Road less travelled!
New Year's Eve represents the closing of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. It is a time to reflect on the year that has been,and a favorite action of mine is "Introspection". What did I learn ? What did I gain ? What did I lose? What was the source of my energy? What will I do next ?All through 2025, I pursued the quiet and the authentic and relentlessly pushed back against societal expectations.
The constant hustle which had insidiously crept into my veins gave way to setting boundaries. The pressure to "perform" online was replaced by living in the amber of the moments. Never really a person who seeks external validation, I however, strengthened myself to become more gentle, more forgiving.
I chose realignment of my body, mind, heart and soul. Physical health became a non-negotiable priority. The pizzas and pastas, the late nights, the horrifyingly inactive /lazy days were there undoubtedly. But, I lived proactively addressing health concerns, integrating regular movement (pilates,yoga,strength training), and establishing sustainable self-care habits ( warm oil hair champi, sun exposure, walking bare feet on grass ). So I didn't burn out, instead, I glowed.
Sometime back I had done a yoga course in the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger. The transformative takeaway had been ( from the wonderful discussions with the wonderful Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati) that the only thing which matters is " mano prasanna " i.e " happy mind ". I sought to have just that. How ? By stepping away from transactional or low-integrity relationships. The value of authentic, deep connections ( and conversations )with family & friends was prioritized.
The year 2025 brought various forms of loss—both, personal and professional —which forced me to sit with pain, to grieve. But, most importantly, it taught me to let go of the illusion of control. When I think of the world we lived in 2025 ?
The world was brutal. The world was fractured. There was an escalation of major armed conflicts. There were air crashes, stampedes, terror attacks. What broke my heart ? The SC order on our stray dogs. And the unholy glee with which it was welcomed by so many. Why couldn't we, from the land of ahimsa and Mahatma Gandhi, choose compassion? Be rational ?
I can only think of the lyrics from the Beatles song "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". George Harrison had said "I look at you all
See the love there that's sleeping While my guitar gently weeps I look at the floor And I see it needs sweeping Still my guitar gently weeps".
The old order is collapsing fast. There is a need however to strike the right balance between human and artificial intelligence for the new order to be vibrant, creative and with soul.
In the Chinese zodiac, which follows a 12 years cycle, the 2025 Snake Year is coming to an end soon. With 2026 ushering in the Year of the Horse, the mood of the zodiac shifts dramatically. Astrologers believe that the year ahead will likely inspire decisive movement — whether in careers, relationships, or creative pursuits. It’s a time for risk-taking, reconnection and courage.
What will I do in the coming year ? Actually, in all the years to come ? I will live to enjoy life by the littlest things-- feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, feeling the wind on my face, enjoying the company of my beloved dogs, deep conversations, getting lost in a good book, going for long walks. Just the feeling of being alive.Last words: Nothing But Shiva. Which empowers me to love well, live fully and let go deeply.
Note:(pics from internet for illustration only)
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