As the year comes to a close, we will each take a leaf from the book called 2020, and move on. Armed with life lessons that are unique to us. There could be universal wisdom emerging from the year. And yet, each one of us will imbibe and implement that wisdom differently through our unique filters. We asked a few people their thoughts on 2020. Perhaps some of their answers echo with yours.
Sakina, 18 years, student, Dhule
Q. What have you experienced this year?
- This year, a lot of new things came around - some were so good like I got to explore myself while others were bad.
But the lockdown period was super amazing as it gave me more time to do the things I loved. It allowed me to keep in touch with my creative side and gave me time to be myself! I started writing my diary again, which I had stopped doing. I started sketching, making creative stuff, doodling, and baking.
I attended painting workshops with an artist, learned new artworks, and most importantly, I got precious time with my family - especially spending time with my dad from whom I learnt creative things.
Earlier, I was swamped with schoolwork. During the lockdown, I got more time to study and I found ways to engage my mind in some fun games and productive ideas.
My best moment of this year? My 18th birthday! From the second it started until late at night, I got a lot of surprises - gifts and birthday parties! It was wonderful!
Q. How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
- Every year comes as a challenge for us, but 2020 started with a different challenge for me. And that was my NEET exam. After a lot of hard work, I completed the challenge with good marks but that wasn't enough to get into the college of my choice.
This changed me and taught me to work harder in every situation because I thought I would get more time during the pandemic. I thought I had enough time to study, and ended up wasting some of it, and the result was that I couldn't get into my dream college.
After taking a short break, I started working with double the energy to achieve my dream.
Q. If you could preserve one personal material from this year, what would it be?
- My books and diary.
Q. Name one person or event from this year that has changed you.
- My true friends, Priyanshi, and Jamila.
I'm happy with every single decision I've made this year. From cutting people off to changing my priorities and dropping a year to study more.
Vivek Pandey, 32 years, project manager, Bengaluru
Q. What have you experienced this year?
- This year has given me an eye-opening experience and also taught me some important life lessons:
1. Whatever happens in life happens for the best. One should always stay positive.
2. Our mind is our best friend as well as our deadliest enemy. If we understand how to manage it, life would be joyful.
Q. How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
- It has challenged me, and taking up this challenge has been life changing. This year has taught me how to handle personal situations in a better manner.
We have come across much disturbing news this year - many people lost their lives and many others were affected by the pandemic. The whole world came to a standstill.
Now, I don’t plan and think too much. My new life mantra is to think positive and stay positive. Even if we test positive! For me, meditation has played a big role in achieving all this.
Q. Name one person or event from this year that has changed you.
- A health condition.
Rita Patel, crochet artist, 63 years, Bhagalpur
Q. What have you experienced this year?
- It was not a new experience for me as I am used to staying at home.
Q. How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
- In a way, it has taught us to live within a limit, and still be happy.
Q. Name one person or event from this year that has changed you.
- Nature! Nature is telling us to mind our ways. According to our tradition, we believe that every aspect of creation, including each one of us, is born from Prakruti (Nature) and Ishwar (God). We’re interfering with nature and now it’s time to stop.
Preetha Dave, dentist, 26, Bhopal
Q. What have you experienced this year?
- As a dentist who served COVID patients, I have experienced a lot of things but the most important one was about surviving this year. Because I have seen this pandemic at its worst.
Q. How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
- The year taught me to be grateful. I am grateful for a lot of things.
Q. If you could preserve one personal material from this year, what would it be?
- Umm, I really don't know.
Q. Name one person or event from this year that has changed you.
- My trip to Bali (before the pandemic struck!); it has made me more confident.
Aarushi Goyal, event manager, 32, Indore
Q. What have you experienced this year? How has it changed you?
- I realized that everything is temporary. While there were a lot of indescribable things that happened, they also brought in an understanding of human psychology. I realized that patience is a great key to calm our minds. While the lockdown brought in more focus and calmness in my life, I can say this: the whole experience is like saying, ‘the sky is pink.’ There is no limit to imagination, and anything is possible.
There is also no one way to look at things or to do something. Everyone has their own perspective - it’s not about right or wrong. It’s just how you see it.
Shubham Chopade, professor, 23, Jalgaon
Q. What have you experienced this year?
- Lethargy, uncertainty, ecstasy, anxiety - all at once.
Q. How has 2020 challenged or changed you?
- 2020 was a year that made the insignificance of the human race more apparent. 2020 was the year that brought back suicidal thoughts in me - after 4 years. 2020 will also be the last year for my suicidal thoughts.
Q. If you could preserve one personal material from this year, what would it be?
- Nothing! This year has made me rethink and reinvent belongings and their importance to me.
Q. Name one person or event from this year that has changed you.
- Prajakta. My companion, best friend ... she is the person and the event in herself!
We were supposed to go to places and find a job together but somehow every dream shattered.
It made me realize the fire of desires and how they consume a person. It has turned me into a more patient, tolerant, happy, and contented person. We still share our spaces with each other. And we are going to fulfill our plans with great happiness when we see each other on Christmas eve this year.
How has 2020 changed you? Is there something from the year that you wrap quietly in the recesses of your mind?
The process of assimilating and letting go is a quality of the mind. The qualities of resilience and optimism are something we build over time. There are proven techniques that help us build inner reservoirs. Discover these techniques and the power of meditation and the breath at the Online Meditation and Breath Workshop.
