Pauses, Questions & Reconnections

C Ramadass
Sabbatical Dates: 1st July 2026 - 31st December 2026

During my retirement period, I spent a great deal of quality time with my family. One of the most memorable chapters of my family life was fulfilling my wife's long-cherished wish of undertaking a sacred pilgrimage and visiting holy places.

 
What did you do during your sabbatical / How did you spend your time during your sabbatical?

During my retirement period, I spent a great deal of quality time with my family. One of the most memorable chapters of my family life was fulfilling my wife's long-cherished wish of undertaking a sacred pilgrimage and visiting holy places.

During my retirement, I stayed in the coastal fishing village of Muthukkuda. I devoted my time to meditation, yoga, physical exercise, and indoor games, focusing on improving my health and reducing my body weight. I also spent time reflecting on and recalling the experiences I had gained throughout my public life.

In addition, I conducted social, economic, educational, and cultural classes for the children of the fishing community living near my retirement home. I established children's groups and helped develop child leaders who could advocate for and promote children's rights within their communities.
 
What questions /reflections emerged during your sabbatical – Could be related to personal or professional life. 

During my retirement period, many questions arose within me. I often reflected on the lives of the friends with whom I had grown up and wondered how they were doing today. I questioned how, with the passage of time, we had gradually lost contact and forgotten one another.

I also reflected on whether I had unknowingly caused harm to anyone during my life or hurt someone's feelings through my words or actions. I questioned why I had not spent more time with my children and parents, and why work-related commitments had kept me away from my family and relatives for so many years.

I wondered why we sometimes forget that our family, relatives, and the wider community are all interconnected and part of the same social fabric. I carefully reviewed the areas of my life where I had experienced setbacks and tried to understand the reasons behind them.

I also reflected on the circumstances that prevented me from continuing my education during my youth. These and many other questions led me to undertake a deep self-examination and reassessment of my life, helping me better understand my experiences, choices, and personal journey.
 
What memory has stayed with you from your sabbatical? 
Spending all 180 days of my retirement primarily with my wife and my parents became one of the most unforgettable periods of my life.

After 27 years of married life, having open and heartfelt conversations with my wife about her wishes, dreams, aspirations, and life goals gave a new meaning and purpose to our relationship. These discussions helped us understand each other more deeply and made our life together even more meaningful.

For much of my life, I had not experienced the privilege of being constantly surrounded by the complete care and companionship of my parents. During my retirement, however, I had the opportunity to spend valuable time with them, and this feeling of togetherness made me forget the loneliness and distance that had existed over the years.

Experiencing my parents' love, affection, care, and emotional support firsthand during this period was truly a priceless and unforgettable blessing. The warmth of their presence and the bond we shared created memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
 
What did you struggle with during your sabbatical?
One of the most challenging aspects of my retirement period was coping with the absence of regular office interactions, professional engagements, and frequent communication with friends and colleagues. The sudden shift from a busy and structured routine to a quieter lifestyle brought about many significant changes in my daily life.

Adapting to these changes was not easy, and at times I felt deeply affected by the lack of social and professional connections that had been an integral part of my life for many years. The transition required me to adjust to a completely different pace of living.

At the same time, this retirement period gave me an opportunity to understand myself more deeply than ever before. Through self-reflection, I realized that many of the difficulties and setbacks I had experienced in life were closely linked to my own decisions and actions. Recognizing this truth was an important learning experience, although accepting it and moving beyond those memories was often difficult. It took considerable time and effort to come to terms with my past mistakes and to find peace within myself. Nevertheless, this period of introspection helped me gain greater self-awareness, wisdom, and a better understanding of my life's journey.
 
Any insights or learnings from your sabbatical that you plan to implement in your work / personal life?
During my retirement period, I had the opportunity to closely observe and understand the lifestyle of the fisherwomen living in the coastal village where we stayed. I also learned about the various types of seaweed that grow along the coastline, their uses, and their valuable properties.

