KARMA – What is it and How can we Make it Work for us
We hear a lot about karma in the media. The word is often referred to as good karma and bad karma. But what exactly is karma?
Karma is often thought to be about the law of cause and effect – the concept of you reap what you sow: Whatever thoughts, energy and choices you put out, you’ll get back. Therefore, in order to receive what you want, you have to embody and be worthy of those good things – like attracts like.
In my view, we can create our own karma in this life. I believe that one of the important aspects of our life journey is to discover more about who we truly are, our values, reach our potentials and to create the best version of ourselves. However, not at the expense of other peoples’ wellbeing.
So in our lives, it’s important to consider not only what is best for ourselves, but also to have a sense of concern for the wellbeing of others. Karma isn’t about selfishness, but nor is it about selflessness either. It’s very much about having an awareness of the consequences of our thoughts and actions on the collective good of those in our lives, and beyond.
Acts of Charity – Altruism
Doing things simply out of a desire to help. Very good karma is generated by acts of altruism – but be careful that your act of altruism is honest and coming from your heart, rather than an act of generosity with the main intention being to stack up some positive karma credits!
There are some universal laws connected with karma, and being aware of them and how they operate in our lives also affects our karma.
The law of responsibility – you are the product of the choices you make in your life. This is the sense that life is not happening to you, but because of you. It’s a powerful reminder that what happens in your life is shaped by your mindset and choices. Sometimes we blame others for injustices that have occurred in our lives. However, blaming others won’t fix your problems – only you can, and in doing so you reclaim your personal power. You are the creator of your outcomes.
The law of connection says that your past, present and future are all linked. What you did before shaped who you are now – and what you do now shapes who you will become.
The law of creation – you’re not just a bystander in your life – you’re an active participant. What you want won’t appear out of thin air, it begins with your intention and effort. And for extra karmic brownie points, consider how your skills, talents and strengths can benefit others too!
The law of humility – acknowledging that where you are today is shaped by your own actions – and being honest enough with yourself to accept it.
The law of growth – acknowledging that true growth starts within us. To positively shape our worlds, we have to start with ourselves – because that is what we have control over – not others. We can’t change others or control every outcome, but we can always work on how we respond. That is where true growth lies.
And lastly, here is a supertool for creating good karma: The simple act of kindness.
Genuine kindness is awesomely powerful. It’s a natural flow of energy that comes from the heart and you have an endless supply of it. How you respond to things is magnetic – what comes around goes around – and when you put out kindness, kindness is the karma that returns. Kindness creates goodwill and reciprocity and the effect of acts of kindness – however large or small – create a ripple that goes far beyond the initial gesture. It affects the giver and the receiver. It can brighten someone’s day, uplift a community and even change a life. Kindness is huge.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless”. Mother Teresa
Later this year I will be publishing my 2nd book in which the chapter on Karma will also describe Past Life Karma & Ancestral Karma, as well as ways to clear your negative karma. Please get in touch if you’d like to pre-order.