A New Perspective on Karma

I never felt thinking about past lives and karma was worth the time. If I was doing the best in this life, then karma – regardless of whether or not it is real - was irrelevant. However, I’m discovering a concept of karma that relates directly to the life I’m living now. When I think of “past lives” as previous actions and experiences within this life, it is possible to apply the ideas of karma. For example, why have I been repeatedly let down by people? What have I done earlier in my current life to be continually disappointed? Upon reflection I see that I keep making the same mistake over and over, which is forcing me to continually relive the same experience of being let down by different people in different situations. I haven’t learned the lesson required for me to move on to my “next life” (i.e., a future where people do not let me down as often). In order for me to move on to my next life, I need to learn that I tend to impose unrealistic expectations on people. Since these expectations are only achievable under ideal circumstances it is no wonder why I’ve been disappointed over and over. I set situations up in a way that makes disappointment the only possible outcome. If I don’t learn this karmic lesson, then I’m doomed to repeat it until I do.

When I keep repeating unhealthy behaviors now, I will continue to have that feeling of being stuck. I’ll experience the same recurring negative experiences throughout the rest of my life. Unhealthy relationships will remain unhealthy. My career will plateau. I will not enjoy the richness and adventure of life that comes with continual growth. Growing in a positive direction is simply the karmic principle of learning necessary lessons so that we can go on to an even better life.