Character review – how to become the perfected human being

Let’s say something really difficult, overwhelming, or troublesome comes into your life, and you first become calm, then you use your self-discipline to go within and reflect upon the situation. Then you look outward, observing the situation with tranquility. As you observe, you are reminded to have a sincere appreciation for all of life. You are reminded that everything in life changes, so you see situations as opportunities to grow and learn, even when they cause suffering and hardship. For we have all had to endure difficult times in our lives. This stepping back and observing gives us an opportunity to discriminate between what is right and what is wrong. With unfathomable faith and belief in ourselves, we make the decision to act from a place of being the perfected human being, true to ourselves, do no harm, and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all. This takes the ability to be objective and to forgive. All of this would require a state of balance, being open and flexible, and a strong grounding within us. These are not easy things to do when faced with difficulties, but if we can do them, we find peace and serenity within ourselves and in the world around us. Let’s work on finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace. END: Building positive characteristics such as calmness, self-discipline, reflection, tranquility, appreciation, endurance, discriminating between what is right and wrong, unshakable faith and striving to be the perfected human being – true to yourself, do no harm and equally disseminating to all health, happiness and peace will bring balance, openness, strength and peace to our lives. But these are not easy characteristics to build; therefore, we must work at them every day, and that is the practice of Karma. Ego: Flip your palm up and extend your index fingers to form the symbol of the ego. The ego will constantly try to pull you from your center, as it sees most of life as a battle to be won. The ego can also cause you to doubt yourself, leading you to get lost in comparing yourself to others. It causes us to compete, which is meaningless since we are all unique individuals on our own unique journey. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath- this is the symbol of connecting to your soul. The journey of the soul is to work your karma. It's about practicing forgiveness, compassion and understanding, and therefore we strive to become the perfected human being – follow your passion – be true to yourself – do no harm and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all – even your enemies for then you will truly find health, happiness and peace body, mind and soul. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Ninth Characteristic ~ WHAT IS PERFECTION?

The ninth characteristic or quality that karma suggests we should strive for is to be the perfect human being. This means to be true to yourself, without harming, while equally disseminating the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Notice the word strive. It means to devote your energy towards achieving or obtaining something. With great effort and devotion, you can bring about change, and that is how to utilize the energy of karma most effectively. Karma means selfless work. It means to work, not for accolades or material possessions, but to strive to better yourself, and as such to make the world a better place. Be true to yourself. Work to connect with and understand your true essence, or what makes you uniquely who you are. What makes you healthy, happy, and peaceful? What brings you great joy? When you are true to yourself, harmonious energy will flow through your life. What is perfection? By its very nature, it is subjective. It is sometimes described as a state of perfection, without any shortcomings. However, karma teaches us that humans are inherently flawed and designed to make mistakes. We learn from our mistakes and then strive to correct them. Our imperfections, which we all have, are the unique qualities that make us human and contribute to the diversity of life. We are here to work our karma, and that means to strive to be the very best we can while embracing the idea that we are all a part of the greater whole, and when we can do that, we realize that the perfected human being is true to themselves, does not harm, and equally disseminates the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Be truthful, generous, kind, and humble. END: Strive to be the best version of yourself. Be true to yourself, without doing harm, while equally disseminating the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Karma means selfless work. It means to work, not for accolades or material possessions, but to strive to better yourself, and as such to make the world a better place. EGO: Flip your hands up and extend out the index fingers; the symbol of the ego. The ego lives in fear of being rejected, not being accepted, not being loved, and facing death. So, it seeks validation and approval to prove to itself that it is perfect. We compare ourselves to others and compete with others in an attempt to feel superior and more successful. The ego sets unrealistic standards in its pursuit of an idealized, perfect self-image, and when we fall short of this, we experience disappointment and despair. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top; the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. From the soul’s perspective, we are all perfect when we are true to ourselves and realize our inherent potential to create harmony, compassion, love, and empathy towards ourselves and others. Perfection is seen as an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It involves the recognition and embodiment of gratitude, wisdom, forgiveness, and inner peace. It means living your life by the principles of truthfulness, kindness, and integrity. Nowhere does the soul define perfections in physical, mental, or material attributes. Perfection means to be true to yourself, not harm, and equally disseminate the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. In the words of John W. Gardner: “Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health,happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Eighth Characteristic – Unfathomable Faith

