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Home » Finding joy amid life’s challenges: Simple habits for inner peace

Finding joy amid life’s challenges: Simple habits for inner peace

A practical guide to five habits that create joy and balance in life, even when dealing with personal physical challenges.

by Dr K. Srikala Ganapathy
19 comments
Front view carefree woman posing by lakeside

In our complex, fast-paced world, we often experience negative emotions like stress, frustration, or anger. External pressures can sometimes make the mind lose balance and control. The correct approach is not to get overwhelmed but to remain calm and focus on what we can do best at that moment. While this is easier said than done, training our minds can slowly but surely help us.

Despite facing personal physical challenges such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve weakness, and hearing difficulties, I have developed habits that help me discover the beauty of life every day. While everyone’s journey and challenges differ, I’d like to share a few habits that have made a significant difference in my life, focusing more on solutions than the difficulties themselves.

1. A boost for mind and body

Walking is a simple yet powerful activity that boosts our happiness levels and helps us carry on with the day’s activities more effectively. I walk five days a week, setting aside dedicated time for it. Walking is good for both the body and the mind. I’ve realized that this habit helps me function better physically and mentally. With this habit, we can continue walking toward our goals with greater energy, confidence, and peace.

2. Finding peace in simple moments

Observing the beauty around us, even in seemingly simple moments, can refresh and cheer our spirits. I enjoy spending time in a small garden, which helps relax my mind. Gardening has taught me patience. I also have the habit of observing the sky and contemplating its vastness. This practice slows my racing thoughts and calms my mind, allowing me to reflect and think more clearly. It often helps me gain fresh perspectives, clear confusion, and think independently, unlearning conditioned thinking patterns.

A kid brainstorming new ideas

Training our minds to tame negative emotions can bring balance and peace back into our lives. We are gifted with intelligence, and it’s our responsibility to create or choose the right thoughts.

3. Anchoring in faith and gratitude

Lighting lamps in my puja room and saying my daily prayers help me remember the Higher Power and count my blessings. Practicing gratitude brings balance and positivity to my life. My strong faith in the Supreme gives me hope and reduces my worries. Although it’s difficult to hold onto this belief during moments of suffering, I realize that God is my anchor, giving me strength and healing. When I unfold the petals of a lotus and offer it to the Goddess, a beautiful feeling of bliss and devotion blossoms within me.

4. Growth through contribution

It is essential to engage in daily duties and work sincerely. These experiences build self-confidence and lead to self-growth. I have also found happiness in voluntary teaching. The joy and satisfaction derived from contributing to others are priceless and add meaning to our lives.

5. Happiness in supporting others

Supporting and empowering genuine friends and family members brings immense happiness and satisfaction. Meaningful relationships are a source of joy and help us navigate life’s challenges more resiliently.

The power of habits

These habits have helped me cope with my challenges and remain balanced. I firmly believe that our daily thoughts and actions shape our lives. Training our minds to tame negative emotions can bring balance and peace back into our lives. We are gifted with intelligence, and it’s our responsibility to create or choose the right thoughts.

When we’re willing to try, glimpses of intelligent insights unfold in this inspired state of mind. Although change and emotional maturity are time-dependent, practicing these habits earnestly can help us experience moments of happiness and beauty. Wecan find our own pace and start flowing with life happily and beautifully.

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19 comments

Sudha October 31, 2024 - 2:57 pm

Simple and clear ideas. Love that she is honest in sharing her experiences and the lessons she has learnt from adverse situations. Ahe has given us a few clear concepts we can try to make into habits. Thank you for sharing 🙂

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Jeyakumar October 25, 2024 - 3:37 pm

Author Mrs. Srikala advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing the power of simple habits and a positive mindset. They highlight the benefits of physical activity, mindfulness practices, spiritual connection, and acts of kindness. By cultivating these habits, individuals can experience increased happiness, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of purpose. She has beautifully encouraged readers to incorporate these practices into their daily lives, emphasizing the transformative potential of small, consistent actions. Definitely it’s a must for all of us to imbibe these simple yet powerful habits in life.

