4 May 2014 - QA 4

How to let go of stress? How do you define real happiness?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

To let go of stress, do some meditation, some breathing exercises and pranayama; this is the first thing.

Second, look back and see, haven’t you had some challenges in the past? You have had, isn't it? If you are anxious today (because of something), the same situation you have faced before also, haven’t you? This is not the first time. And you have overcome that situation. So remembrance of a stressful situation in the past which you could overcome will give you confidence to let go of stress now.

Third is faith; faith that there is a higher power that is going to help me, I am not alone. And this stressful situation is nothing, this is going to go away.

Fourth option is you look around and you see people who are more stressed than you! If you are at a loss and someone is at a bigger loss, you get some sort of consolation!
So I would say, this would be the last option to make you feel better.
Say you have some problem happening in your area, then you remember what is happening in Egypt! You will feel that at least your situation is better than theirs.

Those who experience lot of failure at home, or someone troubles them, they often do this. They start counting the failures of others to justify their own.
So in these ways we can get rid of stress.

Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, has said, 'Santosha Anuttamah Sukha Labhah'. A determination that 'no matter what I will not lose my smile' will help you. You may lose it, but a time will come when you will not lose at all.