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To read the first piece in this two-part series on understanding karma and learn about the first six Laws of Karma, click here.

With that concept in mind, each step leads us to the next step and so on. That’s why with everything that we do, whether insignificant or not, we must complete it and get the job done.

Neither the first step nor the last are of greater significance. They were both required to accomplish the task at hand.

7. The Law of Focus

One cannot direct attention beyond a single task.

In other words, one can’t do, think or act two things at the same time.

As we know, multitasking is the perfect way to lose concentration. When we try to perform multiple things at the same time we will not be efficient, as our brain lacks the capacity to perform simultaneous tasks successfully.

This also relates to spiritual growth. We can’t have negative thoughts or actions and expect to grow spiritually.

We must direct full attention to achieve any desired task.

8. The Law of Giving and Hospitality

Demonstrating our selflessness shows true intentions.

In a nutshell, what we claim to believe must manifest into our actions. Put in another way, what we think and what we feel – we act out. This is how we show up.

Whatever you claim to believe, you will be called upon to demonstrate. Your thoughts, words, and actions need to be congruent. When you are truly selfless, you naturally become in tune with your higher self.

Selflessness is a virtue only if we are accommodating something other than ourselves. Without a selfless nature, true spiritual growth is nearly impossible.

The evolution of ‘self’ comes from serving something that does not include the self.

To accomplish this, the overall idea is that our behaviour should match our thoughts and actions. We should live by the values that we hold dear to our heart. It is not enough to talk about composure, loyalty and integrity while acting from anger, greed or spreading rumours.

9. The Law of Here and Now

History repeats itself unless changed.

When we look back in our life and evaluate what we did or didn’t do, it takes us away from our present state to be right here and in the now.

Old patterns, old ways of thinking, old ways of feeling, old behaviours and old dreams just prevent us from having new ones. If we get stuck in our old patterns and without being conscious and committing to change, how can we influence our past and therefore our future?

History will continue along an unconstructive path until positive energies direct it elsewhere. That’s why self-awareness is the real key to creating positive change.

Without this awareness there is only aimless intention and therefore desultory effectiveness.

10. The Law of Change

The present is all we have.

This law is the law of movement, inspiration, motivation, dreaming, planning, implementation, action, fulfilment – repeating over and over again.

The key is to let go of everything that no longer serves us and respect ourselves enough to walk away. The core of our being – who we truly are – remains constant. It does not change no matter how many journeys we embark upon.

Otherwise, history repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path. Looking back regretfully and forward pointlessly robs us of a present opportunity.

Old thoughts and patterns of behaviour negate the present chance to advance ourselves.

11. The Law of Patience and Reward

Nothing of value is created without a patient mindset.

Striving, sweating and working hard can’t be bypassed through wishful thinking. Our rewards are claimed only through patience, perseverance and persistence. Nothing else.

The more time and patience we put into something, the greater the reward will be. This is true even of transient things, as the lack of outcome is in itself a rewarding lesson all of its own.

Rewards are not the end-result. All rewards come from hard work and patience.

For example, if you are creating a muse, or a business, or if you are in a relationship, the hard work you put in initially will pay off in the end. As a result, you will benefit and profit from the genuine, lasting joy that comes from the knowledge of doing what’s necessary in the rightful anticipation of a reward that is well earned.

True joy follows doing what we are supposed to be doing, and waiting for the reward to come in on its own time.

Do without anything in return and allow life to surprise and delight you.

12. The Law of Significance and Inspiration

The best reward is one that contributes to the whole.

The end result is of little value if it leaves little or nothing behind. Whatever time or energy we invest in something, it will always come back to us in some way, shape or form. We get back from something whatever we have put into it.

Consequently, the true value of something is a direct result of the energy and intention that we put into it. Every personal contribution is also a contribution to the whole.

Energy and intentions are vital components that determine the significance of an end result. Ideally, love and passion embody the motives of one that resolves to leave a lasting impression on the whole.

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. — Wayne Dyer

In every moment of our lives, we perform action. Whether it is physical, mental or emotional, with every action we create a certain memory.

That, my friend, is Karma.

In closing, I will share a beautiful poem that sums karma as a whole.

The Law of Karma

 When a bird is alive, it eats ants.

When the bird has died, ants eat it.

One tree can be made into a million matches.

But only one match is needed to burn a million trees.

Circumstances can change at any time.

Don’t devalue or hurt anyone.

You may be powerful today, but time is more powerful than you.