Lifestyle
Representing Transition: Fatma Al Shebani Bridges Tradition and Modernity Through Her Art
Few countries have undergone such rapid and dramatic transformation in such a short period of time as Qatar, a former British territory that, in just a few decades, developed from an overlooked backwater situated on the Persian Gulf to the wealthiest country in the world per capita. Likewise, few artists have captured the essence of this metamorphosis, both in its celebration of change and its retention of tradition, as masterfully as Fatma Al Shebani.
Al Shebani’s career took off after the artist decided to leave teaching for good in 2007. An untimely divorce granted her the opportunity to explore her own future in ways previously unconsidered. In 1994, Al Shebani received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Qatar University and quickly established her unique voice, developing a style that bridges time itself to reflect the ethos of a society in transition.
Al Shebani’s preferred mediums include resin, bronze, and stainless steel; strong materials that mirror the internal strength of the many powerful women in her life. As a child, she would often visit the metal and concrete factory her father owned and managed, forming, from a young age, a special relationship with these various elements. Through them, Al Shebani brings wondrous visions and dreams to life. Generally, her work seeks to crystalize memories of the past and its traditions in a style that reflects the contemporary realities of Qatari life.
The concept of clothing as a lens through which one experiences culture re-emerges time and time again through her portfolio. In her ‘Bokhnaq’ series, Al Shebani reimagines the traditional garb of young girls to create statues that capture the essence of childhood, reinforcing this idea by positioning the figures in settings that add to the sense of freedom, play, and child-like joy inherent in the pieces. Her ‘Batoula’ sculptures transplant intimate memories from childhood into the present, specifically when Al Shebani would peek under the batoula of her mother or grandmother to look and touch their faces and connect with a part of their identities reserved only for those closest to them.
Together, the two series paint a visceral portrait of traditional imaginings of Qatari womanhood: the cultural dress of women both before and after marriage; outward expressions of identity as one transitions from youth into adulthood. In this sense, Al Shebani’s work acts to preserve memory. She succeeds in reimagining tradition in a form that reflects the contemporary reality of Doha’s shimmering skyline of towering steel skyscrapers; in a form more palatable to audiences of the 21st century.
Other works draw direct inspiration from interpretations of Qatari nationhood. Al Adiyat 9 reproduces the words of the Quran’s surah Al Adiyat in the form of sculpture, while simultaneously illustrating the experience of Qatar as a nation racing quickly into its own notions of modernity. Commissioned to honor the drafting of the country’s 2004 constitution. Al Adiyat 9 serves as a powerful testament to the speed of Qatar’s development, the proud history her people have managed to bring into the present, as well as the boundless opportunities that still lie ahead.
Born into a generation destined to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, Al Shebani has emerged as one of the most prolific Qatari artists of the past 20 years. She has solidified her role as a sort of ‘voice of the nation’, offering the people of Qatar, through her art, a powerful narrative that reflects both the challenges and promises of prosperity that have come to characterize the country’s collective experience of the past 50 years.
To learn more about Fatma Al Shebani and her work, reach out on social media.
Lifestyle
The Power of Integration: Fred A. Kressaty’s Inner Harmony Redefines Emotional and Spiritual Growth
In today’s world, personal growth often feels fragmented. Self-help trends lean heavily toward emotional intelligence (EQ) or spirituality but rarely explore how these powerful forces can work together.
Fred A. Kressaty’s book, Inner Harmony: Mastering Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence, bridges this gap, presenting a revolutionary approach to achieving balance and purpose.
By merging emotional and spiritual development, Fred provides readers with a comprehensive framework for managing life’s challenges with resilience and authenticity.
This innovative perspective has made Inner Harmony a standout in the crowded self-help genre, earning it a place on the shelves of readers seeking practical and profound guidance for living a fulfilled life.
The Missing Link Between Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence
While emotional intelligence emphasizes understanding and managing one’s emotions, spiritual intelligence leads to finding more profound meaning and purpose. These two intelligences are often treated as separate paths, but Fred argues they are deeply intertwined.
In Inner Harmony, he reveals how integrating EQ and SQ leads to holistic well-being, clarity, inner peace, and stronger relationships.
