My yearnings and learnings of 2020!
A vast majority of us would have said goodbye to 2020 with a sigh of relief! While that is understandable, I have done so with a bag of mixed emotions. The year that went by was filled with a good amount of agony, pain, separation, and yet one of learning and understanding myself that would have taken some years to develop.
The beginning of my yearnings!
The year started on a bit painful note with me having to undergo a surgery and taking rest for nearly a month before I could commence work. And when I was just about ready to start my life again, the Covid-19 pandemic started and I was again forced to remain indoors and this time, it was for an indefinite period.
Initially, the lockdown seemed like a good time to recuperate and spend time with my family and it was. But as the days went by and work was from home, the importance of the human touch in my life became evident, the human relations that I had taken for granted all this time. Being a Mumbai girl, I missed the fast-paced life that defines us. While Zoom was connecting everyone worldwide, I realized how far apart sometimes I could be from my own near and dear ones and my friends. A more dark side to my personality was becoming clear, a person who was not as tolerant and forgiving as she thought she was.
What I decided to learn!
I realized I needed a let-out, something to divert my attention and time. So, I decided to learn some new skills which I was interested in and which could help me in the future as well. So, I decided to do an online 5-level Sanskrit course, something I had always wanted to learn. And I also did a short course on communication skills. Since I was at home, I also learnt some new recipes and treats.
As time went by, life seemed to be going on as the ‘New Usual’. But the pandemic was still looming large over everyone’s lives. While spirituality was always a part of my life, I felt this was the time to go deeper into my spiritual studies and practices. Meditation and yoga helped me immensely. Believing in God and trying to see His hand in whatever goes on in one’s life has always been the mantra with which I try to live by. At this time, my respect and admiration for all the selfless souls working hard day and night to protect people from the pandemic went up. While I had some restrictions volunteering (I have elderly parents at home to take care of), I nonetheless collected a decent donation to be given as part of a local food relief program to the poor as well as government workers.
Towards the end of the year!
When the lockdown restrictions were finally eased towards the last 2 months of the year, I decided to give my family and myself a small vacation. I went for a weekend retreat at Govardhan Eco Village, which is a 2 — hour drive from Mumbai (I would highly recommend the place for an overall spiritual and relaxing treat with some fun-filled activities as well).
My learnings!
The pandemic is still raging and will continue for some time. But life has to go on. While the journey was difficult, it was insightful. I have learnt that tolerance has to be deep and cannot be bluffed. I have learnt that I am healthy and fine because someone out there is fighting to keep me safe. And I have learnt that a healthy spiritual life is the need of the hour for everyone as we do not know when to expect the unexpected. I hope to keep these precious lessons close to me whenever life throws up any challenges. After all, it’s upto us how much we want to change for the better and the world around us.
