Skip to main content

New Year

In the Cosmic Calendar our home, planet Earth, is adding another year to the 13.8 billion-year history. This emphasizes the briefness of our individual lives and human history within the vastness of cosmic time. New Year symbolizes a small but significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the universe. It represents the continuation of life's journey on our planet as it continues to spin around the Sun.

New Year coincides with the Northern Hemisphere's the shortest day of the year. So this event marks the gradual return of sunlight and longer days, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. Different cultures celebrate their new year at different times. But as a universally accepted calendar, New Year's day on the Gregorian Calendar is celebrated by all cultures. So New Year's Day can be considered as a celebration of the humanity on Earth.

New Year's day is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. They can be big or small, personal or professional, but they should all be something that you're excited about and committed to achieving. Here are some popular New Year's resolutions:

  • Health and fitness: Getting healthy and fit can improve your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Some specific goals you could set include eating healthier, exercising more regularly, or getting enough sleep.
  • Personal growth: It can be anything from learning a new skill to overcoming a fear. If you're not sure where to start, think about what you've always wanted to do but never had the time or courage to try.
  • Financial goals: Getting your finances in order can give you peace of mind and set you up for success in the future. Some common financial goals include saving more money, paying off debt, or investing for retirement.
  • Relationships: Spend more time with loved ones, make new friends, or improve your communication skills.
  • Career: Get a promotion, start your own business, or make a career change.
The success rate of New Year's resolutions is notoriously low. Studies suggest that Only 8% to 12% of Americans successfully keep their New Year's resolutions: A 2007 study by the University of Scranton found that just 8% of people adhered to their resolutions after six months. A 2016 study by the University of Bristol put the figure at 12%.

Reasons for low success rates is setting overly ambitious or vague goals. Without a clear plan and supportive environment sticking to resolutions can be challenging. Breaking established habits and relying solely on willpower can be difficult. It is possible to increase success rate by:

  • Set SMART(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals
  • Break down your goals into smaller steps and create a timeline.
  • Monitor your progress and celebrate achievements.
  • Don't be discouraged by setbacks, focus on progress.
Let us celebrate the vibrant threads of culture, language and belief that weave us together. We are united by a shared yearning for understanding and connection. Let us not be bystanders in the unfolding drama of life. Let us be the artists, the poets, the architects of a brighter tomorrow. Let us write stories of courage, paint landscapes of compassion, and build bridges of understanding across divides. May the whispers of the new year carry the promise of healing, the rhythm of innovation, and the symphony of shared humanity.

Happy New Year!

Comments

Popular Posts

Towards Independence

After many years of struggle and resolutions, Indian National Congress finally passed a resolution which asks for complete independence for India . On August 8, 1942 the Quit India Resolution was passed at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee which demands complete independence from Britain . It proposed that if the British did not accede to the demands, massive civil disobedience would be launched. At Gowalia Tank, Bombay , Gandhi urged Indians to follow non-violent civil disobedience. He told the masses to act as an independent nation and not to follow the orders of the British. His call found support among a large number of Indians. It also found support among Indian revolutionaries who were not necessarily agree to Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence. Within the Indian independence movement there was a concept of an armed force fighting its way into India to overthrow the British Raj. During the Second World War, this plan found revival, with a number...

Who am I?

A pure philosophical question. In a world where almost everyone interested to know about others opinion about you, did you ever look inward and see who are true-self? Are you the body? Are you the mind? Or something else? The question of who you are has occupied Western thought for centuries resulting in a diverse tapestry of perspectives. The Enlightenment era brought forth emphasis on the individual as a rational being capable of independent thought and judgment. This led to concepts like personal freedom, individual rights, and the pursuit of self-knowledge. Thinkers like Descartes with his famous "Cogito ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am") and John Locke with his ideas on individualism and personal identity solidified this notion. Empiricist philosophers like John Locke and David Hume argued that our knowledge and understanding of the world are shaped by our experiences. Our senses and interactions with the environment form the foundation of who we are and...

History of Entertainment

Entertainment can be understood in a few different ways. Broad Definition : Activity or experience that holds the attention and interest of an audience or gives pleasure and delight. This encompasses a vast range of experiences, from watching a movie to playing a game to attending a concert. Functional Definition : A way to escape from the day-to-day routines and stressors of life. Entertainment provides a break from responsibilities and allows us to relax, recharge, and enjoy ourselves. Social Definition : A shared activity or experience that brings people together. Entertainment can be a powerful tool for fostering social connection and creating shared memories. Psychological Definition : An activity that evokes emotions and engages our cognitive faculties. Entertainment can be exciting, funny, thought-provoking, or even scary, depending on the type of experience it provides. The history of entertainment is a fascinating journey through human creativity and technological innovat...

