On the large scale - the geo-political arena - 2002 has not been a good year. The US also has not had a very good economic year either. Together, the stress caused by these two issues filtered down to the small scale - the individual and their family.

We have seen more people with stress, more people uncertain about their life-purpose, and more people wanting to do something about it, than ever before. Perhaps this is the good that comes from a tragic situation, it wakes people to purposeful self-action (dharma).

The one common event I have found with the stress in people's lives, is that those who continue to think about helping those more needy than themselves, forget their stress and troubles. In other words, we cannot individually reduce the world stress or stop a global acts of hatred. But we can in our own small way, do small acts of compassion and love, and influence a few people.

The fact that there are more well-meaning people than there are hateful people, shows that the more well-meaning people that engage in acts of love and compassion, that will outnumber those who engage in hateful action. And this should be enough for a general goodness to be restored to the world screen.

What is needed is an army of peace-doers; individuals engaged in private acts of selfless service and compassion. We have fighting armies, and also UN peacekeeper armies - both are needed. What is still needed is an army whose actions are the exact opposite of the hateful army; those whose acts of hatred are directly counteracted by those with acts of compassion.

It is easier to breed love than it is to breed hate. Be kind to a child and they learn kindness instantly. It takes a lot longer to teach hate, and a lot quicker to unlearn hate when love is the teacher.

One of the stresses people have is the feeling of helplessness...that 'I wish I could do something'. Well join the silent, invisible ranks of the peace-doer army if you haven't already.

Some people feel things are so bad that it takes great effort to make it from day to day, and wonder what they have to offer to help another. The truth is, when you find someone who needs a hand-up, a magical transformation overtakes you and you find - with some degree of desire on your part - that you have something to offer and the other person is helped. The result is you feel lighter, more energetic, and inspired.

Also, get back to basics. Re-discover the simple wonders of life that widen a child's eyes. Smell the fresh air, bask in the sun, play in the snow. See what makes living in nature and with people worth living. Unhitch yourself, even a little, from the job, money, posessions, and just revel in what Mother Nature has created, and the joys of sharing with another of God's children.

The transformation wont occur instantly. There has to be a willfulness on your part to push through any uncertainty or fear to want to see these aspects of life. But the effort is minimal and the results come quickly and powerfully, and therein lies the magic of it all.

So this year, think health and peace, but also act for health and peace. Give of yourself, forget yourself, become more childlike, and laugh at yourself.

Wishing you health and peace for the coming year.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.

Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, D.Sc., is the author of the Ayurveda Encyclopedia. He is the founder of the International Vedic Institute - School of Ayurveda. See details at http://vedicschool.com