6 Life-changing Pointers from Swami Chinmayananda

The only thing assured in life is change. From the minutest of atoms to the ever-expanding universe and from the depth of the Mariana Trench to the height of Mount Everest, and everything in between, is constantly moving and changing. And here are some mantras from Pujya Swami Chinmayananda that can hold us in good stead in this ever-changing world.‘Keep smiling.’In good times, be grateful and smile. During the not so good times, remember that it is a learning moment and will eventually pass. With this attitude, smile. A smile not only helps us to feel better but also helps those who witness your smile. 🙂 ‘The greatness is not in what we do but unavoidably it is always in how we do, what we do. Our present work may be great or small. Yet, the important thing is to do it well.’Striving for excellence in everything that we do is the surest way to grow and succeed. A task might seem ordinary, but our growth is in how we execute it, getting better with every step and moving forward. ‘Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.’We keep our happiness hooked onto what someone is doing or not doing or if a person behaves contrary to our expectations, there goes our peace of mind and joy! Take charge of your life; keep the key with you. ‘Everybody exists. It is only a few who live. To live, you should have an ideal.’When our actions are dedicated to a higher ideal or altar, the quality of our actions automatically improves. We inadvertently put in more effort and work joyfully. Nobler the purpose, higher the satisfaction of contributing towards it. ‘Meet life as it reaches you. With or without the things our minds demand.’Face life and make your life. Whatever comes your way, whether something is occurring in accordance with our wishes or not, if things are going as per our plan or not, accept it and work upward with whatever you have instead of weeping over what is wrong in your life. ‘Silently hear everyone. Accept what is good; reject and forget to remember what is bad. This is the way to live intelligently.’Be it praise or criticism, reflect! Take the parts that help you grow and drop that which pulls you down. Brooding over hurts only deepens the hurts. It does not let us heal. Engaging with abuse takes us down. Be smart, drop the bad and focus on the good for your own good.