Awakening Heart & Soul

Karma: Introducing the Rules of the Game

by Karen Johnson
Copyright © 2004

Let the game begin. What are the rules? What do we need to know about karma? Each of us has our own ideas. There are many philosophies, and depending on which avenue you take, karma can be called a belief or a science.

Let's look at karma through the kaleidoscope of various belief systems. In biblical teachings there is an "eye for an eye..." Eastern teachings profess the belief that what you have done in previous lives, good and bad, will bring you reward or punishment accordingly. Rather than recognizing that all experiences are simply steps in our growth, these teachings are based on the idea that we must suffer for our misdeeds.

The science of karma asserts a basic law of physics: is "for every action there is an equal and corresponding reaction. The Universal Law of Cause and Effect, which may label karma, dictates that a negative attitude (cause) brings about negative results (effect).

In the past, when discussing the law of karma, too much emphasis was placed on the negative aspects. Karma is dependent on the focus of one's activities. It is also action driven, meaning it requires an action on our part before it comes into being. Remember, karma is a law not a measurable commodity.

IS ILLNESS KARMA'S WAY OF EVENING THE SCORE?

Many say that this is true. I disagree. Why? Part of this journey is to learn that karma is understanding we have choice. We have the choice to stay stuck and immobilized or the choice to move beyond the condition limiting us.

Disease can be karmic in the sense that it highlights a need for change in some aspect of our being which is out of balance. Repressing or ignoring life lessons can also bring on circumstances resulting in trauma or disease. Sometimes these conditions enable us to learn what we need and get us back on track. How frequently have you heard people say that getting sick was a gift... a life changing experience! What if that's not your experience? Perhaps, you haven't yet discovered the key you need or possibly you just don't recognize the key you've been given.

The power of individual choice is one of the keys to karma. People who have realized this know that their outcome is not determined by karma alone but by their willingness to make a choice. Moving beyond karma is reclaiming one's power to choose a course of action aligning oneself with the Source.

Karma is always providing opportunities to become more receptive to higher vibrations of love and compassion. Often we feel like we are being punished, but the true purpose of karma is to teach not punish. Karma intervenes to put us back on the path of our lessons when we do not choose love, compassion, tolerance, or forgiveness... even for ourselves.

KARMA DO'S AND DON'TS

There is no good or bad karma. Karma simply IS. It is an impartial law that does not play favorites. It knows only the relationship between cause and effect. It is not about justice, being rewarded for good deeds or making up for past wrongdoings. Change your attitude and you actions change... so does your karma.

To balance or move beyond karma is to believe that you have the freedom within and the right to choose a course of action based on highest good. Resignation to a condition or circumstance only recycles trauma never releasing the pain to the healing process. Individual choice changes your direction in time.

One of the most difficult keys for us to grasp is that our outcome is determined by the choices we make. We are not entitled to indulge ourselves in self-blame or recrimination. Nor are we free to judge or condemn others for their actions or circumstances. As time goes on, we recognize that our smallest actions impact others. Yes, we are all interconnected: one pattern overlaying another.

TUNE IN TO THE GAME

Pause. Give yourself time for reflection. We can choose to align with higher level emotions such as love, compassion, forgiveness and freedom or we can choose hate, envy, apathy... the choice is always ours. Until we have learned the lessons outlined in our cumulative lifetimes, know that at the soul level, we will continue to experience a series of births and deaths. This is a cycle we all undergo. Remember, we cannot fail. Karmic balance will be attained thought these experiences. It is the rule, no exceptions.

This article was originally written by Karen Johnson for:
The Omega Source, Toronto, Issue 13, Fall 2004

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For more information:
Karen Johnson, CHt. MHt.
Awakening Heart & Soul
The Carrot Common
320 Danforth Ave., Suite 202
Toronto, ON M4K 1N8
CANADA
416 466 6225
karen@awakeningheartandsoul.com

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