Peace

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 I am serious about achieving perfect peace of mind. Maybe they could help you too.

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, & those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized & steered to the right direction, our direction.

This kind of attitude on our part denies the existence of individuality & consequently the existence of G-d, for G-d 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 individuals with freedom of choice. There is G-d to look after everything. Why are we bothered? We should mind our own business & we will have our peace.

2. Forget & 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 & forgetting. Believe in the justice of G-d. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forget, forgive, & move 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 & have power but no sooner you are powerless, they will forget your achievement & 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 & sincerely & leave the rest to G-d.

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 neighbour whose business is only one year old. Should you be jealous? No, remember everybody's life is shaped by G-d’s plan & that will become your 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, but remaining confident & positive while doing so. As you do this, even the environment, which has remained unfriendly for you, will mysteriously appear to be congenial & 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 & accidents that are beyond our control. We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "G-d will it so, so be it". G-d's logic is beyond our comprehension. Believe it & you will gain in patience, in inner strength, in will power.

7. Do not take on more than you can handle

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 & 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 & 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 & your day will turn out more fruitful.

9. Never leave the mind vacant

An empty mind is the 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, the world or peace of mind. Your hobby, like an average job may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment & achievement. Even if you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental thoughts of G-d & His beautiful gifts to us.

10. Do not procrastinate & never regret

Do not waste time in wondering "should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months & years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember G-d has His own plan too. Value your time & do things. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can rectify your mistakes & succeed the next time. Sitting back & 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 G-d. You do not have the power to alter the course of G-d's will.

May G-d help you remain at peace with yourself & with the world.

G-d Bless,

J