We can have more joy and less tension in life only in self-giving, not in demanding. When there is tension it is only because we want something to be done in our way while others want it done in their way. Tension starts in the mind because we see light in one way and others see light in some other way. So there is no peace, no poise, only tension.

(excerpted from The Jewels of Happiness, pg.46) by Sri Chinmoy