You have to distinguish yourself and operate at the highest level of ethics, of integrity, of veracity. If you lower yourself to the level of a lot of the people in the world today, you won’t be distinctive. You won’t be preeminent. You won’t stand out.
— JAY ABRAHAM
Most of life is a process. The lessons we learn are part of the journey, not the outcome. Know that outcomes are okay, but they simply set us up for more processes.
Karmic Action: Doing What’s Right
Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle includes performing right action. The word karma literally means action. The essence of karma is found in the timeless saying “What goes around comes around.” At first glance, this appears to be negative. We’ve all heard people say, “You’ll get what’s coming to you.” In my own upbringing I heard phrases such as “God will punish you.”
The true meaning of karma goes beyond punishment by an outside source. It’s accountability for your actions in every moment. Jay Abraham, who in my opinion is an absolute genius in business and marketing, has explained the meaning of integrity. Abraham teaches that in order to measure a man’s integrity, look at how he behaves when things aren’t going well, as opposed to how he behaves when things are going well. A man with integrity will act even better when things are not going well.
It is my observation that in today’s world, not many people have integrity in the truest sense. How do you act when no one is looking? How do you behave when you are accountable to no one but yourself? Living up to the highest moral standards lets you live in optimal health. If you are not convinced of this statement, look at the health of someone who lies frequently. Or observe someone who takes advantage of others, and notice how healthy he or she is.
Karma is choosing spontaneous right action in every moment of every day for your entire life. How is that for accountability? Does it seem heavy? Well, it is. But it’s not as difficult as you may think. Do you personally know anyone who lives by such standards? What kind of person is he or she? Do you respect this person immensely? You may ask, “How do I know what action is spontaneously right?” The answer is: you know. You know more than you believe you know. Your body knows, your mind and your soul know.
The best way to roll smoothly through all the spokes of the wheel and make your wheel whole is to observe the choices you make in each moment. You will feel in your body whether a decision is right or wrong for you. If it’s wrong, your heart will beat faster, you will get a sinking feeling in your stomach, or your inner voice will tell you not to do it. This applies to any decision you need to make, from deciding whether to eat a piece of cake to deciding whether to spend money. Always pause and notice how your body feels. Your body has an innate intelligence beyond what you can imagine.
In the beginning, you may resist making correct choices because you’re accustomed to overriding this natural intelligence. But with practice, you will begin to live a karmic life. It’s a responsible life, one that doesn’t leave a lot of room for error.
So what is the payoff? The payoff is your inner peace. The payoff is knowing that you’re doing the right thing rather than merely the easy thing. Anyone can do what is easy, and most of us do. But few people consistently do what is right.
When you begin to live this way, things naturally run smoothly for you. The universe has a way of rewarding karmically correct behavior. The rewards come because you are acting in accordance with universal laws. And when you live according to universal laws, the road opens wide and few obstacles lie ahead.
On Being Gentle, Humble, Loving, and Kind
You are on a beautiful path, one that will take you not only to health and healing but also to a more meaningful life. Something brought you to this path and urged you to try it out. It’s normal to be excited and enthusiastic and sometimes a bit zealous. But know that not everyone is on this path yet, and some may never be. Changes and self-improvement take us to higher heights and different dimensions. At times these roads can seem lonely. We want so much for our loved ones to join us on this journey to wellness and a life of expanded awareness. You may even feel disconnected from the ones you love as you begin to heal. Know that this is normal. There doesn’t have to be disconnect. You can approach your loved ones with compassion and kindness. A sense of arrogance may try to take over as you heal — your ego and mind may think you’re better or more advanced than others around you. But let your heart open up instead, and be an example for the people in your life. Let the light of your expanded awareness shine for others to see. In time, they will be attracted to the light and will wonder what you’re doing differently. With a smile you can explain how you’re now living and what you are doing. But do it with humility.
Celebrate the new you and your commitment to wholeness. I wish you the best on your journey and many blessings for years to come.
Om stamanam bhavatu satayuh purusah satendriya ayusyevendriye prati tisthati.
(May your life measure a hundred years. May your sense organs be healthy for a hundred years, and may the spirit remain in your life and sense organs.)
— YAJUR VEDA, TAITTIRIYA SAMHITA 2.3.11