Karma of Conciousness

The Karma of Consciousness

In “Resilient Health: How to Thrive in Our Toxic World” I write about the karma of consciousness in terms of climate change and our toxic environment. And these principles can also apply to many areas of our lives beyond our physical environment. How do our actions and our choices create the world we live in?

“… One way to think about this issue is in terms of karma, which is a word that is sometimes misunderstood, but in simplified terms just means action. When we see karma in play, we can observe that what we have done in the past determines the consequences of how things are now arising. The world we live in now is a result of past actions.

But we have an opportunity to break free from predictable, conditioned responses and determine our future by becoming aware. When we are more aware, the choices that we make in the present moment and the intentions that we have for the future are not determined by our past but emerge from our creative source. Conscious choice-making is the most effective way of creating future beneficial consequences of karma.

It is summarized simply by the proverb, “As we sow, so shall we reap.” If we continue to pollute the planet with garbage and toxic chemicals, we will see the effects of the garbage and chemicals in us as disease. On the other hand, if we plant seeds of health, harmony, and well-being with our actions and intentions, caring for and purifying our environment on all levels, then we will see the results of a clean and healthy life… The key to karma is understanding that you are responsible for your actions and that your actions can have both long-term and short-term consequences.

We are creating the world we live in through the choices we make every single day. Start to ask yourself questions: Who made this? What is it made of? Where did it come from, and where will it go when I’m done with it? How do I know it is safe? Do I really need it? Is there a safer or more ecofriendly way to do this? Toxicity should not have to be a consumer choice.

Let your voice be heard by shopping according to your values. Let your neighbors and public officials know that these issues are important to you. We need to regain some control over what ends up in our bodies and say “no” to systems that allow people and the planet to be poisoned. The major health issues that we face today are connected to our lifestyle in a web of consequences from our dependence on fossil fuels to toxic products made from oil by-products, from soil-depleting conventional farming practices to cheap, nutrient-poor foods, from our yearning for cheap, endless resources to the pollution of our finite and necessary natural resources of air, earth, and water.

Say “yes” to preserving and protecting our natural resources, to supporting sustainable use, and to promoting an economy that values life, health, and well-being. When we all do our part, acting with awareness and intention, we begin to move the needle back to balance. As Margaret Mead said,

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.”

Karma in Action:

• Consider the decisions that you make in your daily life and lean towards choices that are life-enhancing for you and for the planet.

• Think about the downstream consequences of your actions.

• Share these ideas with friends and family.

• Align your purchases with your values. Consider what you are ultimately supporting with your money.

• Let your government know what you feel is important by voting, attending town halls, and writing or calling your representing officials locally and nationally.”