I am the Universe and the Universe is Me- Happy New Year!

Apparently, each and every one of us contain the Universe within us; the minerals that make us up are created only in the cores of dying stars, the law of conservation of matter tells us that we are made up of the same particles as the brightest planets, the comets that dance through galaxies. The water that courses through our bodies flowed through the Ice Age glaciers, through the dinosaurs and other creatures long extinct... There is a Hindu myth about Lord Krishna who opens his mouth and shows his mother, Yashoda Maiya, the whole Universe inside. I read a story about a girl who said she writes a letter to the Universe every New Year's Eve. Why do we make such a big deal about this date? After all, isn't it just  another "X" on the calendar, another convenient human invention?  I think it is our fascination with numbers, our craving to compartmentalize and file the various parts of our lives in order to process them that makes us reassess the finality of the New Year and brings us closer to the realization of the Universe within us. I've changed a lot this year. I've learned the power of own voice, I've become more unapologetic and more willing to speak up for what I believe in, and I've learned to appreciate the people in my life more. I've consciously challenged my prejudices and become a kinder, more understanding and empathetic person. I'm starting to realize that "done is sometimes better than perfect," as my middle school counselor would say, that the little things I fret about aren't nearly as huge as I think they are. I've come to better terms with the idea that I am growing and evolving just as the world around me changes, and that's okay, it's okay to pursue different avenues and be happy in things I hadn't dreamed of before. I've learned to love myself, and through others, I've come to the realization that I must love my body, as well, because it is the only body I get- something I want to be more aware about in the New Year. Most of all, I'm ready to take the New Year by the reins, to be proud of the things I have already accomplished but also to go confidently in the direction of my dreams. I'm ready to be fueled by positive energies, to stop limiting myself, and to be more. I hold the Universe within me and so do you; we are limitless, powerful, magical, and capable of things we could never imagine. And I'm ready to chase those things into the New Year.

Seasons Greetings

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring — not even a mouse: The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. –Clement C. Moore

Christmas and the holiday season have always been magical for me. I'm the kind of person that goes all out for holidays- I love all the lights and ribbon, I devour Christmas movies, and I'm blasting holiday songs as soon as it's past Thanksgiving. My favorite Christmas Eve, we got to spend at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. We watched a late evening performance of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and then we stayed to watch the special lights and fireworks show. My dad planned the whole trip and I know he would have moved heaven and Earth just so that his princess could spend Christmas Eve at Cinderella's Castle. Although we're not Christian, Christmas time has always been synonymous for time with family, an opportunity to think about those less fortunate, and a desire to spread happiness and light to those around me. Over the years, we've developed our own holiday traditions- I've rarely ever missed a year of A Charlie Brown Christmas or snuggling in with a comforter to ring in the New Year with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin. Holiday dinners are a big deal and we are constantly trying to outdo ourselves. In the end, the holidays are about being grateful for the experiences of the past year and hopeful to everything the New Year has to offer. Our warmest wishes to you, this holiday season. Wherever you are, we hope your holidays are joyous and beautiful ♡

Love,
Soumya

        

           

 

Bobbing Seaside

A fishing bob is a buoyant, usually red, piece of cork used to suspend fishing line. The line is cast into the water and the bobber rests on top. As the waves lap around it, sometimes it remains fully submerged in water, other times it trembles just above, basking under a scorching sun. Sometimes, I like to think of human existence using the analogy of the bobber. Everyday, we are constantly bombarded by negativity and violence. We bounce along, contemplating our existential conflicts. We are one among billions of bobbers in an endless ocean. And sometimes it is so easy to slip under the water, to want to isolate yourself from all the troubles, to find solitude in the confines of your own silent bubble. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the tribulations of daily life and become caught in a cloud of cynicism. But no matter how much it wants to, the bobber can't stay under water and it emerges again into the light of day. In literature, the color red, like the bobber, signifies a beacon and a desire for attention. I think it is a beautiful thought that no matter how dark the world gets, we will send our beacons of light up, to let others know we are here. And we will ride the waves of our worries together.