That Time Of The Year
A Note of Heartfelt Gratitude For The Year 2023
Dear Reader,
2023 has been a whirlwind year. This image I clicked depicts the ruins of Khandagiri in Odisha; it reminds me of the year that is now wrapping up - tough, rugged and picturesque.
Let me rewind to the beautiful moments of 2023.
When I started the New Year in Sydney, it was so beautiful and calming! But the tide suddenly turned, just as life surprises us when we least expect it. In April 2023, a burnout turned into a terrifying rollercoaster ride. I had hopped on for a fun ride only to tumble down so badly that it felt as though life had ebbed itself out of me.
To put things in perspective, have you ever seen clothes squeeze themselves into the miniscule, claustrophobic and constricted space of a washing machine?
So, yes, I felt caught into a crevice of space that required huge energy to fight back. There were moments when I couldn’t breathe.
I was holding on to my Dad’s hands for hope.
In the hospital where I was undergoing blood transfusion TWICE because I suddenly collapsed, my parents had sleepless nights of anxiety, checking on me every hour and they were not leaving my side.
One night, my mother slept around my feet, holding me tightly, as though afraid to let go.
The fear in their eyes was palpable pain and they navigated this distraught terrain with me, not leaving my side, not letting me feel desolate and alone. They would joke, laugh and pamper me with snacks as though we were having our own party. But when the nurses would come to check, their anxiety became shadows under their sleep-deprived eyes.
Just my parents’ presence was enough to instil confidence in me. I knew I’d fight back for my health to make them truly smile again.
Few folks I had met last year showed me how truly blessed I am to have their loving energy in my life - they continuously checked on me, sent loving messages and made me feel cared for - which isn’t a small thing to me.
I am grateful for their precious loving energy in my life.
And how can I possibly forget the handful of rock solid friends from yesteryears who truly truly stood through my side and had to bear the brunt of my mood swings at the time (and now!) - please know that I am grateful!
Sometimes, it also felt like I wanted to give up. Few folks I counted on erased my existence altogether. Oh yes, it hurt. But I realise that kindness is a verb; a choice.
Some battles, as Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna in the Bhagawad Gita, are not of the body (external); they belong to the mind’s internal wounds that do not heal easily. To overcome the battle raging within the mind is the toughest battle. For conquering the mind, the power of Namasmarana became my only refuge. That you are reading my post right is sufficient proof that I came back into action solely on account of Guru Kripa.
Mostly, I want to be kind.
- Mary Oliver
Few happy snapshots in 2023
While 2023 taught me some tough lessons, it also gifted me with beautiful moments.
This is the view from my room. I could gaze at the waves forever.
Listen to the hymn of the waves. Goa, what bliss to simply be!
We are all leaves of one tree.
We are all waves of one sea.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
We clicked this image show below at the majestic Sun Temple, Konark.
The spell-binding architectural marvel is a masterpiece to behold.
Enchanted by the visual grandeur of the Radharani temple in Bhubaneshwar - sadly, there is no temple worship here.
The teenager shares a precious moment with a beautiful sculpture of presiding deity of the famed Sun Temple, Konark - yes, the majestic Sun God.
In Delhi, I discovered this quaint tea parlour which has varieties of teas from across the country. Tea-tasting is quite an intense cultural experience here. Believe it or not, I tasted around eight cups of teas and bought a whole stack of new teas home. So far, my favourite tea is ‘Sleeping Beauty’ - a rose-coloured tea that is light and floral in its flavours and aroma. The floral undertones of rose and chamomile is instantly relaxing.
Even if it’s just for a second, they care. I find such grandeur in milliseconds of joy.
Perhaps kindness works when it works both ways.
The smallest of things can beget colossal change.
- Small Kindnesses: A Collaborative Poem by Teenagers around the World
THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH ME
Wow! It’s already the end of 2023.
You, my dear Reader, have been my patient listener and friend, and I am truly grateful with all my heart you’ve been here with me throughout the year.
As we await the New Year with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, I will send out a prayer for your success, happiness and well-being in the coming year. Your presence here is the best gift that I can cherish for the upcoming year ahead.
Thank you once again for being here and for reading my newsletter.