Kamil Lakshman – 
The year 2015 is now ending. The festive season is upon us and it is time to reflect on the year that is slipping away.
We enter 2016 in a rapidly changing world, where each country has a position on pertinent issues such as rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, increasing number of displaced people, threats of terrorism, technology and information overload and identity theft.
It is a world in which war, mass killings, famine, collapsing economies, and natural disasters are common place.
Increasing decadence
All these perch in a context of increasing dependency on technology and energy sources.
This is compounded by the overuse of natural resources brought about by a mindset that their supply is endless. Radiation, plastics and medication commonly feature in this imbroglio.
With the advent and rapid use of social media and search engines in which a wealth of information is available at your fingertips the overuse of technology can be damaging. If vigilance and mindfulness are absent, causing strain on the eyes and ears, the mind is being constantly occupied by information overload.
Technology can be responsible for dulling the mind, diminishing of talents and even loss of craftsmanship as more and more things become automated.
Modern gadgets are helpful, it has enabled access and it has opened new doors, but they can have a harming effect if not responsibly used.
Research will have to ultimately substantiate the authenticity of this statement.
Mental depression
Loneliness and depression can result from isolation of physical human interaction. This can be caused by the use of technology and in particular social media, resulting in comparison and competition as byproducts.
A sense of not being good enough and self-worth can be questioned as the distinction between significant and insignificant gets blurred. This can often contribute to a feeling of lack, and absence of belonging.
Essential spirituality
Spirituality can close this gap as it provides a sense of worthiness and being part of something bigger. It provides an understanding of our role as human beings in the total scheme of existence on this planetary platform.
It connects us to the universal laws prevalent, plugs us into the various frequency’s depending on our individual growth, a rhythm and flow results, a synchronized harmony in chaos and a better chance at coping with what life throws our way.
There is less likelihood of being consumed by what is around us.
Overdose hurts
The viruses are rampant. Control is becoming an issue as overuse of medication kills the immune system. There is a rapid increase of diseases such as cancer, strokes, diabetics, high blood pressure and illnesses related to memory loss.
Some of these diseases are attributed to a sedentary life style and poor diet. Conclusive causes remain unknown and cures are still being discovered. The health sector is under extreme pressure.
New Zealand sits among this myriad of issues touching all of us in one way or another.
It is increasingly seen as a very attractive destination.
The country’s laidback lifestyle, ethos, geographic isolation, sound economic policies, stable democracy, safe green and clean image, sound education and health systems, reputation for a sound social welfare system and care for the aged are all attractions for people to migrate and find their new homes here.
New Zealand is increasingly becoming global player. It has a reputation for innovation, which is visible even in the non-traditional areas.
Investment destination
For those with money, New Zealand is a particularly safe and attractive country. It is also seen as a country with a heart for the homeless and those displaced by disturbances in their home country.
We however face challenges, including changing demography, migration from several countries and global threats, to mention a few.
A further challenge is the constant battle to keep inflation down, and a Super City (Auckland) suffering from overcrowding and heated property market.
This is my last article in the 2015 series. I would like to thank readers of this column.
I wish all of you the best of the holiday season.
Kamil Lakshman is a Lawyer & Principal of Wellington based law firm Idesi Legal Limited. She can be contacted on (04) 4616018 or 021-1598803. Email: kamil.lakshman@idesilegal.co.nz;
