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Finding Purpose and Mission: A Conversation with Imam Adnan Wood-Smith
In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan speaks with Imam Adnan Wood-Smith about the journey of finding one's purpose and mission in life, particularly through the lens of the Islamic tradition. Adnan shares his story of growing up between the US and the UK, converting to Islam, and pursuing a career that aligns with his purpose of helping Muslim professionals reconnect with their spiritual depth. They discuss the challenges of aligning one's life with their mission, the balance between personal agency and divine will, and the spiritual tools available to maintain that alignment. Adnan also elaborates on the 'foes' that can derail one's sense of mission: feelings, outcomes, ego, and Satan. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone seeking deeper meaning and direction in their lives.
Adnan Adrian Wood-Smith is an award-winning educator, speaker, and chaplain. He has mentored hundreds of men and women at institutions such as Brown University and Zaytuna College, using insights he gained from master teachers in West Africa, the Middle East, and the US. He is currently a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at Harvard University, and is the founder of Greater, through which he coaches people who feel aimless in life to define and defend their unique mission and purpose.
Read more about Adnan’s current work: www.greaterwhy.com
https://www.youtube.com/@adnanwoodsmith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/awoodsmith/
00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast
00:51 Guest Introduction: Brother Adnan's Background
02:05 Journey to Islam: Finding Spiritual Home
07:29 Struggles and Spiritual Crisis
09:39 Discovering Islam in College
13:41 Embracing Islam and Sense of Belonging
18:53 Career Aspirations and Shifts
26:03 Family Reactions and Support
28:12 Teaching Purpose and Mission
31:58 Exploring Destiny and Time
32:39 Balancing Purpose and Mission in Daily Life
33:27 Challenges in the Muslim Community
34:59 The Importance of a Strong Mission Statement
35:55 Islamic Spiritual Tradition and Remembrance
44:29 The Role of Free Will and Divine Will
53:30 Identifying and Overcoming Life's Foes
59:41 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning
Sponsors of the Podcast:
BetterHelp: For 10% off your first month of therapy
Aura: For a free two-week trial
NuCalm: for a one-week free trial
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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By Furkhan Dandia
4.9
137137 ratings
In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan speaks with Imam Adnan Wood-Smith about the journey of finding one's purpose and mission in life, particularly through the lens of the Islamic tradition. Adnan shares his story of growing up between the US and the UK, converting to Islam, and pursuing a career that aligns with his purpose of helping Muslim professionals reconnect with their spiritual depth. They discuss the challenges of aligning one's life with their mission, the balance between personal agency and divine will, and the spiritual tools available to maintain that alignment. Adnan also elaborates on the 'foes' that can derail one's sense of mission: feelings, outcomes, ego, and Satan. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone seeking deeper meaning and direction in their lives.
Adnan Adrian Wood-Smith is an award-winning educator, speaker, and chaplain. He has mentored hundreds of men and women at institutions such as Brown University and Zaytuna College, using insights he gained from master teachers in West Africa, the Middle East, and the US. He is currently a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at Harvard University, and is the founder of Greater, through which he coaches people who feel aimless in life to define and defend their unique mission and purpose.
Read more about Adnan’s current work: www.greaterwhy.com
https://www.youtube.com/@adnanwoodsmith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/awoodsmith/
00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast
00:51 Guest Introduction: Brother Adnan's Background
02:05 Journey to Islam: Finding Spiritual Home
07:29 Struggles and Spiritual Crisis
09:39 Discovering Islam in College
13:41 Embracing Islam and Sense of Belonging
18:53 Career Aspirations and Shifts
26:03 Family Reactions and Support
28:12 Teaching Purpose and Mission
31:58 Exploring Destiny and Time
32:39 Balancing Purpose and Mission in Daily Life
33:27 Challenges in the Muslim Community
34:59 The Importance of a Strong Mission Statement
35:55 Islamic Spiritual Tradition and Remembrance
44:29 The Role of Free Will and Divine Will
53:30 Identifying and Overcoming Life's Foes
59:41 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning
Sponsors of the Podcast:
BetterHelp: For 10% off your first month of therapy
Aura: For a free two-week trial
NuCalm: for a one-week free trial
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices