We’re back home after a very hectic trip. I really enjoyed myself with my parents and sister. S joined me later in the week as we celebrated my father’s 80th birthday with a traditional ceremony called the Sadabhisekham. This is an important Hindu ceremony performed when a man completes 80 years or has completed 1000 moons or lunar months. The word is derived from the Sanskrit words “Satha” meaning “eighty” and “abhisheka” meaning “ceremony”. This ritual is performed by a man who is still married to his spouse and is a sort of renewal of their marriage vows. The couple is bathed and dressed in new clothes, and a prayer ceremony is performed in their honour. Sathabhishekam is considered an important ritual in Hindu culture, as it marks the completion of a significant milestone in one’s life and is believed to bring good luck and blessings for a peaceful and prosperous old age.

The trip was so hectic that it will probably take me the rest of the weekend to recover and start work tomorrow.

Today’s quote by American cartoonist and creator of the much beloved comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes”, Bill Watterson underscores the tendency of individuals to become overly preoccupied with future goals and concerns, often at the expense of appreciating and enjoying the present moment. The quote suggests that people often fixate on future possibilities, aspirations, or challenges, investing significant mental energy in what lies ahead. In the pursuit of future endeavours, individuals may unintentionally neglect or overlook the beauty, experiences, and opportunities available in the current moment. It speaks to the importance of mindfulness and being fully present in one’s current circumstances, rather than being consumed by thoughts of the future. The quote serves as a reminder to find a balance between planning for the future and savouring the richness of the present. It encourages individuals to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. In essence, Bill Watterson’s quote encourages a shift in perspective, urging individuals to pause, be present, and find joy in their current surroundings rather than being solely fixated on what lies ahead. It’s a reminder to cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the value of the “here and now.”

And that’s all for today. I am taking this weekend very slowly as I unpack and get ready for a new week!

Namaskara from India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru! I arrived here a couple of days back for a very important reason. My father turned 80 last week and this week will be his Tamil star birthday, for which we have a small ceremony at home. And I met my sister after eight years! Though we speak on the phone daily and even do video calls regularly, it is so much different to physically see and hug her! We were very close growing up, and because we had just 18 months apart, we used to do everything together. All her friends were mine and vice versa! So it’s so good to be together and relive our girlhood for a few days. It’ll be so good to catch up with uncles, aunts and cousins while I am here, as well as, of course, my sister.

Our quote today comes from Richard Bach. Born in 1936, Bach is an American author widely known for his philosophical and inspirational writings, including Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella that explores themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Today’s quote conveys the idea that the desire or aspiration for something comes with an inherent ability or potential to achieve it. However, the realization of the wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to recognize their inherent capabilities and emphasizes the value of hard work in turning dreams into reality. The quote suggests that when you have a desire or a wish, it is not a random or arbitrary occurrence. Instead, it implies that within the person, there is an inherent capability or potential to bring that wish to fruition. While the quote acknowledges the inherent power, it also emphasises that realising a wish often requires effort and dedication. The quote encourages individuals to believe in their abilities and to recognise that they have the tools necessary to achieve their wishes. The quote also conveys the idea that wishes or dreams are not passive; they require active participation and commitment. The combination of having a wish and being willing to work for it can lead to the fulfilment of personal goals. In essence, Bach’s quote inspires a sense of self-empowerment and encourages individuals to believe in their capacity to turn their aspirations into reality through dedication and effort. It aligns with themes of personal growth, perseverance, and the transformative power of taking action toward one’s dreams.

BB will start his field camp this week. Field camp in national service. The first field camp is considered a rite of passage and takes the young soldiers away from all the comforts they are used to and gives them their first taste of living and fighting in the jungle. At the 5-day Outfield Field camp, recruits will live in self-pitched tents, and learn tactical fighting and leadership skills, as well as other skills useful to a soldier. We were also asked to write him letters which would be given to the recruits on the third day of field camp and all three of us plus some friends who had been through this experience wrote him words of encouragement. The letters have already been posted to his company and his commanders will hand them over to the boys. I hope BB does not struggle too much this week and I am sending him all my love and encouragement.

GG is busy with school and when she is at home, she is busy with either online classes or studying. So some days, even if we are the only people in the house, I barely see her. But that’s all right; this is the time for her to focus on her studies and her career and make the most of her twenties.

Continue staying positive and keep smiling!

Vietnamese monk, peace activist, and author Thich Nhat Hanh is known for his teachings on mindfulness, meditation, and engaged Buddhism, which emphasize applying Buddhist principles to social and environmental issues. Thich’s quote underscores the significance of mindfulness and living in the present. The quote highlights the idea that the present moment is the only time that truly exists for us and emphasises the importance of being fully present and engaged in the “now.” By calling the present moment “the door to all moments,” Thich suggests that our experiences of the past and the future are interconnected with and accessed through our awareness of the present. The choices and actions we take in the present shape our past and influence our future. The quote suggests that by cultivating mindfulness and being present, we gain access to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the unfolding of our lives. The quote also reinforces the idea that each moment is fleeting and that, by fully embracing and appreciating the present, we acknowledge the transient nature of time. The quote encourages individuals to recognise the richness of the present moment, to be fully engaged in their experiences, and to understand that the way they navigate the present influences the past and shapes the future. It speaks to the profound wisdom found in being present and mindful in our daily lives.

We’re in the third week of 2024 and I hope this year has been going well for everyone. Our lives have not changed since last week, and things are at the status quo. The weather has been wonderful here in Singapore, with rain almost happening daily and the temperature dipping. I love this weather and hope it continues for a bit longer.

Stay positive and keep smiling!

Former American first lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote emphasises the transformative power of having faith in one’s aspirations and the positive impact it can have on shaping the future. The quote underscores the importance of believing in and embracing one’s dreams and aspirations. It suggests that having confidence in the beauty, significance, and attainability of one’s dreams is a key factor in achieving them. It implies that individuals who cultivate an optimistic outlook toward their goals are more likely to take the necessary steps to turn those dreams into reality. By believing in the potential of their dreams, they contribute to the creation of a future that aligns with those aspirations. The quote’s core idea is that the future is not a predetermined outcome but is influenced and crafted by those who possess the belief and determination to bring their dreams to fruition.

This week was fairly hectic in terms of work, but I can’t complain. Work is rather fun and interesting and I am enjoying what I do. I am also excited about an upcoming trip, details of which I will share with you all very soon!

BB is busy in camp and will soon go for his five-day field camp. He has also undergone shooting and arms training and so far, he is pretty chill about his national service obligations. GG will start her second semester tomorrow and is starting to get stressed about the workload now. So please keep her in your prayers and thoughts!

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive, everyone!