I believe in karma. i also believe in a universal force. Imagine if the ideas about divine energy and all the gods/religions fit in one big ocean.  It’s clean and lucid, yet immensely diverse.  The ocean of truth is deeper and wider than all the separate little streams of religion and beliefs that say “my way is the only right one. I’m better than you and you’re wrong.”

Karma is the idea that what we put out into the world creates energy, positive or negative. it’s also about the chance we have to contribute to the world with what we’ve got. I like Pema Chodrin’s definition. She’s an American Buddhist nun. Her writings teach Buddhism for daily life for ordinary people.  From Comfortable with Uncertainty,

“karma is basically what happens in your life is somehow a result of things that you have done before. That’s why you are encouraged to work with what happens to you rather than blame it on others. This kind of teaching can be easily misunderstood. People get into a heavy-duty sin and guilt trip. They feel that if things are going wrong, it means they did something bad and they’re being punished. That’s not it at all. The idea of karma is that you continually get the teachings you need in order to open your heart. To the degree that you didn’t understand in the past how to stop protecting your soft spot, how to stop armoring your heart, now you’re given this gift of teachings in the form of life. Your life gives you everything you need to learn how to open further.”

Think about the last time you got angry at the check-out person at the grocery store for just doing her job. How do you feel when you yell at your kid, kick the dog. . . you know what i mean. Living in Nairobi, the daily challenges of traffic, insanely mad drivers, corruption, poor service and people who try but somehow just don’t get it makes it really difficult to stay calm. I have to say TIA, TIA TIA (this is Africa) many times a day so i don’t go crazy.

Do you believe that your actions, intention and attitude directly impact the quality of your life? What about your job? I happen to be in marketing so  why not do my best to create good karma with what i have?

I sense positive energy and connection when i’m doing something that maybe just maybe makes a difference to someone. The synchronistic events and non-coincidences that happen become more profound when i’m plugged in and present. We do attract exactly the right people and circumstances that nudge our heart and learn what we’re supposed to learn.

When I’m irritated, disappointed, angry,  instead of going on a self-righteous spree, if i remember to breathe, and  respond in a way that honors the person (not necessarily the behavior) I feel different.  Patiently listening to a friend or giving someone a break — even ourselves,  creates positive karma.

If you’re open, the right lessons and teachers  show up, and you’ll be guided on an incredible adventure of something way bigger than yourself. Be prepared for a wild ride. Let me know how it goes.