An Explanation of KARMA
by Irwin Jay Asher, EdD
I graduated New York University, School of Business in June, 1960. My first job was at an import company located in the South Bronx. I was all of twenty-one. The head of accounting took a fatherly interest in me, and said, “What you spit iin the wind you get blown in your face.” For the next sixty-five years, I have kept that message in my head. That is, if you put love into the world, you will get love back atya. Put hate into the world – don’t be surprised if the universe sends you trouble.
My moment of true awareness of Karma started when I turned fifty. For more than twenty-five years I had made a living designing men’s sportswear. My designs made the cover of every menswear magazine. I accumulated design awards. And then, at fifty, I woke up and said - I can’t do this anymore. I was burnt out. I handed the creative challenges to younger men and women.
I was living in Houston, Texas with no direction. I met six gay and lesbian youth who wanted to start a support group. I attended one meeting, and thought, I can do this. I can help. And I did. I had helped men and women in the fashion industry find work. Over the years, companies would call looking for a salesman; I knew just the guy. Salesmen wanted to move up, they spoke to me – and I said – Call Mark Jones, he’s looking for a salesman.
Kaem was at work. The love I had put into the world was about to pay me back. The youth showed me I could listen, think and respond with wisdom. Really? After two years, I gave myself permission to think outside the box. My work with youth showed me I could be an effective family therapist. I applied to the University of Houston. They accepted me – in spite of a contentious interview.
In two years, I had a master’s. Three years later, I had a Doctorate in family counseling. I put love into the world, and I got my life back on track.
Karma
Karma is the law of cause and effect. Every effect has a cause. Everything we say, think, and do serves as a cause that will at some time in the future, when circumstances are right, manifest an effect.
Karma is about how our actions, rooted in positive intention and integrity – or rooted in anger and punishment – circle back to us.Whether your actions are rooted in love or anger, the body is affected by our thoughts and actions. Dwelling on positive actions will help your blood pressure, your creative brain activity, your sleep, your responses (vs reactions). Kind acts trigger the release of endorphins, boosting happiness, reducing stress, and strengthening our connection with others. Connection puts an end to loneliness, another benefit of positive karma.Put negativity into your world and the effect is disturbed sleep, interactions with others causes distance or permanent breaks. The body is more prone to viruses; think compromised immune system..
IMPORTANT: Physical action alone does not determine Karma. The true catalyst is INTENTION.
Intention
When an action is performed with intention (with love or anger), it leaves a psychological footprint in the mind and soul. These intentions shape how we see ourselves. If our intention is to make a positive difference, when a narciscist or psychopath wants you to see yourself through their negative lens, your Karma reminds you of the good deeds, the good Karma, that follow you. If our intention is to do harm, to bring hate into someone’s world, your Karma will keep you from seeing opportunity; your body will punish you; your life will be shared by other hateful people..
What Karma is not
Karma is not a deity sitting in judgment; it is a self-regulating psychological and cosmic law.
An aside
For many decades, I have held on to an expression I should like to share. It seems an appropriate afterthought: After the age of forty, you get the face you deserve.