In the early days, I would try and write an year-end post. The posts would reflect on
the year gone by and would contain resolutions for the coming year. I stopped writing those posts, probably, because I stopped writing altogether. Today, I resolved that I will write a post. I was determined. A new and inspiring post would have been ideal. It would have been a breath of fresh air. But, when you are in Delhi, where there is no fresh air, you get by with old memories of sunny winter afternoons. In the same way, I am going to peddle the old year-end review post, which at that time had youthful energy, and hope that I still have a flicker of that Chota Shakespeare.
I keep feeling that 2025 was a difficult year. But when I think about it, I realise that I am just being bratty. 2025 was great. We moved into a new home. I set up my office (though if you look at my desk, you'd disagree). We did innovative things in court. We travelled (though not as much). I finally went to Rishikesh after many years. I met old friends. I made new ones. We celebrated over meals and dinners with family and loved ones. Mokshi and I started hosting baithaks at home. We attended several concerts. Mimansa started play school. By any standard, these are highs to celebrate!
Of course, there were difficulties. Health was challenging, but healing touch was close by. Whenever we faced problems, we were supported by friends and family. The stress of life was controlled by the guidance of Gurus. No doubt, there was turmoil in our minds and hearts. But pain isn't always bad - great things are achieved after painful sacrifices. Sometimes, you just have to stick it out. And we made it till the end of the year!
Though, one thing that continues to torture me is my declining spiritual discipline. 2025 was no better than 2024. This is, by far, my biggest disappointment.
I hope we can be better in 2026. Here's what I have on my list:
- Better Body: The body is a temple. Backache must go. Yoga must come back.
- Better Father: Pause for her.
- Better Husband: Errands are endless. Time together is limited. Make most of it.
- Better Son: Take care of them.
- Better Brother: Look out for him.
- Better Friend: Remember Birthdays. Make plans. Stay in touch.
- Better Colleague: Give them the blessed environment that you received.
- Better Lawyer: Be bold. Take out time for the good cause.
- Better Student: Study Tukaram. Learn Chapter 15 of the Gita.
- Better Poet: Write more poetry - silly, lovely, or crappy.
- Better Me: Meditate. Everyday.
I know it looks like a lot. But we are not one person. We are many persons wrapped up in one body and mind. Thus, we have to try and be better in every way. I believe that if we truly intend to do things, then our intention propels us to act, and we move closer to our goals. So, it is not about doing a lot or less. It is about being committed to the various parts of us, so that we are incrementally better each year.
I pray that 2026 brings with it greater commitment towards our various personalities, but most of all, towards our ultimate nature i.e.: being one with God.
Cheers to 2025. Cheers to 2026.
- C.S.