KARMA

 The true definition of karma can vary depending on who you ask. Some people adhere to the traditional meaning grounded in Eastern religions, while others interpret it from more of a Western view of good and bad. As a result, this can lead to different views on how karma applies to life.

For example, the Georgetown University Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs says karma is the Hindu view of causality in which good thoughts, deeds, and words, may lead to beneficial effects, while bad thoughts, deeds, and words, may lead to harmful effects.

However, many experts like to look at karma as more than just “good” or “bad.”

According to Dr. Jennifer Rhodes, a licensed psychologist, karma is simply those situations or interactions that help us navigate our path toward our higher purpose.

“We are often easily distracted and miss messages which make us believe we have a lot of ‘bad’ karma. But those situations are simply signs for us to course-correct and move forward toward our higher purpose,” Rhodes explains.

“The journey is not about being perfect, it’s about undoing what is not us and becoming who we really are,” she adds.

Tejal Patel, a meditation and mindfulness expert, looks at karma as a cycle of cause and effect that’s about action, not result.

“Karma is a philosophy of how to live our lives so we can truly become the best version of ourselves and live the most fulfilling life we desire,” she says.

And since the future isn’t set in stone, Patel  says we can chan