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The Law of Karma
I saw this shared by a lovely friend on Facebook and just had to pass it on. We both aren’t aware who the original author is but this was just too beautiful not to pass on.
What is Karma?
Karma is the Sanskrit word for action. It is equivalent to Newton’s law of ‘every action must have a reaction’. When we think, speak or act we initiate a force that will react accordingly. This returning force maybe modified, changed or suspended, but most people will not be able eradicate it. This law of cause and effect is not punishment, but is wholly for the sake of education or learning. A person may not escape the consequences of his actions, but he will suffer only if he himself has made the conditions ripe for his suffering. Ignorance of the law is no excuse whether the laws are man-made or universal. To stop being afraid and to start being empowered in the worlds of karma and reincarnation, here is what you need to know about karmic laws.
1. THE GREAT LAW
“As you sow, so shall you reap”. This is also known as the “Law of Cause and Effect”.
Whatever we put out in the Universe is what comes back to us.
If what we want is Happiness, Peace, Love, Friendship… Then we should BE Happy, Peaceful, Loving and a True Friend.
2. THE LAW OF CREATION
Life doesn’t just HAPPEN, it requires our participation.
We are one with the Universe, both inside and out. – Whatever surrounds us gives us clues to our inner state.
BE yourself, and surround yourself with what you want to have present in your Life.
3. THE LAW OF HUMILITY
What you refuse to accept, will continue for you.
If what we see is an enemy, or someone with a character trait that we find to be negative, then we ourselves are not focused on a higher level of existence.
4. THE LAW OF GROWTH
“Wherever you go, there you are”.
For us to GROW in Spirit, it is we who must change – and not the people, places or things around us.
The only given we have in our lives is OURSELVES and that is the only factor we have control over.
When we change who and what we are within our heart our life follows suit and changes too.
5. THE LAW OF RESPONSIBILITY
Whenever there is something wrong in my life, there is something wrong in me.
We mirror what surrounds us – and what surrounds us mirrors us; this is a Universal Truth.
We must take responsibility what is in our life.
6. THE LAW OF CONNECTION
Even if something we do seems inconsequential, it is very important that it gets done as everything in the Universe is connected.
Each step leads to the next step, and so forth and so on.
Someone must do the initial work to get a job done.
Neither the first step nor the last are of greater significance,
As they were both needed to accomplish the task.
Past-Present-Future they are all connected…
7. THE LAW OF FOCUS
You can not think of two things at the same time.
When our focus is on Spiritual Values, it is impossible for us to have lower thoughts such as greed or anger.
8. THE LAW OF GIVING AND HOSPITALITY
If you believe something to be true,then sometime in your life you will be called upon to demonstrate that particular truth.
Here is where we put what we CLAIM that we have learned, into actual PRACTICE.
9. THE LAW OF HERE AND NOW
Looking backward to examine what was, prevents us from being totally in the HERE AND NOW.
Old thoughts, old patterns of behavior, old dreams…
Prevent us from having new ones.
10. THE LAW OF CHANGE
History repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path.
11. THE LAW OF PATIENCE AND REWARD
All Rewards require initial toil.
Rewards of lasting value require patient and persistent toil.
True joy follows doing what we’re suppose to be doing, and waiting for the reward to come in on its own time.
12. THE LAW OF SIGNIFICANCE AND INSPIRATION
You get back from something whatever YOU have put into it.
The true value of something is a direct result of the energy and intent that is put into it.
Every personal contribution is also a contribution to the Whole.
Lack luster contributions have no impact on the Whole, nor do they work to diminish it.
Loving contributions bring life to, and inspire, the Whole.
Deactivating My Facebook Account
I’m increasingly tempted to delete my personal Facebook account.
This thing of constantly looking down at a screen and not making eye contact or really being with people is making me question things. I am surrounded by people who would rather look at posts and pictures instead of come to my home.
I feel I’m losing touch with humans.
On the other hand, the people closest to me are usually on their handsets keeping up with the world. I miss being with real human beings. Not these zombies we have all become, highly dependent on keeping in touch only via this electronic device. I miss real conversations.
I have people on my account who barely talk to me. They talk to everyone else but me. So then why pretend to be friends? You can always catch up with what I’m up to by grapevine. It’s juicer that way!
Attention seeking? Nah. I get plenty of it.
I’m pondering on my life choices. Deactivating my Facebook account seems to be one of them.
A Doll Cake At Last!
I think it may have been last year or early this year when I saw the most beautiful doll cake on a Facebook page. I stopped to comment on the picture, duly admired the beautiful cake and added that I’d never had a doll cake in my life.
Fast forward to yesterday and I received a call while doing my show. I was told there’s a delivery for me. My first thought was that someone has sent me flowers because that’s usually the case. When I finished my show and came out, the Receptionist handed this over to me and said it was for me.
