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

Effects of Colonization in India

Some people still have the illusion that the British Raj was not all that bad. But in reality is that the British Colonial rule as against the interests of the common people of the Indian sub-continent and it destroyed the education system, economy, ancient monuments and livelihood of the people. One can trace the education system in India to third century B.C. Ancient days, the sages and scholars imparted education orally. After the development of letters it took the form of writing. Palm leaves and bark of trees were used for education. Temples and community centers often took the role of schools. When Buddhism spread in India , education became available to everyone and this led to the establishment of some world famous educational institutions Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. These educational institutes in fact arose from the monasteries. History has taken special care to give Nalanda University , which flourished from the fifth to 13th century AD, full credit for its e...

The Pause Principle

The Pause Principle is the practice of intentionally stopping and reflecting before acting. Pausing is a deliberate and strategic act that enables clarity, awareness, and better choices. It is a simple concept with profound implications for leadership, learning, and life. In a world addicted to speed, the idea of slowing down can feel like a failure. We praise hustle. We reward reaction. We glorify multitasking and speed as if they were synonymous with effectiveness. But the best decisions, the most powerful conversations, and the most transformative moments don’t come from speeding up. The term was coined by Kevin Cashman, a leadership coach and author of The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward. The term captures the essence of a powerful paradox: slowing down can speed up your effectiveness. When we pause, we engage the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for complex thinking, empathy, and decision-making. In contrast, reacting impulsively often activates t...

MIND Diet

The MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The MIND diet is a brain-healthy eating plan designed to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia is a growing concern. It is often preceded years in advance by memory and thinking problems, including cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. Interventions that prevent or delay these problems might help to reduce the risk of dementia. The MIND diet merges key features of the Mediterranean and the DASH diets. It aims to protect brain health. The diet features green leafy vegetables and other vegetables, prefers berries over other fruit, and endorses whole grains, beans, nuts, and at least one weekly serving of fish. It limits red meat, sweets, cheese, fast food, and fried foods. Key Principles of the MIND Diet: Focus on plant-based food...

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a massive network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that allows them to collect, send, and receive data through the internet or other communication networks. The key elements in IoT are: Devices : These are the "things" in the Internet of Things. They can range from simple devices like connected thermostats to complex machines like industrial robots. Sensors : These are the eyes and ears of the IoT devices. They collect data about the device's environment, such as temperature, pressure, movement, or even air quality. Software : The brain of the IoT device. It processes the data collected by the sensors and makes decisions based on it. It can also communicate with other devices and cloud platforms. Connectivity : The network that allows the IoT devices to communicate. It can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, or any other communication protocol. Data Platforms : The data collected by the...

Science of Aging

The science of aging seeks to understand the biological processes that underlie the changes we experience as we get older. There are many different theories about why we age, but some of the most popular are the free radical theory, the telomere theory and the epigenetic theory. The free radical theory Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive and unstable. They arise naturally in our bodies during activities like metabolism and energy production. While some free radicals play beneficial roles like signaling and defending against pathogens, the majority are harmful. These rogue molecules react with other molecules in our cells, stealing electrons to stabilize themselves. This "stealing" process can damage proteins, DNA, and lipids, leading to various consequences like: Oxidative stress: This refers to the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants (molecules that neutralize them). Chronic oxidative stress can damage cell str...

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...

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...

Common Sense

Common sense is the good judgment used in everyday situations. It is the kind of practical knowledge that is necessary to navigate the world without needing any special training or expertise. Common sense helps you make decisions that are likely to lead to a good outcome in everyday situations. It applies to the usual things you encounter in daily life. It's a kind of knowledge that most people are assumed to have. This makes communication and interaction smoother because you don't have to explain every basic thing. Common sense isn't the same as knowledge you get from specific education or fields. It's more about using general reasoning and experience to make sound judgments. The word "common sense" has roots in ancient Greek philosophy. They used the term "koine aisthesis" which translates to "common perception". This concept focused on shared experiences and how our senses helped us understand the world around us. There would definit...

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and motivations. It is like looking at yourself in a mirror, but instead of seeing your physical appearance, you are seeing your inner world. Some key aspects of self-awareness: Understanding your emotions : Recognizing and understanding your feelings, both positive and negative. Knowing your values : Understanding what is important to you and what drives your actions. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses : Being aware of your abilities and areas where you can improve. Understanding your behavior : Understanding why you act the way you do and how your actions affect others. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual guide that encourages readers to live fully in the present moment. It emphasizes that suffering arises from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, rather than being present. Tolle introduces the concept of the "inner observer", a stat...

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...

What's in mind?

Search This Blog