Karma in Recovery

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Karma in Recovery

"Your actions are remembered".

Understanding Karma can Help Us in Recovery

At Hope we encourage our clients to develop their own spiritual belief system. We offer them a menu of paths and ideas to choose from. Karma in on that menu and a popular choice. Below are some of the reasons why.

Karma and Spirituality – it is acknowledged that people with spiritual beliefs manage stress, challenges and life more efficiently than those without. They tend to be adaptable and resilient. Karma is one of those spiritual beliefs.

Popular understanding of karma – the quotes ‘we reap what we sow‘ and ‘what goes around comes around‘ refer to Karma. Actions have consequences – simple cause and effect. Sometimes karma ripens immediately, or it can take time for these consequences to arrive, possibly decades, but they do usually catch up with us. The reverse is also true, if we treat ourselves, others, and the world with respect, and if we take good action, it will reward us now or later in life.

What is Karma?

Karma can be understood in many different ways including:

Reflection of universal order
Expression of natural justice
Set of values & principles
Guide for right from wrong
Practice of empathy
Peaceful approach to life

How to Use Karma in Recovery

Karma integrated into our recovery program helps us create a positive and value focussed belief system. We can incorporate Karma into all aspects of our program, including…

Positive affirmations
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Group therapy
Mindfulness practice
Social and fitness activities
Wellness and health
Personal spiritual practices and rituals

Karma and therapy – Karma helps us challenge our behavior – being honest with ourselves leads to better health mentally and peace of mind. Remember everything is connected, body, mind and soul so Karma also helps us maintain physical health.

History of karma (traditional understanding) In the Hindu religion, a person’s actions will determine their fate (reincarnation) and Buddhism, karma refers to the principle of cause and effect, the direct result of a person’s actions. In Christianity “you reap what you sow” refers to the principle of divine justice, reward and punishment. All these concepts are rooted in truth. I personally believe we only live once.

People were more religious in times gone by – people had less money in the past, less access to healthcare, less technology to make life easier and less security. So, they turned to religion as a way to compensate for that. Ironically this is still true of poorer countries. This is why poor and developing countries are now safer than western countries (not war zones). Karma is not just for saints and or other cultures or religions but it can be applied by anyone.

Recovery and reincarnation REBORN – many of us feel born again when we get clean – the new me with a new approach to life. We now live by a program (or code) to keep ourselves and our disease of addiction in check. We have a second chance at life.

The science of karma – it stands to reason that when humans behave negatively there are direct and tangible consequences. For example, with criminality, the consequences of getting caught and being punished. However, it also increases the risk of being a victim of criminality and violence. Also, getting a negative reputation in the community that comes with limitations.

The Tibetan symbol for Karma

"Those who live by the sword die by the sword"

Negative associates and the law of attraction! tolerating unhealthy behavior from others and choosing friends that make bad and unhealthy choices will impact us. There is a saying about friends “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future,”

Bad choices like drug addiction and crime often involves high risk and dangerous behavior so no wonder it comes with negative outcomes (e.g. we believe stealing is a form of self-harm as it sends an internal message that one cannot live honestly or do not deserve to have an honest life.)

Breaking the Cycle

The vicious cycle of bad karma – “what goes around comes around” This cycle can be broken when we change our attitude and behavior. Negative choices often create more negative consequences, leading to a vicious cycle. Positive choices create opportunities, stronger relationships, improved self-esteem, and lasting recovery. Each healthy decision strengthens the next.

Creating Good Karma

Good karma is created through positive actions. In recovery, one of our guiding principles is: “we keep what we have by giving it away.” Helping others, supporting someone new in recovery, showing kindness, volunteering, or simply being there for another person are all acts of service. These actions strengthen our own recovery while making a positive difference in someone else’s life.

Making amends for past mistakes is also a common action in recovery and probably neutralizes bad karma and creates good karma.

Finally

Ultimately, whether karma is viewed as a spiritual principle, a philosophy, or simply common sense, it reminds us that today’s choices shape tomorrow’s life. Recovery gives us the opportunity to make those choices with greater awareness, honesty, and purpose.