Just as we are living in an environment, in a society, in a community, or in a city, so do we also have what I will call the inner environment.
In a society, one does not stand alone. In a city, there is interplay of so many factors that determine the stability of the community. There is the need to be at peace and cordial relationships with our neighbors and coworkers. There is the need to buy and sell, there is the need to render or accept services. These are what make a community survive. The interdependence and interplay which all result in balance. When there is balance, the society is at its optimal potential for progress and improvement and stability. Anything or any situation that causes discord or disharmony results in imbalance which brings negative effects into the society.
This same factors apply to our inner environment also known as our psychic and psychological make up, or our inner being. Constancy and balance are needed if we are to have inner peace and happiness. When we are at peace with ourselves inside, we are able to radiate that outward. This in turn affects how we interact in the society. Hence it is obvious that societal peace, development, and progress can only be achieved when each of us have inner peace and balance. But it is unfortunate that so many do not realize this fact. We often wonder why things aren't working well in our society while neglecting to look inward and adjust from within.
Our daily thoughts and how we react to situations do affect our inner peace and stability. We need positive outlook to life. Life comes with various experiences. Some good and some not so good. But it is how we react that determines our inner constancy. React negatively and our inner peace is disturbed. This in turn affects how we interact with those around us. As an example, a hard working honest man unjustly sacked from work. Bitterness is normal here. But it shouldn't be allowed to overwhelm and affect inner constancy. Whatever life throws at us, let us dispassionately look at it and tell ourselves that "this too shall pass away". Happy times shall pass away, sad times shall pass away, pains and sorrow shall pass away, elations and victorious moments shall pass away. But our inner self remains and abide. So let us learn to have constancy in our inner being. Let us not allow our inner self to be carried away by fleeting things. Let us at all times mentain the inner balance and constancy for it is then we will be able to objectively respond to external stimuli that hit us from all sides.
The inner constancy and balance is the key to heaven on earth. It is what keep us sane when all else around us go chaotic.
Our inner balance is our key to sanity. Let us treasure it.