I knew at once why I’d received it and was emotional. I’d finally received a doll cake, the first one ever, and I was completely delighted. My kids, when they saw it, gasped just as dramatically as I had.
I can’t thank @djsakmusic and the entire team at @cakevillekenya for being the first ones to give me my long desired doll cake and for being the first to bake me a birthday cake two weeks in advance! You guys are simply awesome.
Your kind gesture and thoughtful gift has made a strong mark in my memories. A doll cake at last!
How do I even cut it and most importantly, may I keep that doll please?!
Mother’s Day Interview on Single Mothers in The Asian Weekly
The Asian Weekly featured me in their Mother’s Day special pull out. It’s always an honour to be able to share my experiences. A great big thank you to The Asian Weekly team for this.
Here are the interview questions:
– Occupation
I’m a full time mother first and foremost and for a living I work in media. I’m a radio presenter and a columnist.
– Single Motherhood duration
Hard to put a figure on this. The only time there was any sort of ‘parenting’, if I may call it that, was when they were conceived. I’ve brought up my kids on my own with no help from the father.
– Number of children and their age
I have 2 kids. A daughter who is fifteen and a son who is eleven.
– Daily schedule
They wake up before me! They’re up early, they get ready for school. I get up when I start hearing activity from their rooms and then it’s a quick breakfast on the go because of the mad traffic conditions, and they take packed lunch from home that is usually packed the night before. They’re in school and I’m at work until the end of my show. I prefer to go pick them myself and during the ride home I get to catch up on how their day has been. What they tell you as soon as they meet you is usually a great indicator of how their day might have been. We get home, I enjoy a nice cup of tea and then start on cooking dinner while they relax for a while and sit down with homework or reading. We have dinner and the kids retire to them rooms by 8pm – obviously not to sleep that early but to wind down before bedtime (no TV on weeknights!) and I get a few hours on my own to catch up with my own work.
– Given your busy schedule, how do you balance work and family?
I feel this is pretty easy. You know what is a priority and needs to be done so you just set out to do it and soon enough it becomes a routine. I wish I could say the same about the gym!
– What does it take to play both a father and a mother’s role?
There are days when my eyes well up with tears when I think of the wonderful times I have had with my father and feel bad that my children have missed out on that interaction and love from a father figure. On other days, I feel great that I don’t have to share them! It’s hard work being both parents but it isn’t impossible.
– What are some of the prejudices that you’ve dealt with being a single mother?
Gosh… people actually look down on you, especially other women; and they think you are just out to get their husband! I have never looked for a father for my children. I dealt with the fact a long time ago that if their biological father isn’t interested, why would anyone else want to take over? Also other kids are very mean. They tease kids mercilessly because they don’t have a father. This is especially so if your father left you. If he died, then there’s a lot of sadness and understanding. I know this from experience and the amount of times my son has been bullied for not having a father who never ever came to sports day or didn’t hang out with his son at the weekends and do cool things. Well, I’m far cooler than any daddy and my son endorses that.
– When you look back at the years gone by, is there anything you wish you had done differently?
In my circumstances, no. I feel I’ve done wonderfully with my children. They are well-mannered, respectful and I also haven’t had another parent in their life whom they could play me up against. If mummy has said no it means no. There’s no daddy who is going to undermine mummy’s words.
– What’s the one thing never to tell a single, working mother?
You should think of settling down and find a father for them.
I don’t know what goes through people’s minds when they utter stupid things like that.
– What’s your message to other single, working mothers?
I left the house with no job or money – just my kids. I’ve worked hard and if I can do it, anyone can. Don’t get hindered with other people’s opinions. This is your life, your child/ children, and if no one is helping you educate or feed them, don’t be bullied into listening to anyone. Only you know what is best for your children and no matter what circumstances put you in this position of single motherhood, don’t feel dejected. You may not have asked for this life but just know you are the chosen one for these beautiful souls.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Creme Caramel
Yes, it is far easier to make it with a packet mix but it’s more delicious when you make it from scratch. A loved one really enjoys creme caramel despite not having much of a sweet tooth so I thought I’d make some for her.
Here’s the recipe I used (and modified!). It’s pretty easy to follow.
Ingredients:
For the caramel:
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
For the custard:
1 litre whole milk
6 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
Method:
In a heavy bottom pan, add the sugar and water to make the caramel. Before putting it on to boil, make sure you use a wooden spoon and dissolve the sugar as much as you can.
Boil until the sugar turns a caramel colour. You’ll be able to judge from the scent that wafts in the kitchen.
Very carefully, pour either into 8 small ramekins or one big dish. I used a big dish.
Spread the caramel all over and remember to work swiftly as the caramel will harden on contact with the cold surface and it will be difficult to get it to spread across the dish.
Once you have done this, take a serviette or piece of kitchen towel and dab butter on it. Use this to line the dish on the inside.
