, “Films are great, but they just don't have the same... The Recipe
inclusion that books have. You're merely an observer: you aren't feeling everything
the character feels, aren't reading every single one of their innermost thoughts, all FoR happiness Written by: Rida Khan
of their doubts and fears and hopes.”
In summary, reading books enhances one’s creativity and improves their wellbeing. JK Rowling wrote in Harry Potter your mood”. Knowing that there programming to be kind and help
Reading is a blissful experience as the books pull us into the story, give us incredible and the Prisoner of Azkaban are many techniques one can use humanity. For example, helping
power and deeply enlighten us. “Happiness can be found, even in to achieve happiness pushes us to a charity organization brings a
Finally, as a cherry on top, here are some wonderful book suggestions for all the the darkest of times, if one only work towards it. Young people like satisfaction one cannot achieve
readers out there: remembers to turn on the light”. myself believe, taking the decision through other means.
- Percy Jackson (Series) by Rick Riordan The phenomenon of being happy to make a change in your life is the Happiness is a blessed feeling that
- Five Kingdoms (Series) by Brandon Mull is one that all of humanity has first step and the method to do so can change our lives; it is necessary
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini experienced in some or many parts follows. for the betterment of humanity.
Read them, trust me, you will not be disappointed! of their life and this experience has The next step is to Love yourself This feeling connects us and brings
also shown that the feeling is not through appreciation. No matter us peace and satisfaction. For any
continuous. This feeling is one that how small a task is or how silly kind of development, we all must
brings people together regardless everything you have accomplished work towards happiness.
of their differences and gives seems, it is essential to praise Don’t worry, Be Happy!
them inner satisfaction – which is yourself. This should be done daily,
a great need of today. To achieve preferably every night before going
happiness, we can follow these to bed one must re-evaluate all
scientifically proven techniques. the tasks they have completed
Primarily, we must learn to accept and award themselves to reach
that the circumstances are not in satisfaction. Keeping a journal is a
our favor. This acceptance will then helpful technique to maintain and
clear the path for us to make the regulate one’s mood.
necessary changes in our life and as Finally, another technique to
we employ our willpower and keep achieve happiness in life is to help
going, the process will eventually others. According to research,
lead us to happiness. David Robson “selfless acts not only increase
(2018) reports “the scientific field the well-being of those around
of so-called ‘positive psychology’ is you, they consistently boost your
now 20 years old and has provided own mood too.” As humans, it has
countless techniques to boost been instilled in our fundamental