Accept Everything and Be at Ease (really?)

This morning's Weekly Words from Satchidananda were about keeping your peace in times of hardship or struggle.

“Anything may happen. Think that it is a part of the Divine Will, or the Cosmic Law, and accept it: ‘Alright, whatever may happen, I’m not going to lose my peace.’ Probably we have seen hundreds and thousands of things daily happen. Millions and millions of people die from diseases, many people die from accidents, paupers become millionaires overnight and millionaires become paupers. We have seen all these things every day in our daily lives. What is there to wonder about? So, accept things with the feeling, ‘Well, that’s the world, let it happen.’ Just be at ease."

It is easy to say, hard to practice. Especially with the upcoming election, the financial crisis, the war, the uncertainty of our jobs. One must take a "chill pill" so to speak, and find peace in turmoil. Take the time to breathe first, think second, act third will unfold a better result than if you act first, think second. In that case, you may not be able to breathe at all.

I have a hard time with the last part of his inspiration...the fact that 'bad' things happen, we can not change it so follow Bobby McFerrin's advice, "don't worry, be happy". It almost seems that Satchidananda is telling us to be passive and don't interfere when it comes to seeing trouble unfold. I disagree. If some things can be changed, we need to look ahead to sort it out. I agree that some things happen for a reason, but we can do our part in living our lives along a path to bliss. If you chose apathy, you have nothing to complain about so yes, grin and bear it. But if you make choices that walks a path to happiness, your happiness will come to you easier.