At any given point of time, our mind is oscillating between the past and the future. Either it is angry or sad about the past or anxious about future. Whatever actions you do in this state of mind, you regret after some time.
Does it mean that you should not plan your future? No. You should plan your short and long time goals. Then, and only then, life gets a channel, a direction to flow. When the mind is totally in the present, the right planning happens. Not only should you plan your goals, but plan the means and methods to work towards them.
Where would you like to see yourself after three years? After 20 years? After 40 years? Don't be feverish about the result. Give your 100%. If you are feverish about the results, it will lead you to disappointment. Do not make a list of all the things you want to achieve. Select few things that really matters.
Once a teacher brought a glass jar to the class and a bag with some big stones, some small stones and some sand. He asked the students to put all the contents from the bag into the glass jar. Some students put the sand first, then small stones and there was no place for big stones.
The teacher later explained that had they put the bigger stones first, then the smaller stones, there was always space around the stones for all the sand in the bag. This example teaches us an important lesson in prioritising things. If we put the things that will give us maximum fulfillment in the long term, smaller things will automatically fall into peace.
Among all the planets in the solar system, the earth is privileged to host life in its many forms, and among all the species, humans are most privileged, for they can host knowledge. Again and again you remember that you are peace, you are love, you are joy and that you are hosting the creature. If you do not realise that you are the host, you live like a ghost.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji
25 WAYS TO A BETTER LIFE