10 principles for 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. 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. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, 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 yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

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/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.

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. Believe in yourself 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 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.


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 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.

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. 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. Why cry over spilt milk?

You and Your Ex – Can You Be Friends?

You and Your Ex – Can You Be Friends?

I see that people have been taking time out today to wish just about everyone, send an SMS to everyone on their contact lists much to the joy of their subscriber, dedicate songs to friends and, in general, celebrate the spirit of friendship.  Just been wondering, does this day bring out enough goodness in you to wish your ex- as well– be it boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or partner? Can you be friends with the person again?

Most relationship experts would say ” Well, it depends on how you broke up.” But I’d say, it depends on the age you  broke-up with person X.  I believe with age you tend to become more cautious about who you befriend and why. Yes, yes, the O comes way before the S, W and T in relationships, so don’t you try analysing it.

Obviously, if it was in your late teens and you guys just fought over something trivial and broke up, am sure both of you can reconnect and have a good laugh about it if you’re older now.  College was when you needed to make yourself heard,  rebel, and prove a point, no matter who it was to.  So now that you’ve done it all, you can be friends again and forgive and forget, no?

As we grow older, our emotions seem to get the better of us. Perspectives change and relationships only get more complicated. Yes note, I say relationships, not people. Because, as a friend rightly said, we are born simple, but circumstances complicate us. Long-term relationships, pre or post-marital, that end bitterly,  are hard to forgive and forget making it tough to be friends with the person later on.  However, there are exceptions. Sometimes, the bitterness subsides with time and we make an effort to rekindle the friendship that didn’t work out earlier.

For relationships that end up in divorce, it of course depends on how amicable it is. Sometimes spouses make for far better friends after parting ways than they ever did while they were together. It only bodes well, if there’s a child involved. But even otherwise, it works out to be a classic case of  “a friend in need…” as that’s when one tends to fall back on someone who he/she knows well or understands a given circumstance best.

I know of people who are “good friends” with their ex, in fact so much so that they take life-changing advice from them. Now, if only, the wisdom flowed back then! What’s even more interesting is that the ex becomes a part of the present relationship without being judgmental and emotional about it. They are a part of the happiness and the heartbreak, if it does come again. The changing dynamics of relationships!

When a relationship ends, generally one or both the people involved tend to get hurt. Depending on the duration of the relationship and the intensity, it may take a while to get over your ex and feel good again.

Once you’ve accepted that it’s over, you can consider being friends. But just make sure your ex wants to be friends too.

- You can start by checking in on him/her, once in a while. Maybe you could send a friendly hello SMS or call and wish him/her for the birthday. Ask your former partner how they’re doing and based on their response take it further.

- Make sure you or your ex don’t have other intentions. He/she shouldn’t want to revive the relationship or have some fun on the side. It’s important you both know where the friendship is heading so that one person doesn’t end up getting hurt.

- Initially keep your meetings or phone calls brief. Set limits for yourself and make sure you aren’t constantly in touch. This could harbour some old feelings. Also try meeting up with a group of friends so that there is no awkwardness between you two.

- What you discuss with your former lover is also important. Avoid very personal topics like your love life or intimate details of your friends. Keep it as casual as possible.

- Let go of the past. This is quite tricky as it’s hard to keep the past memories away. Even in a joking tone don’t remind him/her about how they missed your anniversary or never made time for you. This will make it unpleasant and lead to an argument.

- Keep one of your best friends updated about your efforts. This will help him/her look out for you and tell you when you’re getting too close to your ex. It’s essential to keep some distance.