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K Srikala ganapathy October 25, 2024 - 4:29 pm

Thank you so much Jeyakumar Sir for taking your time to read and share your thoughts. So happy you not only liked the article, but also could relate to it and find value in it. Thank you so much for adding your valuable inputs.

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Dr. T. Selvankumar October 23, 2024 - 4:52 pm

Dr. Sri mam, Your article on “Finding joy amid life’s challenges requires simple habits that cultivate inner peace” insights into the practice of daily gratitude to focus on abundance. Savour the present moment to appreciate life’s little joys. Celebrate small wins to build positivity. Connect with loved ones for emotional support and belonging. Practice self-compassion, embracing your imperfections with kindness. Appreciate nature’s beauty, allowing it to inspire peace. Engage in acts of kindness to spread joy. Rest and reflect to renew your energy, and nurture a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. These habits foster resilience and joy, even in tough times. Wish you all the best in your every step. Thank you

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 24, 2024 - 3:57 am

Thank you so much Sir for taking your time to read and your best wishes. Thank you for writing your comments as summary points.

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Chandrika Shankar October 23, 2024 - 8:21 am

Kala, a beautiful article written by a beautiful mind😊
I have always observed and admired the quiet and peaceful way you and Buju live. You have made your home like that by your positive thoughts and living.
As you have said in the article, how we look at our challenges and troubles and how we shape our lives is entirely in our hands. With the help and guidance of the almighty.
I too find looking up at the sky makes us and our troubles seem so small and insignificant
Bless you, Kala, always.

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 23, 2024 - 1:38 pm

Thank you so much Chandrika aunty for reading and your kind words. So happy you liked the article and could relate to it. Thanks for your precious blessings, aunty.

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Satwik October 23, 2024 - 7:08 am

Beautifully worded and so precise. All the 5 habits you have mentioned are sure shot positive way of overcoming the challanges in one’s life. Very apt and enlightening reading, Kala!

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 23, 2024 - 1:36 pm

Thank you so much Satwikji for reading and your kind words. So happy you found the article valuable and enlightening.

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K Srikala ganapathy October 22, 2024 - 5:45 pm

Thank you so much , Annapurna mam for reading and your kind words. So happy you found the read blissful. Thanks for your wonderful wishes too.

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A Annapurna October 22, 2024 - 4:40 pm

A simple yet profound way of life that not only brings joy and fills empty spaces in day-to-day life but uplifts the spirit and connects you to the Supreme. A blissful read, Srikala. Appreciate your fervor and zest for life despite the challenges. In fact these challenges have become your strength and made you a go-getter in life. Wishing you many more successes in future!!!

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Sarada kailas October 22, 2024 - 4:01 pm

Good article – 5 guidance tips will get rid of all difficulties and you will get peace and fullness.

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 22, 2024 - 5:45 pm

Thank you so much amma. Love.

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Kailas.s October 22, 2024 - 2:35 pm

Article shows how to overcome and getrid of difficulty . The five methods explains very practical and simple ways and concluded
This may be useful for our daily life

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 22, 2024 - 5:46 pm

Thank you so much appa. Love.

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Vijaya October 22, 2024 - 2:12 pm

Yes what Srikala writes is simple & accessible to all irrespective of geography, gender, comforts etc. Its another article that makes me realise how in the name of progress, we have complicated our day to day living. Joy is everwhere, as Srikala rightly says, we have the liberty to anchor on to it, to make our life an interesting journey.

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K. Srikala ganapathy October 22, 2024 - 5:48 pm

Thank you so much Vijaya mam for reading and your kind words. So happy you could relate to the article. Thank you for adding your lovely inputs.

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Buju October 22, 2024 - 12:20 pm

A beautiful article, the emphasis on training the mind to choose positive thoughts is especially powerful, reminding us that we can shape our experiences through conscious effort. This is a deeply uplifting and insightful read.

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K Srikala ganapathy October 22, 2024 - 1:46 pm

Thanks Buju for reading.
Glad you found the article uplifting and insightful.

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