This experience broadened my understanding of the livelihood opportunities available in coastal communities and highlighted the significant potential of seaweed-based enterprises. Observing the knowledge, skills, and hard work of the fisherwomen inspired me to explore ways in which these natural marine resources could contribute to their economic well-being.

As a result, I have developed a strong motivation to initiate and promote livelihood and income-generation programs based on seaweed cultivation and value-added seaweed products in the future. Such initiatives could help enhance the economic status of fisherwomen, create sustainable employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall development of coastal communities.
 
Do you feel a sense of rest and wellbeing post your sabbatical? If yes, in what way and if not, what was missed?
During my retirement period, I experienced true rest, well-being, and rejuvenation. This phase of life provided me with an opportunity to refresh myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It also helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself, my relationships, and the priorities that matter most in life.

The period of reflection and self-discovery enhanced my sense of awareness and understanding, enabling me to view life from a broader perspective. It allowed me to reassess my values, strengths, and future aspirations with greater clarity.

Furthermore, this retirement period became a powerful source of motivation for planning the next phase of my life. It helped me redefine my goals and priorities concerning my family, professional commitments, and personal development. The experiences and insights gained during this time have provided me with renewed energy, purpose, and direction for the years ahead.
 
How did your colleagues and family feel about your sabbatical?
During my retirement period, I spent much of my time focusing on medical care, health improvement, wellness activities, and living in a peaceful and serene environment. These experiences provided me with an opportunity to slow down, take care of my physical and mental well-being, and appreciate the value of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Although this period was not always filled with productive work or professional engagements, it proved to be highly beneficial for my personal well-being and self-care. The calm surroundings and wellness-oriented activities helped me regain strength, peace of mind, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Most importantly, my family members and colleagues helped me realize how essential health and well-being are in life. Their concern, encouragement, and support during this time made me understand the importance of taking care of oneself and maintaining a healthy balance between work, family, and personal life. This realization has become one of the most valuable lessons I gained during my retirement period.
 
Any feedback / areas of improvement to The Cocoon Initiative about the process?
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of myself and my family, to CoCoon Initiative for providing me with this valuable retirement and wellness opportunity.

This experience has laid a strong foundation for my long-term health, well-being, and longevity. It has enabled me to step away from a fast-paced and demanding work environment and learn how to live and work in a more peaceful, balanced, and mindful manner.

The retirement period has brought significant positive changes to my lifestyle, habits, and overall outlook on life. It has helped me develop greater self-awareness, discipline, and clarity of purpose. Furthermore, it has enhanced my confidence, improved my effectiveness, and strengthened my ability to perform my responsibilities in a more thoughtful and productive way.

This opportunity also helped me recognize the importance of careful planning and systematic implementation in achieving personal and professional goals. The lessons, experiences, and insights gained during this period will continue to guide me in the years ahead.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to CoCoon Initiative for this life-changing opportunity. It has not only enriched my life but has also positively influenced my family and my future journey. Thank you very much.
 
What advice would your offer to anyone else planning to take a sabbatical?
Everyone who is planning a retirement or sabbatical period should involve their spouse in planning both the travel schedule and the overall retirement experience. Joint planning helps ensure that the aspirations, interests, and expectations of both partners are considered, making the experience more meaningful and enjoyable.

It is also advisable to plan travel and other activities well in advance. Early planning allows sufficient time for preparation, reduces uncertainty, and helps avoid unnecessary stress. A well-organized schedule enables individuals to make the best use of their retirement period while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Most importantly, retirement should not be planned in a hurried or overly busy manner. The purpose of this period is to rest, rejuvenate, reflect, and spend quality time with family and loved ones. Therefore, activities and travel plans should be balanced, relaxed, and realistic, allowing enough time to enjoy each experience rather than rushing from one activity to another.

A thoughtfully planned retirement period can become a valuable opportunity for personal growth, improved well-being, stronger family relationships, and renewed purpose in life.