The Gift of Presence

By Darlene Coleman

It is hard to believe the end of the year is once again upon us…My, how time flies. In many places around the world, the weather is getting colder and leaves are changing and falling away as the Earth prepares to go into her winter cycle. It is a cycle of death and rebirth, a time of stillness in the preparation for renewal.

During this season, many people also enter into a period of inner reflection as they make resolutions for the New Year.

The Jewish faith experiences this a bit earlier in the year, in September, with the observance of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is a 10-day period of penitence culminating with Yom Kippur, a day of personal atonement for “wrongs” committed during the past year. These 10 sacred days are viewed as an opportunity for change. What is unique about this period of reflection, however, is not just its role in determining responsibility for past deeds, but its focus on determining what can be done about future actions. Even more important is the attitude toward one’s misdeeds and the desire to rectify them by changing oneself.

While the language may be different, this practice reminds me of the Eastern philosophy of Karma that appears in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other ancient religions. Karma comes from the Sanskrit word Karman, meaning “act or action.” It’s the universal causal law by which good or bad deeds determine the future outcome of an individual’s life experience. Eastern philosophy also believes that future births and life situations will be conditioned by actions performed during one’s present life.

Let it be said, however, that Karma is impartial. It is neutral. It is not a punitive figure in the sky waiting to exact justice down upon us. Karma is simply energy created through thought or action.

Every thought or action has a vibrational consequence that emits a frequency energy pattern associated with your energy body.

This energy interacts with the grand “cosmic soup” that is filled with unlimited potentiality that emanates from other energy bodies. Each moment within this soup, you are making choices that influence the decisions and directions of your life, and while free will exists, your range of choices has already been patterned. Some patterns are more persistent and can become reinforced or more dominant. It is believed that one’s actions or choices from a previous lifetime create a historical database of sorts that persists through time. But this is not to say Karma cannot be changed.

While individual propensities tend to recur, there is the opportunity for change because Karma is not an outside force. As stated before in mentioning Rosh Hashanah, attitude is a major factor. The same is true with Karma and intention. While personal responsibility is important, intention is a powerful factor. The idea that intention and action can create positive Karma is “Karma Yoga”.

The basis of Karma Yoga is the process of achieving perfection in action by sanctifying actions through dedication to God.

It is the doing of the task for the sheer joy of life giving to life, not for the acquisition of anything. Whatever you are doing, from walking the dog, to grocery shopping, to smiling at a stranger, if you do it in joy, presence, and pure intention, the Universe notices and responds to the energy you are creating.

Christianity also reflects these sentiments through the teachings of Jesus, as in the Golden Rule, or “You reap what you sow” or “an eye for an eye.”

While Christianity doesn’t call it Karma, the thread of truth is the same: your actions create reactions.

Even the tradition of Santa Claus reflects the laws of Karma as in the words from one Christmas carol: “…he knows if you’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sake.” Many parents see or recall their children acting like little angels all through December in hopes of their receiving gifts from Santa.

It appears that all across the world there is a common truth: We are all responsible for our own fate and there is no one to blame.

Whatever your belief system, as we move into this holiday season and the New Year, take the time to reflect and explore how you can begin to shift your own Karma and create lasting change in your life. Like the leaves falling from the trees, what is it you need to let go of and what patterns need to change? Ask how you can be of service, not just during the holidays, but every day. Celebrate the great I AM Spirit that is always with you and allow it to flow through you and all that you do.

This holiday season be the gift that you are by sharing your presence.

Darlene Coleman is a certified Life Coach, Reiki Master/ Teacher, and instructor specializing in Neurolinguistics, Hypnosis, and Energy Healing. Her extensive studies in holistic healing have led to successful treatments relieving emotional and physical pain experienced by children, adults, and seniors. A graduate of Bennett-Stellar University, Darlene provides coaching services to clients ranging from athletes to writers, and is the author of the “I-Stop Smoking” workbook and addiction-cessation program. Darlene is also available for speaking engagements. Visit DarleneColemanCoaching.com.

 

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