10 PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND
Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked:
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 thinking denies the existence of individuality and
consequently the existence of God.. 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 God within them prompts them
that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.
Forgive And Forget:
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill
feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We
nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of
stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done
once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering
it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles.
Forgive 2 Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.
Do Not Crave For Recognition:
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without
selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no
sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will
start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours if in striving
for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do
your duties ethically and sincerely.
Do Not Be Jealous:
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know
that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes 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. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be
jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which
has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in
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; it will only take away your peace of
mind.
Change Yourself According To The Environment:
If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you
will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do
this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will
mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.
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. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn
to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully.
Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength
and will power.
Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more
responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to
satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that
may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your
external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in
prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in
your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater
peace of mind.
Meditate Regularly:
Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the
highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you
meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become
peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will
not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually
increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will
interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your
efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.
Never Leave The Mind Vacant:
An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant
mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile.
Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must
decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social
work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will
have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting
physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's
name.
Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:
Do not waste time in protracted wondering how could 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. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does
not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from 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.
