Embracing the Fifth Cycle: A Journey of Inner Mastery

As of today, I have officially entered my fifth cycle in yogic terms. That’s right—according to the ancient wisdom of the East, human life moves through 12-year cycles, each bringing its own lessons, transformations, and revelations. And today, I step into the realm of the 48+ club. No candles, no cakes—just a moment to acknowledge this shift with a knowing smile (and maybe a quiet stretch to ease into it).

For those unfamiliar with the concept, let’s break it down:

0-12 years: Wide-eyed wonder and discovery. Life is all about learning how to exist without breaking too many things.
12-24 years: The identity quest. Who am I? What’s my purpose? Can I pull off this questionable haircut?
24-36 years: Building, hustling, chasing dreams, responsibilities, and probably losing a bit of hair in the process.
36-48 years: Refining, reassessing, rethinking—because let’s be honest, some of those early decisions need revisiting.
48-60 years: Ah, now we’re here. This phase isn’t about proving anything; it’s about distilling wisdom, embracing ease, and shifting from doing to being.

Yogic philosophy suggests that this stage marks a transition from external conquests to internal mastery. It’s the beginning of the Vanaprastha phase, which in ancient times meant retreating to the forest to focus on wisdom, but in modern times translates to possibly buying more houseplants and choosing deeper conversations over small talk.

The shift is subtle yet profound. The chase for validation softens, the need for accumulation lessens, and the appreciation for presence, awareness, and balance grows. It’s not about slowing down—it’s about moving with greater intention and grace.

Of course, the beauty of this cycle is that it’s not just about introspection. It’s also a time to share what you’ve learned, mentor, guide, and inspire—whether through words, actions, or just by being an example of someone navigating life with a little more ease and laughter. (And maybe sneaking in an extra afternoon nap because, let’s face it, we’ve earned it.)

So, as I embrace this new phase, I look forward to deepening my journey, refining my purpose, and—most importantly—continuing to live with curiosity, joy, and a willingness to explore what lies ahead.

Here’s to the fifth cycle—where wisdom meets adventure, and the best stories are yet to be written.

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