The year 2016 is coming to end, everybody is waiting to welcome 2017 with a grand celebration. But New Year is a time for introspection, not for celebration.  If you had a million rupees in your bank and you spent half a million, would you celebrate or feel sad about it? You would be so worried thinking, “Oh I spent half a million and I am spending more. Very soon I will be left with nothing.”

The years in your life are your true wealth. Be worried about these years just like you are worried about your money. Don’t celebrate, instead think, “I spent another precious year, but did I move closer to God?”

When the elections get over political parties sit back and examine their activities, they introspect. They try and understand the reasons for their loss, where did they go wrong. What can they do better the next time?  Similarly, you should do a deep introspection at the end of every year.

Think, “Did I progress on the path of devotion this year? How far away am I from my goal? What mistakes did I make? What are my faults that I can improve?”

In fact, you should try and do this introspection every month and if possible even every day. Take a few minutes to reflect before you go to bed, “What did I do today? Where all did I go wrong? Did I keep my mind in God or the world?”

If you will introspect on a daily basis, your faults will gradually start reducing.  Through introspection, you will find that you realize your carelessness. However, the problem is that you will not introspect because you don’t perceive the ephemerality of this human life.

Year after year, you are only concerned about the progress you make in the world, the money and prestige you earn.  You forget this simple point that you are the soul and not the body.  You will have to leave this body and even if you don’t wish to leave, you will be forced to leave.

That is why every New Year is a time for introspection. Introspect and resolve that in the coming year you will move closer to God.  Who knows how many days you will get to live in the coming year?

Also, watch this short video by Swami Mukundananda that will inspire you to engage in devotion even if you started late in life.