Karma is a word that is often misunderstood. The common conception of karma is that if you so something good, you’ll be rewarded and if you do something bad, you will be punished. But that is not how it works. The yogis knew exactly what karma meant: It is the spiritual law of cause and effect.

Our present condition is a direct consequence of our past actions or inactions. Our desires in the past led us to act upon them, and now we see the outcomes of those actions in the present moment. We are not being punished for our past actions, punishment is not a part of this universal law. However, we had certain desires and acted upon them to the best of our abilities, and now we are experiencing the inevitable consequences. It is like putting our fingers into fire, getting them burned and then tending to the resulting wound.

Our present circumstances are shaped by our past actions and desires. By understanding this principle, we can take responsibility for our choices, learn from them, and foster personal growth.

Instead of blaming external circumstances or others, we have to recognize that, throughout our lives, we have played an active role in creating our current reality.

Just as putting our fingers into the fire leads to a burn or just as taking care of your body during the past decade leads to enjoying health today, our past actions can result in wounds or joy in our present lives.

Once we grasp the nature of our troubles, the pain decreases, and the hurt begins to fade away. Karma, or the law of cause and effect, is our teacher. We learn from our past actions and their consequences, so we can make wiser choices and break free from negative patterns in the present and the future.

Each moment presents an opportunity to make choices that will either cause you pain or contribute to your overall well-being. Acknowledge that you are currently experiencing the consequences of your past actions, and make conscious choices that align with your values to create a less painful future.