Shadow Effect

The shadow effect is a psychological concept developed by Carl Jung as a fundamental aspect of the human psyche. The shadow represents the unconscious part of ourselves that we find unacceptable or undesirable. These repressed qualities, desires, and instincts are often projected onto others, influencing our perceptions and behaviors. Jung believed that the shadow is made up of two parts: The personal shadow : The part of the shadow that contains our repressed desires, instincts, and emotions. These can be things that we consider to be negative, such as anger, aggression, or selfishness. However, the personal shadow can also contain positive qualities that we have rejected because they don't fit with our self-image. The collective shadow : The part of the shadow that is inherited from our ancestors and culture. It contains the dark side of humanity, such as violence, hatred, and prejudice. The shadow can be a source of great shame and guilt. However, it is also a source of c...

Ideology

An ideology is a system of beliefs or philosophies that explain the world and offer a prescription for changing it. It is a shared way of understanding and navigating society, politics, and economics. Ideologies attempt to explain how the world works, including its history, present state, and potential future. They offer solutions and recommendations for how to achieve a desired future, often through specific policies or actions. Ideologies are typically shared by a group of people who see the world in similar ways and value similar things. The goal is not just intellectual understanding, but to translate beliefs into action and create change. Ideologies can be seen as a frameworks for understanding the world, with no inherent good or bad. It can also be viewed as tools used by powerful groups to maintain their dominance. Ideologies are not monolithic. They can evolve over time in response to changing circumstances. It is crucial to critically examine any ideology, considering its st...

Theory of Karma

The theory of karma is a concept that originated in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is essentially the idea that your actions have consequences, which come back to you in this life or future ones. Karma is a universal principle which explains the cause-and-effect relationship between our actions (karma) and their consequences. Good deeds (dharmic karma) lead to positive results, while bad deeds (adharmic karma) bring negative consequences. Karma is not just about the act itself, but also the intention behind it. A good deed done with a malicious intent can have negative karma, while a selfless act, even if imperfect, can have positive karma. Karma is not simply about punishment or reward. It's a way to learn and grow from our experiences. Negative consequences are meant to teach us valuable lessons to improve our future actions. Understanding karma can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. It encourages us to act with good intentions and take responsibility for our ch...

Twin Tree Philosophy

The "twin tree" philosophy is a personal growth concept that encourages balance and reinvention. The two trees are: The Root Tree : Represents your past experiences, lessons learned, and the foundation of who you are. It symbolizes stability, grounding, and the wisdom gained from life's journey. The Branch Tree : Represents your future potential, aspirations, and the growth you seek. It symbolizes ambition, creativity, and the desire to reach new heights. The key to this philosophy lies in the bridge between the two trees. This bridge is a metaphor for the process of personal transformation, where you honor your past while embracing the future. It involves the following: Acknowledging Your Past: Recognizing the lessons learned and the strengths gained from past experiences. Embracing Your Future: Setting goals, taking risks, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Finding Balance: Harmonizing the past and future, creating a sense of equilibrium in your life....

Three Poisons

Zen Buddhism identifies three poisons as the root causes of suffering. Greed : An intense desire for things, experiences, or people. Greed leads to a constant state of wanting rather than appreciating what one already has. This creates a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as no amount of acquisition can truly fulfill the emptiness created by greed. It can blind us to the true value of things. We may become fixated on acquiring possessions or achieving external validation, neglecting the importance of inner qualities and genuine connections. This distorted perception can lead to poor decision-making and harmful actions. Greed often manifests in harmful ways, such as exploitation, manipulation, and even violence. As individuals and societies become consumed by greed, suffering increases for both the pursuer and the pursued. When consumed by greed, we prioritize our own desires over the needs of others. This can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness. Hatred : Anger or disli...

Mathematics in Ancient India

The first appearance of evidence of the use of mathematics in the Indian subcontinent was in the Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back to around 3300 BC. Excavations at Harappa , Mohenjo-daro and the surrounding area of the Indus River , have uncovered much evidence of the use of basic mathematics. The mathematics used by this early Harappan civilization was very much for practical means, and was primarily concerned with weights and measuring scales. By 1800 BC, Indian mathematicians were discussing the idea of infinity, pointing out that "if you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, what remains is still infinity." By about 400 BC, Indian mathematicians were doing more work on the idea of infinity. The Surya Prajinapti defines five kinds of infinity: an infinite line beginning from an endpoint, an infinite line going directions, an infinite plane, an infinite universe, and the infinity of time. Lot of progress was made in geometry as a result ...

Spiritual Laws

Spiritual laws are principles often drawn from ancient wisdom, religious teachings, or philosophical concepts that guide individuals toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life. These principles may vary across different traditions. But they emphasize the importance of inner peace, positive thinking, and ethical behavior. While the specific interpretations and practices may vary across different traditions, some common themes in spiritual laws include: The Law of Attraction : Our thoughts and beliefs can attract corresponding experiences into our lives. The Law of Karma : Our actions have consequences that can influence our future experiences. The Law of Giving : Giving freely, whether it be time, money, or kindness, can lead to abundance and fulfillment in our own lives. The Law of Detachment : By detaching from material possessions, outcomes, and people, we can find inner peace and freedom. The Law of Abundance : The universe is believed to be abundant, and by adopting an at...