A year of many experiences: a pandemic, a global thwart against blatant racism, a humane revolution. I, for one, lost my job, had a ball throughout lockdown because I really did get my hands perfect on so many dishes, I never otherwise had time to cook, and also eventually shifted my career to something completely new.
While all this happened, I did realise one thing though. Time waits for no one. So, if I wanted to go see the Southern Lights, I better do it next year itself!
But really, we’ve all learned something this year. Whether it is socially, professionally, emotionally, or spiritually. A lot of people I know have begun meditating as a regular practice. People that could not get enough of their jobs, or time off for a proper meal, are now leaning towards spirituality, come what may. It is a refreshing sight to see.
I came across a wonderful human being that runs an NGO to rebuild villages, because why should rural not see the benefits that we enjoy in the urban? I came across people that are saving the planet by planting one tree at a time. There are people all over the world revolting against racism, all begun by the publicized death of one black man. It is lovely that they have woken up, but it is shameful that it took a drastic step like this. But like they say, better late than, never right?
For those that curse this year for ruining things for them, should open their eyes and see how babies who are just a year old, younger, or older than that are being brought up. It is a different experience. They are not going to schools, to kindergarten, to parks or to friend groups to learn. They are spending as much time as possible with their parents, in their homes, learning how to communicate. Understanding better. I do believe this generation of children are going to grow up to be geniuses, really.
There is a sense of humanity we see in people. Earlier, we would eat food, and whatever was left would be chucked away. But now, what we do not finish, we strive to pack away to give to a roadside beggar on our way to god knows where. We try our best to provide to those that aren’t getting enough. Throughout the lockdown, owing to our friendly neighbour Coronavirus, I would drive around in the mornings and see people handing away bags of cooked rice and dals to beggars, to old people and some even feeding dogs all over. A friend of a friend, made it a regular routine to step out during the day and feed almost 100 strays around her locality, because those that would otherwise feed them regularly, aren’t stepping down from their homes. A brave, a humane and a loving gesture.
Life teaches us in surprising ways. It teaches us to want material things, ridiculous achievements just to show people off. But at the end of the day, life also brings us to our knees to realise what really matters. And that is family, humanity and togetherness. In times like these, we worry about whether our near and dear ones are safe. Whether that old uncle that used to live close by is doing fine, and being fed well. Whether that little girl has enough things to do at home, now that she cannot get out to play in the park. This year, more than anything, has made us ‘Think’.
For all you know (and let’s forget the lavish weddings), people have realised time is of essence, and just up and got married to live their lives together; because why wait, when all we want is to be together? This is thinking. Wondering. Pondering. Deciding.
There isn’t much to living well. Wake up fresh, get some exercise in, eat nutritious food, meet people and exchange thoughts. When we see things from various perspectives, we realise how irrelevant our judgements can be. It helps us realise that we are but a small ant on this massive globe. A pandemic came in and wiped out a good chunk of our population and we couldn’t do jack about it; let alone create a faraway antidote to the virus. Living well is about taking each minute as it comes, and living it fully. Without regrets.
There is an excerpt that a very dear friend of mine showed me once. It is what makes him as humble and soft as he is, and it is a delight to chat with him. I will share this excerpt with you:
This has very recently become my daily reminder this year. It is a constant reminder, an inspirator of all that we should aim to do in life; to achieve in life. To look forward to. It is 2020 that has given us food for thought; and we must chew slowly and intelligently.
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 45, November ’20
