Ten Commandments for Peace of Mind

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

Shared with Love and Light, Rosalie xo