Karma. We have all heard the word, but what does is really mean?
The term Karma is derived from Sanskrit, the primary language of Hinduism, and is defined as action, effect and fate.
Just like Newton’s law of ‘every action must have a reaction’, karma means the same.
Every time we have a thought, speak, or act we’re putting energy out into the world that then reflects back to us.
The more positive energy we put out into the world, the more will be bought back into our lives and the same goes for negative energy.
The law of ’cause and effect’ is not at all a punishment and it should not be viewed this way. It is a powerful energy exchange that keeps us learning.
Here are the laws of karma and how they play a role in this Universe and our lives:
1. The Law of Cause and Effect
What you put out there comes back to you- all our thoughts, actions and feelings, no matter how subconscious, generate a force that then returns back to us. To live a happy and peaceful life with love and great friendship, one must be happy, peaceful, loving and a great friend first.
2. The Law of Creation
We are all one with this Universe but we must be active participants and the makers of our own destiny. Things don’t simply just happen, we must put our energy out there to bring them to us. Our surroundings are always clues to our inner state. If your surroundings don’t reflect what you wish to see, first make the change internally in order to reach the external change.
“Situations seem to happen to people, but in reality, they unfold from deeper karmic causes. The universe unfolds to itself, bringing to bear any cause that needs to be included. Don’t take this process personally. The working out of cause and effect is eternal.”- Deepak Chopra
3. The Law of Humility
If we keep viewing something as an enemy, or a person with a characteristic we believe is negative, then we begin to harbor that energy within us. Instead, put the awareness onto the self and understand that everyone is just on their own, unique journey.
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”- Buddha
4. The Law of Growth
In order to grow in spirit, we first must become conscious of our thoughts. We only have control over ourselves, what we think and what we feel. Nobody can make us feel a certain way unless we allow them to. When we change who we are within, our heart, mind and everything around us will change too.
5. The Law of Responsibility
Life mirrors all that surrounds around us, and what surrounds us mirrors life. This is a Universal truth and is the same for everything in this existence. We must learn to take responsibility for ourselves and our circumstances. Things are neither good or bad- these are just the labels that we put on them. Everything that happens to us, happens in order to help us to grow and we must take responsibility in order to get there.
“The victim mindset dilutes the human potential. By not accepting personal responsibility for our circumstances, we greatly reduce our power to change them.”- Steve Maraboli
6. The Law of Connection
We must take one step to reach the next but every step is just as important as the last. It is not the end product, but the entire journey that makes up an experience. Our past, our present, and our future are all connected. Just as everyone and everything in this Universe is connected and the only way to find that connection is to be present.
“Being present is being connected to All Things.”- S. Kelley Harrell
7. The Law of Focus
We become what we think about most which is why awareness of our thoughts is so important. Focussing does not mean obsessing, but more so that you bring your awareness into all that you do. By focussing on the negative you attract more negative into your life, just the same as when you focus on the positive. By having an awareness of what you focus on, you can begin to shift your experiences and create more abundance.
8. The Law of Abundance
All things in the Universe are flowing in circulation which continually expands outwards. This is reflected in giving, whether its intangible or tangible, and receiving. It is our willingness to give what we seek, whether it be love, friendship or money that allows that very same energy to be bought into our lives. When we give, we must not do so with the intention of getting a reward, because the act of giving is the reward itself.
9. The Law of Presence
When we focus on only the past or the future, instead of the present we prevent ourselves from being in the here and now. Being present is the only way we can reach consciousness and being trapped in our past, or worried about the future keeps us locked in to old behaviors and old dreams.
10. The Law of Change
We must use our experiences in order to grow and evolve. History has a funny way of repeating itself until we learn the lesson that is being presented to us. Sometimes when change feels like it is thrust upon us, we must be unattached and free of the ego to know how to manage and cope with the new experience.
“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”- Gaily Sheehy
11. The Law of Patience
When we begin to take stock over our thoughts and shift our attitude in life, things do change for the better but always in their own time. We must trust the Universe whose timing is always divine. In order to experience true joy, one must be in the moment and enjoying the flow of life, rather than hanging on for the end reward.
12. The Law of Gratitude
What we put out energetically contributes to the entire Universe not just ourselves. When we understand that our thoughts and actions impact everyone, and that we are all connected we understand that the Universe is simply moving through us all. We must be grateful for all our experiences, exchanges and journey.
“Life is the dancer and we are the dance”- Eckhart Tolle
