Whats 'New' about the 'New Year'!

According to the Hindu calendar, Today is the beginning of the New Year.

Wonder whats 'New' about the New Year today!!

Is it simply a change of date or do we truly wish for a new beginning, dropping of past concepts and a new mind set;

Am sharing here a post by Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji that appeared in Huffington Post as a New Year message this year.

Here's wishing for a new way of life filled with Inner peace and prosperity. Wishing all my friends & readers a Happy Gudi Padva, Happy Ugadi & Happy Cheti Chand.

7 Ways to Achieve Inner Peace and Prosperity in the New Year

-- by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Posted: 01 January 2013 in Huffington Post

Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji

Each new year, people wish each other happiness, prosperity and peace, but only a few seem to know how to be peaceful -- like only a few know how to make money. Here are some steps that might help one to find the most needed inner peace.

1. Take Time for Yourself

Often, we become so engrossed in our day-to-day activities, we simply end up gathering more and more information, and do not take time out to think and reflect. Then we feel dull and tired.

A few quiet moments everyday are the source of creativity. Silence heals and rejuvenates and gives you depth and stability. Sometime during the day, sit for a few minutes; get into the cave of your heart, eyes closed, and keep the world away.

Taking some time for yourself improves the quality of your life.

2. Know the Impermanence of Life

Nail the MONOrail

Tired of the monotonous routine of everyday life? Sometimes performing repetitive non-intellectual acts can appear to be boring & bring frustration & also depression.

Monotony is an inbuilt aspect of our lives. Internally, my heartbeat, functioning of every organ is monotonous & repetitive. On a more gross level, habits like eating food, brushing my teeth, bathing etc. are repetitive & monotonous.

Our 5 senses create an illusion of breaking the monotony. I have a variety of flavours, colours, smells; these prevent me from getting ‘bored’ of doing repetitive acts like ‘eating’ everyday.

I have, however, wondered very often, why monotony & repetition is such a big part of my everyday activity?? There had to be a reason. 

I would like to share a story here that comes to my mind:

Once a woman wanted to learn how to meditate! She approached a wise man & the wise man re-directed her to a goldsmith. The woman approached the goldsmith & said, “Please teach me how to meditate!”