Just as I was thinking about writing on WordPress today, this appeared on my mobile phone screen.
The appearance of repeated numbers, especially 11:11 is supposed to be lucky.
Lucky or not, that time will tell, but I feel very good, when such numbers appear on my phone, or any electronic device, on my Microwave oven and others.
According to Google search, “1111” signifies new beginnings and spiritual awakening, urging you to embark on a path of self- discovery and growth.’
Incidentally, today is 11th January and there are not 4, but 7 times 1, when I captured this screenshot.
Numerology and the study of angel numbers is interesting.
I hope everyone must have enjoyed welcoming the New Year with parties, picnics, prayers, travelling etc.
I spent the last few days of the past year travelling with my family.
We had a fabulous road trip to beautiful locations, such as Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Road trips are a unanimous choice in my family.It’s a wonderful way to connect and spend quality time with your loved ones, in an otherwise fast paced world.
Road trips are fun and rejuvenating, especially because you have the luxury of seeing the beautiful countryside so closely, the green fields, the blue sky, moving clouds, the local people etc.
Then, you can also enjoy the authentic local food along the way.
🌹🍀🌹🍀🌹
New Year Celebrations were different, When I was younger.
There were no mobile phones, so sending New Year wishes to family and friends was done by writing letters or Greeting cards.
We used to buy a bulk of them, write on them in good handwriting and then post it in the letter boxes.
It was fun to visit the Greeting Cards shops, and select the cards from so many beautiful ones on display, each one unique with lovely printed messages.
Even if you had the Landline phones, Calling (especially STD or ISD) was too expensive, so we preferred sending cards.
Moreover, this gave a personal touch.
I was fond of and good at sketching and painting, so preferred making my own cards.
New year eve celebrations were held mostly at homes only, watching the good old Doordarshan programs, with some special Home cooked delicacies.
Special shows were held for New Year, by inviting reputed artists and celebrities.
When the clock struck 00:00, we clapped, danced and wished each other warmly, within the family, say a little prayer and that’s it!
Times change — But the sweet memories remain.
Then or Now—It’s always good to celebrate the outgoing year, be grateful for the memories and opportunities, and welcome the New Year with Hope, Prayers and Optimism.
When we were kids, my maternal grandfather had assigned a day, namely Sunday for our religious and spiritual education.
It was in those days that we were introduced with Shri Madh Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayan and other Maha Kavyas (epics).
Everyone in the family had to assemble in the morning, sit on the floor in our biggest roomand be attentive to what was being taught in our spiritual class.
It was an easy going class, rather a family get together and we enjoyed being a part of this every Sunday.
My grandfather used to recite the shlokas (verses), one by one and explain their meanings to us and everyone.
The one hour session was followed by sweets as prasad and then delicious home cooked lunch.
It became a habit, a ritual, which we never wanted to miss.
And, I must admit that I realised the significance ofthose classes, much later in life, when we were all grown up.
Those were simple days, no TV, no Internet, no mobile phones, etc. But, we were always content, happy and full of energy and enthusiasm.
On Geeta Jayanti, I was reminded of those memorable times and wanted to share with my fellow writers.
Here, I must request that if you have not read ”Shri Madh Bhagwat Geeta”– Please read it for understanding life in a better way, for spiritual growth, education and enhancement.
The first time, when I learnt about ‘The Thanksgiving Day,’ I was curious about the significance of this festival. Thanks to the technology, I was able to understand the importance of this wonderful festival, by Googling it.
As I understand, the festival is celebrated to be grateful for everything we have in this mortal world. Have a sense of gratitude, and express it, by words and deeds. I liked the reasons and why not?
We have the habit of taking the things we have, for granted, rather than expressing our appreciation or gratitude for it. We must do it as much as we can.
The idea of celebrating festivals in India or anywhere else in the World, is to celebrate the gift of life, to spend quality time with the loved ones, family and friends, to spread happiness. And whenever we do all this, good food and decorations are obviously there.
What’s the benefit of doing all these celebrations?
The benefits are rejuvenation, and the generation of plenty of positive energy and positive thoughts.
The thought of expressing gratitude for what we have in life is amazing. When you start counting your blessings, you will be amazed.
The Sunshine, the moonlight, the river, the seas, the rains, the crops, the forests, food, home and the list is endless.
Not to forget, Our freedom and our education.
Then our family, parents, spouse, children, siblings, friends— again the list goes on.
So, what are you thankful for in life? Please mention in the comments.
Happy Thanksgiving Day. 🙏🙏🌺🌺
Here is the link to my poem on Thanksgiving Day, Published on Medium.