Fred explains that EQ helps us journey through the external world—our relationships, professional lives, and personal goals—while SQ connects us to the internal world of values, beliefs, and purpose.
By blending these intelligences, we can achieve a state of “inner harmony” that aligns our actions with our more profound truths.
The Practical Framework of Inner Harmony
One of the book’s key strengths is its practicality. Fred doesn’t just discuss theories; he offers readers a step-by-step guide to applying EQ and SQ principles in everyday life.
The book introduces readers to tools like mindfulness practices, emotional regulation techniques, and values-based decision-making. These methods help individuals build resilience, strengthen relationships, and lead more intentional lives.
The chapter on resilience is particularly impactful. It shows how emotional intelligence can help individuals bounce back from setbacks, while spiritual intelligence offers the perspective needed to find meaning in challenges.
Fred’s approach empowers readers to see adversity not as a roadblock but as an opportunity for growth.
Empathy and Connection: The Heart of Inner Harmony
Empathy is one of the book’s central themes, and Fred explores it through the lens of both EQ and SQ. Emotional intelligence enables us to understand others’ feelings, while spiritual intelligence helps us approach those feelings with compassion and a sense of interconnectedness. A dual perspective that transforms how we interact with others, fostering more profound, more meaningful connections.
Fred’s insights into authentic communication are especially relevant in today’s polarized world. By combining emotional awareness with spiritual values like patience and forgiveness, readers can approach difficult conversations with empathy and understanding, creating bridges instead of barriers.
Leadership Through EQ and SQ
Fred devotes much of the book to exploring how EQ and SQ can transform leadership. He argues that great leaders are not just emotionally intelligent—they are also spiritually grounded.
The book includes practical advice for integrating EQ and SQ into leadership practices, from using self-awareness to navigate tough decisions to employing empathy to connect with team members. Fred’s insights are backed by real-world examples, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.
The Role of Mindfulness in Integrating EQ and SQ
Mindfulness emerges as a key tool in Inner Harmony, as the bridge connecting emotional and spiritual intelligence. Fred introduces readers to mindfulness practices that enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual clarity.
By staying present and grounded, individuals can navigate their emotions more effectively and make decisions aligned with their values.
The book offers simple yet impactful exercises, such as mindful breathing and reflective journaling, that readers can incorporate into their daily routines. These practices help cultivate a sense of balance and perspective, even in the face of life’s challenges.
Why Inner Harmony Matters Today
Inner Harmony is a timely guide to achieving balance in an era marked by burnout, anxiety, and disconnection. Fred’s integrated approach addresses the root causes of these issues, offering readers the tools to lead more intentional and meaningful lives.
His focus on both emotional and spiritual growth ensures that the book resonates with a broad audience, from professionals seeking workplace balance to individuals looking to deepen their relationships.
The book’s emphasis on aligning actions with values is particularly impactful. In a culture that often prioritizes productivity over purpose, Inner Harmony encourages readers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
The Vision Behind the Book
Fred A. Kressaty’s motivation for writing Inner Harmony stems from his journey of transformation. After a near-death experience in 2000, he underwent a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his understanding of life’s challenges.
This moment inspired him to study the Bible, explore emotional intelligence, and ultimately develop a framework that integrates these insights.
For Fred, the book is more than a guide—it’s a mission. He hopes to empower readers to discover the tools within themselves to live with purpose, authenticity, and connection.
His approachable tone and relatable anecdotes make the book both inspiring and accessible, ensuring its message reaches those who need it most.
A Legacy of Balance and Purpose
As Fred A. Kressaty continues his work as a coach and counselor, Inner Harmony is the culmination of his life’s dedication to helping others. The book is not only a reflection of his professional expertise but also a testament to his belief in the transformative power of resilience, self-awareness, and faith.
Whether going through a personal crisis, seeking greater clarity in your relationships, or looking to lead purposefully, Inner Harmony: Mastering Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence offers a roadmap to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Fred’s story and book remind us that balance is not about perfection but about alignment. Connecting our emotional and spiritual selves creates a foundation for resilience, connection, and lasting fulfilment.
To Purchase The Book, Visit:
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