#436: SPOTLIGHT: Muayyad Al-Chalabi

#436: Muayyad Al-Chalabi 

Aug 5, 2025

A Backbeat of Community 

Question for Muayyad:

 What is one thing that is small and perhaps nuanced or surprising and perhaps typically sub conscious that you can tell drives you each day ? 

Muayyad's Response:  

Have you heard of Kairos? It’s an ancient Greek word that means the opportune time to make a decision or take action. It’s different from Chronos, which is just the order of things.

Instead of following the clock, I try to find Kairos moments every morning. These are fleeting parts of my routine that feel meaningful or just right for something special. They’re not dictated by the clock, but by a sense of opportunity. These moments can break the usual flow and add a touch of joy or connection to the start of the day. Here are some ideas:

· Sharing a heartfelt laugh over breakfast — a moment of genuine connection.

· Noticing how the sunrise hits a particular object — a fleeting visual to appreciate.

· Taking a quiet moment to reflect — a purposeful pause.

· Having an unexpected burst of inspiration or a creative idea — a moment of mental clarity that feels opportune.

· Observing nature outside the window — like a bird singing... a moment of connection with the natural world.

· Breaking out of self-absorption to help someone — this shifts my focus away from my to-do list and creates a moment of outward focus and empathy. It’s a feeling of contribution and purpose.

These Kairos moments are subtle and can be missed if I'm too focused on a strict timeline. The act of “finding” them is a conscious effort to be present and receptive to these opportunities for richer, more meaningful experiences within the ordinary. It’s about allowing for spontaneity and recognizing the significance of those unscripted moments that can elevate the start of my day.