This week, a more pictorial and reflective (short) article

You might have gathered by now that I am in Austria this December. It is the first time in nearly 20 years that I am in Europe for Christmas and New Year. It is a nice time of the year. The radios stations are full of festive songs, the Christmas markets are abuzz with various stalls. And most importantly the weather matches the songs! We had a cold spell with snow. So, ‘I am dreaming of a white christmas’ is relatable.

And although this part of the world is feeling the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, in Austria life goes on as ‘usual’ as possible.

The photos below show some of the lovely markets I went to in the city of Vienna and one in the country. Gluhwein or mulled wine is a popular drink at the markets. Even our neighbourhood has its own mulled wine hut!

I write this on Christmas Eve which is the more important day (than Christmas) for Austrians. Christmas eve is when the family gets together over a meal. Christmas trees are traditionally put up on Christmas eve, in the afternoon, and presents placed last minute after Santa Claus’s visit. It is quite different from the ‘traditional’ putting up of trees. In America, many put their trees up soon after Thanksgiving. Christmas tree (the real ones) traders have brisk sales on Christmas eve (or the day before) in Austria. Quite different.

Next week, on New Year's eve the ring road in Vienna city centre is closed to traffic for a new year’s eve run. Apparently, it is a yearly tradition. More on this after the event.

But this week, as the year comes to an end, I am also reflecting on the year and preparing for the new one around the corner.

A thought leader I follow, Col Fink, mentioned three quotes that got me thinking and I share them here. They seem quite poignant as we prepare to welcome the new year.

Past present and future self

Maybe success is simply “when the present self respects the opinions of the past self, and prioritises the wellbeing of the future self”.

The path to excellence is guided by dissonance

The only way to improve is to uncover your present shortcomings.

The only way to know your shortcomings is to expose them.

The only way to expose them is to enter the arena before you are ready.

 And last, what are you reading over the holidays and beyond? Because, and I agree with Col on this one, you are what you (eat) read

‘Just as the old adage teaches that, physically, you are what you eat; I reckon intellectually, you are what you read.’

I hope these quotes and thoughts get you thinking too over the next days and weeks. Catch you on the other side.

Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!

As always, you can reach me at yoga@yoganesadurai.com