Karma; learn to give and you shall receive

We are all familiar with the term Karma and the saying “As you sow you shall reap”. But, does it really exist and how does it work?

How many of you have helped an old lady cross the road or opened the door for someone. The smile you get in return for your favour immediately puts a smile on your face too and doesn’t that make you feel good, puts you in a better mood for a bit if not for the whole day.

But, you might be surprised to know that medical research has shown that there’s health benefits associated with helping others too. Studies have shown that people involved in regular volunteer work for example have better physical and mental health and thus more longevity than those who are not involved in such activities. The health benefits reported by different studies include:
· more self-esteem
· feeling happier and overall sense of well-being
· reduced stress and depression
· alleviated chronic pain
· decreased disability
· lower probability of heart disease

But the list goes on and beyond health benefits too. For example, when I have taught someone a skill or helped them solve with a problem at school, university or at work, it reinforced my understanding of that field, that subject or that skill as teaching is the best way to learn and master your field.

In fact, let me tell you about something that happened to me only a few days back. I was writing a report on something and very close to my set deadline I realised I needed a professional advice on a specific technical area that would be critical for my conclusion. But, with very little time on my hands and stress levels rising high, I couldn’t think of who to speak to. Then, unexpectedly just in good time I received an email from a friend, who has expertise in this technical field. I spoke to that friend of mine immediately about my situation and shortly afterwards I was looking to wrap up my report. When I thanked him for his kindness, he told me he was simply returning a favour, a favour I didn’t even remember. A few years back, when we used to work together, I helped him one evening on a client’s project. In my view, it was a really easy issue I helped him on and it didn’t take much of my time but it had left such a great impression on him that even to this day he remembers it and reciprocates my kindness ten-folds. So, I guess Karma does exist and Flora Edwards has said this beautifully, "In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us."

There are many ways to share, help or give to others. It can be in the form of charity, or you can offer your time to help your local community or even family or a friend. Showing affection and kindness is the most valuable gift you can give to others; much more than a gift that has an expensive price tag or comes in a beautifully wrapped box.

As you can see that in helping others, we help ourselves and build better connected communities and networks throughout the world, the type of world we all want our kids and future generations to live in. This is just one of the many important lessons of life that many great religious, spiritual, political and motivational leaders around the world have written and talked about for centuries and it is our choice to learn from their teachings. Napoleon Hill, author of the famous book “Think and Grow Rich” once said, “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”

Life’s precious lessons such as this one should be something we should all look to learn, understand and apply in our lives in order for our physical, mental and spiritual existence to be in sync with the laws of universe and nature. I have provided below a web link with a huge collection of resources and tools for one’s self development. Please let me know your thoughts as any comments or feedback would be welcome.

http://beautifulmind.successuniversity.com/new/