Gone are the days of kings and Queens. But royalty is still respected in all parts of the world. We may not be royals in the official sense. But each one of us has the potential to live a grand life like a king. By, “grand life”, I do not mean a life full of material wealth. There are many rich and famous people who are miserable and depressed, who cannot sleep without pills. In contrast, there are many poor people who are happy and contented. A truly grand and happy life is one which is holistic. It should encompass all aspects of human life. These are physical, mental and spiritual happiness. Man is not only flesh and blood. He has a higher intellect, an elevated mind. There is something much higher which governs man’s intellect, emotions and entire approach to life. It is called a soul, spirit, subconscious, e.t.c. by various names in different religions and cultures. A truly happy man is one who has obtained delight in all aspects. Physical contentment is linked to worldly objects like a good family, job, health, riches, and e.t.c. But true happiness comes when one is also mentally and spiritually relaxed and satisfied. One may not achieve it totally during this journey of life, but one should always strive to achieve this goal. Even reaching half way will give immense pleasure. How to achieve that? Secret of a grand life lies in very simple things. Keep the mind full of fresh and positive thoughts. X said something that day, Y did not talk very well, e.t.c., and negative thoughts keep the mind always unhappy and confused. Get rid of them. Try to learn to forget and forgive other people’s misdoings. Always take decisions. An indecisive mind is plagued with anxiety. The decision taken maybe sometimes wrong, but still it would relax the mind. It is also important, not to regret over wrong decisions. They give you an opportunity to learn and improve. Open up to other human beings. Be warm loving and compassionate to others. See that each day you help at least one person in whatever way possible. Do all your work with detachment. Here I would like to share a philosophy from ancient India. It says that you have the right to work but have no right over the results. Therefore you should do your share of work, your duties, whether personal or in business but not care about whether you are appreciated or not. This philosophy further states – what did you bring with you in this world, what did you produce that you are grieving over its loss. What will you take with you? Change is the law of universe. What belongs to you today, had belonged to some one else in the past and will pass on to somebody in the future. Therefore a wise man should not attach himself to the work he does or things around him. Be courageous. Stick to something you consider correct. Great men like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi had the courage to abide firmly with what they considered truthful, against all resistance and torture. Spend some time daily to observe nature and enjoy it. There is so much of beauty around us which we tend to ignore in our daily busy lives. While enjoying nature, thank the creator of this universe to bring you in this beautiful world. Before sleeping, go through the entire day mentally. Where you have been wrong, correct yourself, improve upon what good you have done. Try applying these simple things to your life. Soon you will be liberated of anxiety, sorrow, lack of self confidence, jealousy, e.t.c. negative feelings that block the path to achieve your full potential and a great life. You can live like a royalty, truly happy, self confident and free from pettiness. What a great and peaceful place this world can become if each person develops a grand perspective towards life. E-mail –rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk
