Recently I have opened my mind to allow for realization, awareness and understanding to settle in. To better understand ourselves we must realize what kind of intentions we are putting into the world, be aware of how it affects others and understand how it resides within ourselves. This is self reflection. This is karma.
Through hundreds of long, curvy, dirt roads we all choose ONE to travel by. Right or wrong, conscious of this choice or not, we choose. All of these dirt roads lead us to the same destination – the same infinite ocean. The ocean in which brings continuous waves; big or small, slow or fast, calm or rough – brings them back to shore. The waves that float out to sea, are brought back with the same intention that sent them out – to come back. Just as we send our waves of energy, words, intent, honesty etc. out into this world, our waves will find their way back to us.
Being your truest self, down to the core, that God has intended for you is a lifelong practice. I am asking you to open your mind, expect the unexpected and to bury your doubts.
“The concept of karma is in fact a neutral energy that when activated by the mind and emotions, manifests into action. This action leads to a reaction that creates new action and continues the cycle. It is our choice, though not always a conscious one, whether to lead karma into fruition or let it remain dormant. While most of us choose to believe that the actions of others have the greatest effect on us, it is actually our own deeds that have the most profound influence.
Looking at the world from a dualistic view, we eagerly polarize karma into good or bad, white or black. Instead, when we view it as a rainbow of colors, each karma brings us a message to shape our lives.
Managing our karma is like planting and tending to a garden. Before planting any garden, we first must realistically consider what plants grow well in particular soil and climate. Each plant or tree, depending on the conditions, has the potential to produce delicious fruits or inedible ones. We must use our best judgment as to which seeds to plant and which plants to nourish. Karma bears fruits according to the type and quality of the seed planted, and the care given to its growth. Three types of karma emerge from the womb of karma (Karmasala) into our garden: Agami, Parabda and Sangita.
Agami is the karma that governs those actions that are already determined and cannot be changed, such as where and when you were born. You may wish to change these events but it is impossible. The trees planted long before are now bearing fruit and it is too late to change the fruit or the taste.
Parabda karma gives us time to make changes, but only if we act promptly. Careful consideration must be taken before planting. When we plant and weed with discrimination and compassion, the plants we are caring for will thrive. Likewise, the karma we are planting now bear fruit in the future. If we plant a peach seed – it would be unrealistic to expect to come back after a few years and pick apples.
Sangita karma keeps the seeds safe within the Karmasala. They are yet unsprouted. Assessing whether to plant the seeds of karma, we recall certain life experiences and plant with caution, knowing that once the seeds germinate, we reap the harvest. Even if we try to pull them up, the roots have grown deep, and the underground growth may continue. It is best to honor our intuition regarding which of the incubating seeds we plant.
We are not alone in our karma. Each person we meet has some influence on how our karma plays out. The ever present gunas (attributes of nature) are forces that influence not only our karma but also our attitude toward it. If we are able to recognize and transcend the gunas, karma will be affected less.”
(The Secret Power of Yoga, NISCHALA JOY DEVI)
These last few months, I have learned so much about myself through the ways of Karma. I have faith that you too, can do the same. We should question everything we do, asking ourselves, “why did I say (do) that? Is that my truest light shining through?” If we were filmed daily, would we be ashamed or excited to see/listen to our actions/words? We must always be aware of our intentions and how they’re being perceived.
Much love,
The Gypsea