Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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

24 comments:

Lisa said...

Very wise indeed.

Anonymous said...

Well written. Excellent points to live by. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I think these are great points. Thanks alot for sharing J. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Shabbat Shalom.

Unknown said...

These sure are good points ta live by J; I just wish I could figure out what G-ds plan and will is for my life. Nothin' has been goin' my way and I keep gettin' signs I dont really want. I'm gonna try apply these to my life. Thanks for sharin' yur inspirations. They're always there at the right time. G-d bless ya.

Unknown said...

Wisdom and excellence defined. Very well written. G-d Bless you.

Gabriel said...

Great points - G-d definitely has his own plan for our lives. Thanks for sharing your points. Very powerful. G-d bless you. :)

Megs said...

Thank you so much for your guidance. These points are so helpful. Your wisdom has always been my inspiration. G-d bless you always. Shabbat Shalom. :)

Cole said...

Excellent points. May G-d help you to have peace too. I am not sure if you have realised what a huge impact you make in people's lives. Thank you and G-d Bless you always.

Unknown said...

Thank you J. Peace of mind is so important and these are very good points to try and apply and have just that. Happy Passover and G-d be with you always. Shabbat Shalom.

Anonymous said...

As always, brilliant. Thank you very much for your continued passion for life, for G-d and for sharing your thoughts and wisdom. G-d Bless you.

Rabbi Mel Glazer said...

Sounds like a contemporary Ten Commandments!
I like them a lot...

Anonymous said...

I like this alot. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I learn so much from everything you write. Thank you for sharing J. G-d be with you always. (Mindy)

Magde said...

I agree with Rabbi Glazer. Definitely sounds like a contemporary Ten Commandments. I always enjoy your blogs. Your wisdom and thought is always welcomed. Thank you. G-d be with you always.

Beulah said...

Very good advice. Definitely points to try and live by. Thank you for sharing.

Grant said...

Good and very strong points. Thanks for sharing.

Joshuah said...

Exceptional. These are all very valid and powerful points and if we can apply them to our lives it would be amazing.

Forgiving is easy enough, but forgetting is slightly more difficult. One of my weak points.

Your meditation technique has had a profound effect on me and is part of my daily life. I have shared it with all my staff. I am going to email this to them too.

Rabbi Mel Glazer hit the nail on the head. A contemporary Ten Commandments that will do many alot of good if applied to their lives.

Thank you for sharing. You are always an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Powerful. Thank you.

Adam said...

I am a peaceful guy and believe in doing my own thing, minding my own business and enjoying my life. You have made some very good points here that I already apply to my own life. Excellent blog J. Thanks for sharing.

Bazil said...

Very good guide lines to live by. Thank you for sharing. G-d bless you.

Thoughts of a MD said...

An exceptional guide to strive toward for all. Very well written. Thank you for sharing J.

Andrew Patterson said...

A powerful blog. I like this. Thanks.

David Katzen said...

Kevin needed this. Very good points. I will copy this to share with the people I am helping. Wise words.

Harry M said...

A well written guide to follow. Thank you. G-d continue to bless you with wisdom to share.