GN: Our health is a gift

We are our body. What affects us physically also affects us spiritually, and vice versa. Isn't it more difficult to focus during prayer when we are hungry or ill? Proper care for our souls means that we do not neglect our bodily health. Our health is a gift that our Lord want us to nurture and value.

GN: Our Lord grants whatever is good for us

Each of us may have a list of unanswered prayers. But if we examine these items more closely, it's possible that the answers to these are already before us. Our Lord grants whatever is good for us. We must be open to the possibility that our wishes are being granted in ways that we did not expect.

GN: Prayer is not a waste of our time

Our fast-paced life require us to choose our priorities. It is a sad fact that spiritual concerns are set aside for activities that are seen as more productive. God asks us to give more value for the nourishment of our souls. Contrary to the popular belief, prayer is not a waste of our time.

GN: Let us devote time for meaningful prayer in our everyday routine

Routine can prevent us from enjoying the numerous manifestations of God's presence in our lives. Oftentimes, we take the time to stop and reflect only when unexpected events break our habits. We can encounter God more frequently. Let us devote time for meaningful prayer in our everyday routine.

GN: Thank you Mama!

Through our mothers, we had our first taste of human love. Despite the many sacrifices involved, she carried us to term and gave us the chance to experience life. Don't we always seek the security of our mom's embrace during troubled times?

Today, offer a special prayer of thanks for our mothers.

Ten Commandments 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. 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 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. 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?

GN: Proclaim who God is

When was the last time we talked openly about God? During prayers, we receive so many gifts that nourish our heart and soul -- these gifts are meant to be shared. By engaging in spiritual talk, we allow God to reach others through our stories.

Let us not be embarrassed to proclaim who God is for us.

GN: Make a stand

When we witness something that is unjust or against our values, it may be difficult to speak up. Fighting for the truth can create enemies and make us very unpopular. But God asks us to constantly take the side of Justice.

Let us ask the Lord for courage and guidance whenever we make a stand.

GN: Take time to pause

We may not realize it, but anxiety can significantly cripple us. Excessive worry over the many details of everyday life can prevent us from fully enjoying the graces we receive.

Amidst our tasks and responsibilities, God invites us to take time to pause and renew our trust through prayers.