New Year, New Ideas (#45)

A sight of wonder

A sense of calm

a thought of harmony, and

a desire for joy

The new year begins, and with it new beginnings. The more one thinks of it, the idea of a new year is a notion; one that we as humans have set for ourselves. A notion that is subjective, but pervasive enough that it cannot be ignored. Interestingly though, I have been pondering on the new year and the rituals that surround it.

"Happy New Year" - a wish that is ubiquitous. We all wish our near and dear ones, a very happy new year. Now what does this mean?

It is an expression of a wish - a personal wish from me to the one who receives it. A wish for the recipient to be happy in the new year. Now it also means, that the recipient has not been happy thus far. Why would I need to wish for happiness to a person if he is already happy here and now? I know that might sound a bit debatable at first. But think about it. You may wonder why such a fuss about something that is merely a 'simple wish'. 'Who thinks about it so deeply anyway?' one may be tempted to argue. Yes, I do agree at a conscious level it may not seem that significant. But such mechanical expressions carry with themselves emotions that influence us. Don't you think it is important to weigh our words before we speak them? And every word carries with it emotions, thoughts and ideas - that need to be understood consciously.

So with that thought, I resume this newsletter again in this new year. It has been a while since my last post - a lack of time, inspiration and discipline were the cause. But I endeavour to get back to the routine now. The joy of writing is too alluring to be left unattended.

And with that, I wish you a very thoughtful new year in 2024.