At the start of a new year it is probably appropriate to think about renewal and figure out a plan to embark on it with a variety of practices that encompass solitude, contemplation, reflection and introspection
Renewal is a way of life. The changing seasons symbolise renewal and a readying for the next phase, the unrelenting alternation of night and day gives us renewed hope and trust, our bodies renew and replenish now and then as we shed skin and lose hair, the earth renews periodically as do the plants and trees — it is a recurring theme indeed!
While all this happens naturally there are other times when we have to take the initiative to renew ourselves —perhaps after a bad patch or if we want to start life anew — by beginning afresh, course correcting, getting rid of negative attitudes and tendencies, adopting healthier and more disciplined lifestyles, etc. Focussing on what we want to achieve rather than dwelling on what went wrong is the way forward. As Socrates said, “The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but in building the new.”
Cities and countries too must renew after a crisis such as floods, earthquakes and terrorist attacks, and take active steps to foster renewal. Also, that is not all — couples must renew their marriage vows at landmark anniversaries, those who belong to an organisation must renew memberships and readers must renew their subscriptions on expiration — the list goes on.
Renewal is about revisiting, taking stock of the road traversed thus far, re-dedicating and mapping the course for the future. It is also about realigning oneself periodically and submitting one’s actions to a litmus test (to check whether they are in line with the Divine will) and thereafter acquiring new focus. Spiritual renewal is very essential if one is to recharge and build strength for the road ahead given the fact that we face a constant barrage — of experiences not all positive. This is precisely why those belonging to a religious order periodically go on a retreat. At an individual level, professionals need to renew if they want new insights and perspectives.
Leonardo da Vinci, the celebrated artist once said, “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.” Writers will vouch for the fact that if you rest a piece of writing and then revisit it this is bound to happen. Athletes and other professionals renew to improve their skill-sets, strategise and tweak their technique between matches and performances.
At the start of a new year it is probably appropriate to think about renewal and figure out a plan to embark on it with a variety of practices that encompass solitude, contemplation, reflection and introspection besides the pursuit of creative, restful and absorbing activities for physical, mental and spiritual renewal.
Renewal also paves the way for transformation. As Zac Poonen said, “Having one’s mind renewed so that it is no longer centred on what we can get out of God but rather on what God can get out of us in this earthly life, is what brings transformation.”
The writer is a Reiki channel, yoga practitioner and a spiritual seeker
