Karma and the Afterlife

I deeply believe in karma and the afterlife, two concepts that shape how I navigate life. Karma, the law of cause and effect, teaches that our actions, big or small, have lasting consequences, not just for us, but for the world around us. The afterlife offers a sense of hope, a belief that our deeds are never in vain, and that there’s a cosmic balance beyond this life where every good intention finds its reward.

For me, this belief sometimes means allowing others to take advantage of my kindness. It's not about being passive or letting myself be exploited, but rather, choosing to prioritize someone else's happiness in the moment. When I make this decision, I do it with faith that the universe is watching, and that this small act of selflessness will pay forward in the next life. I don’t expect anything in return right away. In fact, I find comfort in knowing that karma will unfold on its own terms, perhaps when I least expect it. I trust that, in the afterlife, the intention behind my actions will be recognized and rewarded, even if it’s not in this lifetime.

However, I’ve learned that kindness doesn’t mean neglecting my own needs. It’s crucial to set boundaries and ensure that my compassion doesn’t come at the cost of my well-being. I believe karma is about balance, not just in how we treat others, but in how we treat ourselves too.

At its core, I view every act of kindness, no matter how small, as part of a larger cosmic flow. Every moment we choose to give, without expecting anything in return, ripples out into the universe, creating a lasting impact. I trust that these acts of love and understanding will eventually come full circle, even if it takes a lifetime or several.

In the end, I believe that what we put into the world, with pure intention, never truly disappears. It’s all part of a bigger journey, where every good deed contributes to the harmony of the universe, and where the afterlife is a continuation of the spiritual work we do in this life. As Albert Pine wisely said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” It’s in the love we give, the kindness we share, and the lives we touch that our true legacy lives on.

I jotted down my experience of the vasovagal episode that followed a few hours after the dog bite, as I lie in bed, waiting for my fracture to heal and hoping to avoid surgery. 

This Too Shall Pass

I took my dog, Charlie, for a walk at day's end,

The evening calm was my time to mend.

But from behind a gate, another dog came,

Fierce and swift, like a storm untamed.

I lifted Charlie, held him tight,

But he slipped free, charged, ready to fight.

In the chaos, I reached, I tried,

And felt sharp pain as teeth sank wide.

Seven or eight marks, deep and sore,

Pain pulsing like waves on a rocky shore.

The nurse and doctor set me right,

With meds and rest to ease the fight.

Then came the night, pain surging anew,

My swollen hand, my world askew.

I rose in darkness, weary and sore,

Only to find myself fainted on the bathroom floor.

With twisted foot and bruised-up skin,

I struggled, crawled, and found strength within.

The medics came, X-rays revealed,

Three broken bones that time might heal.

A podiatrist spoke of screws and plates,

Or perhaps a cast if the swelling abates.

Now I hobble and hop, my left hand sore,

Finding new ways to do less, yet more.

The road is rough, the pain runs deep,

But with patience and time, this too will sleep.

Though moments feel endless, hard to surpass,

One truth remains: This too shall pass.