PEACE OF MIND

1. 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. There is God to look after everything. Why are you bothered? Mind
your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. 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. 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. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love
flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. 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 yourself in striving
for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. 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
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 or her previous
Karma, which has now become his destiny. 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.

5. 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.

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. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn
to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully
thinking, "God wills it so, so be it." God's plan is beyond our
comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in terms of patience, inner
strength and will power.

7. 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.

8. 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 mediation. 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.

9. 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 temple 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.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret

Do not waste time in protracted 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 for you. Value you
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. Take it as the Will of God. You do not
have the power to alter the course of God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk?