25 ways to rejuvenate one's life.

[Guest guest]

Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal.

 

In continuation of my earlier message regarding 25 ways to rejuvenate

one’s life.

 

17. Let us be unpredictable.

 

We often behave like machines. A compliment makes us smile and an

insult makes us frown. We do not have to react in the same way always.

You have the freedom to respond differently. You do not have to answer

all questions posed to you. As people have a right to question, you

have the right whether to answer or not.

So, be unpredictable!

 

18. Have a sense of humor.

 

You are endowed with certain naughtiness as a child. Keep it alive.

Humor will grease all tough situations. One who has humor can sail

through any conflict. Humor is the buffer that saves you from

humiliation. If you refuse to be humiliated, you become invincible.

Humor brings everyone together, while humiliation tears them apart. In

a society torn with humiliation and insult, humor is like a breath of

fresh air.

 

Humor should be coupled with care and concern. Humor can keep the

spirit high, yet if overdone it leaves a bad taste. Humor without

wisdom is shallow. Humor without sensitivity is satire-it comes back to

you with more problems.

 

The wise use humor to bring wisdom and to lighten situations. The

intelligent use humor as a shield against humiliation. The cruel use

humor as a sword to insult others. The irresponsible use humor to

escape from responsibility. And fools take humor to seriously!

 

How does one cultivate a sense of humor?

 

Humor is not just words; it is the lightness of your being. You do not

have to read and repeat jokes.

 

Taking life not too seriously (because you will never come out of it

alive)!

 

Having a sense of belongingness with everybody, including those who are

not friendly.

 

Practicing yoga and meditation.

 

Having unshakable faith in the Divine and in the laws of karma.

 

Being in the company of those who live in knowledge and are humorous.

 

A willingness to be a clown.

 

19. Do not be afraid to make mistakes.

 

Whenever a boundary is broken, it creates some fear. The fear creates

dislike. This dislike puts us back in the boundary. And to keep

yourself in the boundary you put forth defenses. When you try to defend

your position, it is such a stress. Every time you try to defend your

position, it makes you more and more weak. Drop all your defenses.

When you are totally defenseless, that’s when you will be strong.

 

Your knowledge of a mistake comes to you when you are innocent!

Whatever mistake has happened, do not consider yourself a sinner because

in the present moment you are again new, pure and clear. Mistakes of

the past are past. When this knowledge comes, you are again perfect.

Often, mothers scold their children and afterwards feel so guilty.

Okay, you got angry at your kid once or twice. Why? Because of a lack

of awareness! Awareness was missing, so the anger came up. Knowledge

of the self, truth and skills can bring out the best in you. So, do not

be afraid to make mistakes, but not the same mistakes. You have got to

be innovative even in your mistakes!

 

20. Overcome your prejudice.

 

Your prejudice against gender, religion, caste and class does not allow

you to mingle with everyone around you. Often, you do not sit with

people who are not economically or socially at par with you. You have

to learn to break that barrier. Also, there is age prejudice.

Teenagers do not like to have fun with elderly people and vice versa.

Gender prejudice is more prevalent in rural areas. Caste system is

present even among the royalties of Europe, the UK and Japan.

 

Religious prejudice is well known. There are good people and bad people

in every community, religion and every section of society. Do not be

prejudiced against them. At the same time do not be shy about your

identity. When you overcome prejudice, you will be very natural, and

your quality of life will improve.

 

To be continued…

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.