Peace of mind is the most sought after 'commodity' in human life. It appears that most of us are in a state of perpetual restlessness. On analyzing the causes of this restlessness, I have ventured to find for myself ten solutions that need to be followed religiously if we are serious about achieving perfect peace of mind.
1. Do not interfere in others' business
Most of us create our own problems by interfering too
often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves
that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic, and those who do
not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right
direction, our direction.
This kind of attitude on our part denies the
existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God, for God has
created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in
exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because they are prompted
to do so by the Divine within them. There is God to look after everything. Why
are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will have your peace.
2. Forget and
forgive
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We
often nurture ill feeling inside our heart for the person who insults or harms
us. We forget that the insult or injury was done to us once but by nourishing
the grievance we go on excavating the wound forever. Therefore it is essential
that we cultivate the art of forgiving and forgetting. Believe in the justice
of God and the doctrine of Karma. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted
you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forget, forgive, and march on.
3. Do not crave for
recognition
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom
praise anybody without selfish motive. They may praise you today because you
are rich and have power but no sooner you are powerless, they will forget your
achievement and start criticizing you.
Moreover, no one is perfect. Then why do you value
the words of praise of another mortal like you? Why do you crave for
recognition? Believe in yourself. People's praises do not last long. Do your
duties ethically and sincerely and leave the rest to God.
4. Do not be jealous
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our
peace of mind. You know you work harder than your colleagues in the office but
they get promotions, you do not. You started a business several years ago but
you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old.
Should you be jealous? No, remember everybody's life is shaped by his previous
Karma that has now become his destiny. If you are destined to be rich, not all
the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either.
Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not
get you anywhere, but will only give you restlessness.
5. Change yourself
according to the environment
If you try to change the environment single handedly,
the chances are you may fail. Instead, change yourself to suit the environment.
As you do this, even the environment, which has remained unfriendly for you,
will mysteriously appear to be congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure what cannot be
cured
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an
advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations and
accidents that are beyond our control. We must learn to endure them cheerfully
thinking, "God will it so, so be it". God's logic is beyond our
comprehension. Believe it and you will gain in patience, in inner strength, in
will power.
7. Do not bite more than
you can chew
This maxim should be always remembered. We often tend
to take more responsibilities than we are capable to carry out. This is done to
satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Spend your free time on prayers,
introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind,
which make you restless. Fewer the thoughts, greater is the peace of mind.
8. Meditate regularly
Meditation makes the mind thoughtless. This is the
highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it. If you meditate
earnestly for half an hour every day, you will tend to become calm during the
remaining twenty-three and a half hours. Your mind will not be disturbed as
much as before. This will increase your efficiency and you will turn out more
work in less time.
9. Never leave the mind
vacant
An empty mind is devil's workshop. All evil deeds
start in the mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something
worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. You must decide what you value more -
money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work may not always earn you
more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even if
you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental
chanting of God's name (japa).
10. Do not procrastinate
and never regret
Do not waste time in wondering "should I or
shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months and years may be wasted in that futile
mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all
future happenings. Always remember God has His own plan too.
Value your time and do things. It does not matter if
you fail the first time. You can rectify your mistakes and succeed the next
time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes
but do not brood over the past.
DO NOT REGRET!
Whatever happened was destined to happen only that
way. Take it as the will of God. You do not have the power to alter the course
of God's will. Why cry?
May God help you remain at
peace
With yourself and the world
Om shanti shanti shanti
With yourself and the world
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