Beat together the eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla essence and gently pour on top of the cooled and set caramel.
Put your ramekins or dish in a baking pan and half fill the pan with boiling hot water, taking care not to let any water pour or splash into the custard.
Bake this for 25-35 minutes in a medium oven (180degC) or until the custard is set. You can check this by dipping in a skewer to check the consistency. It should be set.
Carefully remove from oven and place the dish with the custard on a wire rack to cool. After it has cooled down, place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Turn it upside down on a large dish and serve! The ramekins are great for individual servings.
It seems like a lot of work but this is one of the simplest desserts I’ve made.
Enjoy!
Doodling and Anger Management
I have finally finished this doodle. A lot of thinking has gone into it! I usually don’t doodle for creative reasons. It’s because I’m thinking of something that needs to be sorted in my head before I negatively react to it.
I’ve always done this since I was a kid. Mum often recalls that when I’d be upset, angry or in need to destroy my siblings, I would turn to drawing or painting.
As I grew older, I turned to being creative for anger management. I’m glad I’m not out there running amok destroying lives!
What do you do to manage your thought process and anger? Tweet me! @kamz26
When a relationship ends
People come and go from your life. Relationships come to an end because people stop getting on with each other, or maybe they die and leave one person behind mourning for them. You become from best friends, to lovers to someone you used to know. The most painful in all this is the transition from being heartbroken, angry and upset to learning to move on.
I found some fantastic tips to get over a breakup and I’m sharing them with you:
- Take time out to grieve.Recognise the intense and sometimes conflicting emotions you’re experiencing and accept that you won’t be at your best for a while. It’s okay to give yourself a break.
- Remember grief lessens with time.It might seem easier said than done, but try to remind yourself that things will get easier after a while.
- Don’t go through it alone.Isolating yourself can make the grief more difficult to cope with; support networks will help you get through this difficult time. If you don’t feel you can share your feelings with family or friends, post your thoughts on the Couple Connection forum to get advice and support from our online community.
- Remind yourself of the future.It may feel hard to let go of the hopes and dreams you held for your past relationship, but it’s important to remember you have a new future to embark on and encourage yourself with the knowledge that new hopes and dreams will eventually replace the old ones.
- Find new interests. Try to see the breakup as an opportunity for new beginnings. Take up a new hobby that attracts like-minded individuals; get into sport and revamp your image; or use dating or social networking sites to make new friends – all of these things will help improve your confidence, take your mind off the break up, and encourage you to have fun again.
What happens when a relationship ends because of death? That can be really difficult to deal with at times. First things first, don’t isolate yourself. Talk to people. It always helps. While after a break up your first reaction is to throw out the gifts you were given, sometimes a departed one’s possessions bring you peace. I remember sobbing into my father in law’s white shawl after he passed away. I grieved by reading his letters, his books, looking at his photos and remembering the good times and I always had that white shawl near me.
Like I said, we all go through some sort of a break up. Relationships end either out of choice or they just abruptly end. Either way, you must learn to let it go and move on. No, you cannot erase the memories you have had with that person and no you cannot just wake up one day and pinpoint that that was the day you finally got over the person who left you. It’s a gradual process and it takes time. Allow yourself this time, allow yourself to grieve for yourself, for what was or might have been, but don’t dwell on it too long.
Here’s to a very healing future.
Twitter: @kamz26
Decadence in a box
I’m one of those self-professed chocaholics. I love chocolate and that is a complete understatement. I was gifted a box of these lovely chocolates by a friend and I was totally amazed at how delicious they were. Beautifully packaged in locally made banana boxes covered in eye-catching fabric was what caught my eye and left me wanting more.
I didn’t realise that it was actually a friend who was making these chocolates! Tasnim hand makes these lovingly crafted goodies and you can order them from her. You can get your own selection box or you can go with a surprise selection of chocolates.
They make ideal gifts and also corporate gifts if you want to give them out this festive season. You can find them on Twitter right here: @SweetArtChoc
Feeling LOVED!
Today is my Dream Girl’s birthday and it’s Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali hasn’t always held such a great importance in my life but my little girl’s birthday has been extremely special. Her birthday signifies to me that dreams do come true.
This morning at breakfast, she opened her presents and squealed with delight and off she went to school instructing me to be at her school by 10am with her cake. I have half an hour left to be there as I write this but I must say that it may be Dream Girl’s birthday but today I have felt utterly spoilt by someone’s thoughtful gesture from way across the seven seas. I just received a delivery of flowers to congratulate me on my princess’s birthday! And how thoughtful of the person to have meticulously planned the delivery on the day itself.
I’m smiling away. It’s a brilliant day not just for my princess but me too. I’m just going to revel in the scent of these beautiful flowers and keep grinning because there are orange roses too in the arrangement.
You remembered that. Thank you!!!!!
