The Art of the Slow Life: What 100 Postcards Taught Me

A few years ago, I was introduced to Postcrossing, a global community that offered me a unique opportunity to experience life at its fullest through the "slow life" movement. When I first started writing, I found myself questioning the process—wondering who would write back and if this hobby was sustainable.  

Today, having received 100 postcards, I can say that every card brings a surge of emotion, much like the joy of a family member coming to visit.  

Why the Pen Still Matters in a Digital World

In a world of rapid development and media saturation, we often lose sight of ourselves. Writing postcards has become my way of reclaiming that lost time. 

It has allowed me to:  

Connect Authentically: I have met new people and grown communication so significantly that receiving cards on birthdays and special occasions feels incredibly special.  

Travel Through Others: I have "visited" places I always dreamed of through the stamps and ink of others, experiencing a beautiful mix of emotions.  

Find Mental Stillness: Sitting down to write brings a sense of mental peace and relaxation to my heart.  

7 Lessons from the Mailbox

Through this journey, I have realized that the "art of living for others" is more important than ever. 

Here is why I continue to choose the pen over the screen:  

Clarity over Haste: It provides a clarity of life where you never feel rushed to make decisions.  

Unity in Diversity: You become part of a united friendship that blossoms across borders.  

A Distinguished Choice: Taking the time to hold a pen sets you apart in a fast-paced world.  

Peace of Mind: Each session of writing acts as a meditative escape for the soul.  

Complete Conversations: Unlike phone calls where things are often missed, nothing is lost when put on paper.  

Heartfelt Reminders: Every word written becomes a permanent treasure held in the heart and soul.  

Positive Routine: This practice is so fulfilling that missing the routine makes me realize how much I truly value it.  

I conclude Every postcard has taught me the truth in the saying: "Everybody you ever meet knows something you don't". 

Meeting people through their words has made me more valuable as a person and proved that a pen can change us into something more beautiful than ever.  

Though the modern world may feel overwhelming, I am committed to this journey—championing a world made beautiful through words, action, and soul. 

Seven Years, Thousands of Miles, and a New Song for 2026

Seven years ago, I began this digital journey to share a very physical passion: the power of the written word. Today, as we step into 2026, my heart remains the same, but my vision has grown.

From my roots in Chennai to the many youth centers I’ve visited through USM and YCS/YSM, I’ve seen how the "digital noise" can sometimes drown out our inner melody. This year, I am refreshing this space to focus even more deeply on what matters most.

The Melody in the Noise

In an era of instant messages, the postcard remains my anchor. It is a tool of solidarity—a way to say, "I see you, and you matter." This year, I’ll be sharing more stories from the road: the faces of youth discovering their own voices and the quiet power of a pen hitting paper.

What 2026 Looks Like Here

As I continue to travel and mentor, this blog will evolve into a more intentional space for:

The Symphony of Solidarity: How we can turn individual "solos" into a movement for a more harmonious world.

Mentorship from the Slow Lane: Deep reflections on guiding the next generation without the rush of the modern world.

Hands-on Change: Real stories of youth empowerment from Chennai and beyond.

A Note of Gratitude

To those who have been reading for the past seven years: Thank you. You have been part of this symphony. To those just joining: Welcome. Let’s make 2026 a year of slower paces, deeper connections, and many more postcards.

"A single postcard is a solo; a movement is a symphony."

I was fortunate to connect visit and helping a group of singers who were on a pilgrimage to various churches spreading the importance of Latin Chants and Meditative Singing.

New Year with these Great People

As it was the Feast of the Three Kings I had a sharing about them

The Three Kings: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar

In Christian tradition, the Magi were noble pilgrims from the East who followed a miraculous star to find the newborn Jesus. While the Bible doesn't specify there were exactly three, the number is traditionally tied to the three specific gifts they brought.

1. Melchior

Origin: Often depicted as coming from Persia or Europe.

The Gift: Gold.

Symbolism: Gold represents kingship and royalty on Earth. It acknowledged the child as a "King of Kings."

