While interacting with the world, do not become diffident. Be confident, and rely upon the Supreme Reality. Call it God, call it something else, but rely upon It.
This reliance is a quality that the mind has to develop and strengthen. When you are sitting on a branch of a tree, if there is a cyclone, you will be unstable – the branch itself will swing. Go and hug the trunk; the trunk will not move or swing. In the same manner, make your mind rely upon the unshakeable supreme God. Then you also will remain supreme and invincible.
Devotion is actually a functional formula for living victoriously. It is a beautiful methodology. A devotional mind will always be confident, hopeful and also tolerant. Such a mind will not be ruffled in any difficult situations.
Let the devotional qualities be your characteristics. Develop inner contentment by contemplating on the Supreme. Contentment is a product of the mind. Your mind can become unhappy even with many things; it can also be contented with nothing!
-- Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha