Staying calm in the face of trouble

EVERYONE wishes to live a life free of worries and problems. In reality, however, problems keep cropping up. They may be big or small, easily resolved or complicated, brief or seemingly interminable, but their impact on our lives depends on how we deal with them.

It is easy to get upset by a difficult situation, but that does not help resolve it. Rather, a disturbed state of mind does not allow one to think clearly and find the best possible solution.

It is far more sensible to remain calm in the face of trouble, so that one is able to see things for what they are, and act prudently.

To remain stable in all situations, one needs to have resources to overcome the situation. For instance, if there is an economic crisis and sources of income dry up, one who is wealthy would not panic; he can tide over the situation more easily than others.

Even if we do not have the necessary resources, we can remain unruffled by difficult situations if we have the right attitude and spirit.

It is up to us how we see a situation: as a disaster, a trifling thing, or a challenge. If we think only about the real or potential damage a situation can cause, we can get worried, disappointed or disheartened.

While we may not be in a position to avert the inevitable, we can certainly look at what it can teach us and become wiser. Having the attitude of learning from every experience helps us avoid going into sorrow, guilt or repentance, none of which are useful.

Truth, honesty and a clear conscience also help us remain at peace. If we have done something wrong knowingly or otherwise, admitting it and making amends helps us overcome any feelings of guilt, shame or fear. If, however, we try to hide it from others, the fear of its discovery will not allow us to be calm.

A person with a clear conscience will have no such fear and will be able to take the appropriate decision to resolve a situation.