2. Caspar (or Gaspar)

Origin: Often depicted as coming from India or the Far East.

The Gift: Frankincense.

Symbolism: Frankincense is a resin used in incense for worship. It represents divinity and priesthood, acknowledging the child's spiritual nature.

3. Balthazar

Origin: Often depicted as coming from Arabia or Ethiopia (Africa).

The Gift: Myrrh.

Symbolism: Myrrh is a bitter oil used for embalming and burial. It represents humanity and foreshadowed the child’s future suffering and death.

Their Role in the Narrative

The Magi play a vital role in the story of the Nativity for several reasons:

The Seekers: They represent the "Gentiles" (non-Jewish people) recognizing the significance of the birth, suggesting the message was for the whole world.

The Star: They were skilled in astronomy/astrology, using the "Star of Bethlehem" as a navigational guide.

The Warning: After visiting the child, they were warned in a dream not to return to King Herod, who intended to harm the baby. This allowed the family to escape to Egypt

And ended by a Group Picture for the New Year

Christmas 2025

A Year that started as no body went like somebody finnally completed like every body and Christmas this year I felt it is a birth that is hopeful and optimistic about the days to come 

YCS Reunion at IYCS Asia Cultural Exchange

I was recently on a Reunion of YCS at Bangalore St johns Medical College on December 1 and 2 as part of an Ongoing IYCS Asia 50 Years Celebration and Asian Cultural Exchange Program.

We had met and exchanged wonderful memories of YCS and the journey that led us to give back until today.

I felt happy since i went back for a meeting after a long time 

Visit of Scorpion King

A Flight Cancellation, an Old Friend, and the Future of YCS

It started with an airline hiccup. Jimmy Pdang, returning from the FABC conference in Malaysia, found his Indigo flight canceled. What seemed like an inconvenience became a delightful surprise—an unexpected few days to reconnect after a year.

We met at our cherished old haunt, The Third Place (Professors Leo and Vaishali’s home), a place where time slows down and genuine conversation begins.

💖 Rejuvenating the Past: The Power of Connection

For a beautiful, restorative time, we dove into happy memories, reminiscing about our days in the Young Christian Students (YCS) movement. Every shared moment felt special, revealing a new, deeper layer of understanding about the movement's enduring spirit.

The energy was palpable. It wasn't just nostalgia; it was a powerful reflection on giving back and the foundational principles that shaped us.

🤔 The Lingering Question: YCS in the Age of AI

As we talked, one question kept circling back, a fundamental challenge for anyone working with young minds today:

How do we sustain a time-tested methodology, like the YCS's See-Judge-Act, when the world has shifted to AI algorithms and "see my insta" immediacy?

The landscape has changed dramatically. Young people navigate a reality defined by fleeting digital trends, constant validation, and machine-driven information. Can our "old ways" of critical thinking, reflection, and committed action still break through the noise to inspire genuine change?

💡 The Spark of Reflection

Our visit concluded with a peaceful stop at Arul Kadal, a Jesuit theology center, where we were graciously hosted. As Jimmy bid farewell, leaving me with a sense of renewal, I realized the answer isn't to abandon the methodology, but to re-contextualize it.

The core of YCS is not outdated; it's the tools we use to execute it that need an upgrade. The See-Judge-Act framework is exactly what equips young people to decode and act responsibly within the complex world of AI and social media.

The Challenge We Must Carry Forward:

See: How do we teach youth to "see" beyond the curated feed—to analyze the deeper socio-economic trends hidden in a viral TikTok or an AI-generated image?

Judge: How do we apply universal human and ethical values to new challenges like digital ethics, privacy, and bias in algorithms?

Act: How do we inspire actions that are meaningful both in the community and compelling enough to drive change in the digital sphere?

This unexpected encounter was more than just a reunion; it was a spark that ignited a necessary reflection. The question is now set: The methodology endures, but the medium must evolve.

#ycs#family#visit

Sunday School another Year

I am particularly happy to be with these young people of class x and these have already made me feel good that one full year has been very special 

Childrens day pictures