Something that "crossed my desk" some weeks ago never made it to post. I may have touched on it once before. But, I'd like to take the time to discuss it now as we near the solar new year(verus the Chinese lunar new year). Karma.
I found this article in a local paper which discussed the concept of good vibes going around for your own conscience/sake. Ever heard of "paying it forward" or "the golden rule"? Same sort of thing.
Here is a list of 10 things we can/should do before(so we can cleanse/forgive ourselves) and into(to continue the good path) the new year:
1)What goes around, comes around
Do something nice(pay it forward/follow the golden rule) so it may come back when you want/need it later. Suggested option: Buying a cup of lemonade from a kid with a stand even if you are not thirsty...so later that kid might give you business when you need it.
2)Love the one you're with
Suggested thought: Love yourself. Accept you for what you are, good and bad. Be okay with all of it.
Easy for me to say, right?:P Just look at most of us here...are we? I don't think we are. Happy people don't get read often and eventually the many more less happy will just leave a kind word and then drift away... Or that's how I see it, anyway.
But, it was interesting that this point wasn't directed at couples staying together. Not to say that spouses should work through dislikes and whatnot...but that it is about us as individuals being happy with ourselves to achieve a sort of tai chi/inner peace/good karma.
The article went on to say when we receive compliments, we should accept them politely....NOT scoff at them and make the giver feel like they made a mistake(think Moe from the Simpsons). Also, don't do the opposite...otherwise known as bragging. Bragging only makes others look at you with negativity. Either envy or a backhanded disdain, or "you think you are better than me" attitude.
3)Be a more considerate driver
No more road rage. No more "aggressive driving". Just let it go. Blow it off. Don't pick a fight. Don't cuss at anyone you don't agree with/like. Just keep driving and go about yer day. They may be in the wrong, but if you start something by shooting your mouth or horn off, you may bring on a heap of trouble for which you are not ready.
4)Make good on a mistake
Given example: A clerk at a store gives you too much change...do you keep it and not tell them? The suggested response is YES you tell them and give it back:P We all make mistakes. Would you want to be in their shoes and be short with your register when the office tallies receipts? I don't think so.
This also could mean if we make a mistake, take responsibility for it. Don't deny it or push it off on someone else. Own up for your own mistakes. And, be understanding with others. Because we all are capable.
5)Learn something new
(speaks for itself) A new hobby, language, school class, bucket list entry, etc.
6)Work with your outer kharma
Sounds complex/confusing...but it simply means work on your outside as well as your inside(number 2). Beautify yourself so you like the face you see in the mirror. Whether that means fighting to lose weight or grooming your sloppy everyday self when you normally would just lounge around in your undies:P A happy face in the mirror helps improve energy for all sorts of things like endurance and patience with the world around us.
7)Be happy(don't worry)
Being content with what you have. As Sheryl Crow says, "It's not about having what you want...It's wanting what you've got." It's suggested to enforce the feeling for a period of time...if even just for an hour. Just tell yourself you are happy and feel it for that time. Work on extending that time.
8)Charity
(self explanatory, once more) But, I prefer to recommending we give of ourselves...NOT our wallets. It is too prevalent and a tad bothersome to me how many organizations are looking for handouts. I just ran into a red kettle person today and thought...dogs respond to bells. Parents respond to whining kids when they don't stop. I'm neither. And, if I am going to be charitable, I want to give of myself. I don't think I can say "I can't be there to help, so I will just throw in a dollar here and there." ...Doesn't cut it for me. If I can't help, I can't help. But, til the world changes from requiring us to have money...my money is more precious(even if I am human and waste it other ways occasionally).
Another way to look at this... Don't use charity as a "get out of being a bad person" card. Just cuz you have a few extra bucks(or a ton of extra money) to throw in the pot doesn't make you a saint.
9)Flush the potty mouth
One more of those "do unto others" things. What you say to others may come back to haunt you. So, don't dish out crap if you can't take it. I'm aware of my own big mouth at times. And, because of that, I encourage others to sometimes let me have it when they feel the need. Punish me for upsetting you. But, do it fairly. Don't put words in my mouth that I DIDN'T use. My mother is good at throwing cuss words right back at me:P If I get mad enough and swear at her...she will use the same word in a sentence as if she is mailing a bad letter bomb back to me.
10)Don't use karma or fate as an excuse.
You can't improve your aura/karma/fate if you don't stop talking it down. This regards those who say "why do bad things always happen to me?" If you tell yourself "I'm always the receiver of CRAP!", you just jinx yourself. It is not a positive outlook.
My "mantra" has long been "Hope for the best, but expect the worst... That way you cannot be disappointed."
Find your own mantra and try to exercise these GOOD habits of karma. Not that I am one to talk. We all make mistakes. No one is perfect...yet:P Just do what you can do. But, maybe these will give you something to ponder.
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