Vandana Kothari
With a nip in the air, as woolens come out and Christmas trees are lit, the infectious aura of the festive season is felt by one and all. A sense of togetherness and brotherhood prevails as people around the world celebrate, in whatever capacity, the last month of 2020.
I sat down to reflect on the year that is ending before stepping foot into 2021. This year has really tested us. If months of global lockdown and social distancing has taught us one thing, it would be that our families are irreplaceable. Humans are social beings after all, and to be deprived of social contact for months on end has taken an emotional toll on many.
As social connections lessened, we started connecting through advanced technology. I have come to realize that humans strive for connection – whether it is inner or outer connection, because even a global lockdown could not stop us from interacting with each other. We use so many online platforms to stay connected and to feel as if we are a part of something together.
Prayers were said in hospitals for the recovery of patients and they were also said in laboratories as scientists strove to find a cure. The one thing that did not seem to falter was hope – hope for a brighter Corona-free future and hope for a more united human race.
With the new year right around the corner, one cannot help but wonder how the year 2020 went by. A kind of year no one expected, but then again, life is all about the unexpected. We can start each day with a positive thought and even if we try to plan our days meticulously, life has unique ways to test us!
A new year often evokes feelings of renewed hope and for many, a tabula rasa or clean slate to start afresh. Every year is a new opportunity for us to make new resolutions and achieve our goals, whatever they may be. Since 2020 has been a rather unusual year, it feels all the more important to turn over a new leaf and embrace 2021 with welcoming arms. A fresh mindset and rejuvenated outlook could prove to be an amazing recipe for the coming year. Though it’s important to realize that we are all just doing the best we can.
As the new year unfolds, the Heartfulness community invites you to a 3-day meditation experience over 31st December 2020 to 2nd January 2021. I personally could not think of a more harmonious way to commence a new year with love, balance and unity prevailing!
Until then, wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