The eighth characteristic is to have unfathomable faith. Karma yoga refers to unfathomable faith, characterized by a deep and unwavering belief in one's ability to self-realize and soulfully grow, even in the face of adversity. Having faith in one's skills and potential leads to inner wisdom, an understanding that the path of life is not always easy. However, with unwavering faith in oneself, one will not only survive but also thrive. Karma teaches us that every individual has the potential to tap into their inner strengths and to develop self-awareness, self-healing, and personal growth. Within all of us is the ability to overcome life's obstacles, as well as master the great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Karma recognizes the presence of a higher power or divine energy that exists within and beyond the individual. We call this "Ishvar," or an absolute and total dedication of all your thoughts, words, and deeds to your chosen ideal in life. Unfathomable faith requires the ability to surrender to this higher power by genuinely listening to and trusting your inner voice and letting it be your guide. Unfathomable faith means commitment and dedication even during challenging times. There will be many challenges in life and obstacles to overcome, but when we remove self-doubt and replace it with steadfastness and perseverance, we will find the power to achieve. But it takes practice—that's karma! END: Unfathomable faith is not just about religious or spiritual beliefs; it also means having faith in our ability to navigate the many challenges and obstacles of life. Relationships, careers, families, and life in general require a certain sense of faith if we are to succeed. Faith provides us with strength, resilience, determination, and the motivation to pursue our goals even when the path forward may seem uncertain. Faith surpasses ordinary limits and persists despite the obstacle of self-doubt. Have faith in yourself. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers; the symbol of the ego. While unfathomable faith can be a source of inspiration and guidance, it can also lead to closed-mindedness, dogmatism, and an unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives. The ego is adept at believing that its point of view is the only valid one, discounting alternative beliefs and attitudes. Pull your fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When we take the time to connect with our soul, we are reminded to maintain a balance between holding onto our faith and being open to new ideas and different perspectives. We are reminded not to get caught up in believing one way is right and another is wrong. Faith means believing in yourself and following your path, but always remember to respect yourself, others, and Mother Earth. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The seventh characteristic is to be able to discriminate between…

What is right and what is wrong. To choose between right and wrong is where ethics and morals come into play. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is not always crystal clear. It involves a combination of innate moral intuitions, societal norms, personal values, and ethical reasoning. For example, it is wrong to steal. But if your children are dying of starvation, is it right or wrong to steal so they don't die? Karma reminds us, above all else, not to harm but to always do what does the greatest good for the greatest number. Humans possess an inherent sense of empathy and fairness, which provides a framework for establishing what is right and what is wrong. However, these may vary somewhat among individuals and across different cultures. "Ahimsa," or nonviolence, is a fundamental principle of yoga. It means to refrain from doing any harm to oneself, others, and all living beings through physical actions, as well as speech and thoughts. However, even yoga acknowledges that the line between right and wrong is not always clear. For example, we are not to harm and always tell the truth. But this can sometimes put us in a dilemma. Once, on an early winter's day, a yogi was meditating in the woods. A beautiful deer ran by and jumped past him. Reflecting, the yogi thought how lovely and graceful the deer was. Soon after, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer. If the yogi tells the hunter the truth about where the deer ran, the hunter will kill the deer, and harm will be done to it. The truth would be the wrong thing for the yogi to do. But winter is setting in, and if he does not tell the truth, the hunter and his family will starve. Not telling the truth will create greater harm to the hunter and his family. So this would be wrong. What should the yogi do? What is the right action, and what is the incorrect action? Here, we see the dilemma between telling the truth and practicing nonviolence. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. Karma reminds us always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. END: Yoga is a philosophical tradition that offers insight into the concept of right and wrong. Yoga emphasizes withdrawal and self-reflection, enabling us to be more self-aware of how we conduct ourselves in our thoughts, words, and actions. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. However, yoga encourages us to lead a life of nonviolence, integrity, and honesty. This path entails being truthful, respectful, and fair. Align yourself with your higher principles; always do what is the greatest good for the most significant number without harming yourself, others, or the world. Honesty is one of life's considerable challenges. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers, the symbol of the ego. The ego always wants to be right because it is closely tied to our self-image, identity, and the need for validation. The ego craves control and approval, and it fears being wrong. It tends to favor information that affirms its beliefs and tends to ignore or dismiss anything that contradicts them. Control and approval can blur the line between right and wrong. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When it comes to right and wrong, let your soul be your guide. Be aware, withdraw, and reflect on yourself. The soul will remind you that we are all connected as one and that we must be very care­ful with our interpretation of what is right and what is wrong. The soul will always seek to do what is right through the basic principle of do not harm, while guided by the principle always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. Let your conscience (soul) be your guide. Wisdom is in knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Sixth Characteristic ~ intellectual appreciation for life

Intellect and appreciation are integral to the practice of karma yoga, as they help to cultivate gratitude, selfless actions, and detachment from outcomes. We do something because it benefits all, not just us as individuals. To have sincere and intellectual appreciation for life, one must develop understanding and respect for the natural world, human relationships, and oneself. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, understanding the impact of one’s actions, and then striving to make a positive contribution to the world. A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life means recognizing and valuing the significance of one’s existence and the world around them thoughtfully and authentically. It involves being aware and grateful for the opportunities and experiences that life presents, as well as acknowledging the difficulties and challenges that come with it. To practice karma yoga means to take actions that are motivated by a desire to serve others and contribute to the greater good of humanity. It all begins with finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic world. END A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life means approaching life with an open mind, seeking to learn and grow from our experiences, and embracing the uncertainty and impermanence of existence. Ultimately, having a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life is about finding meaning and purpose in one’s own life and then contributing to the good of humanity. Intellect and appreciation for life are essential to karma yoga, a soulful practice that emphasizes calmness, introspection, discipline, and tranquility. Appreciation means recognizing the value and significance of every moment and every being, and then cultivating a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that life presents. By appreciating our experiences, we gain a sense of purpose and joy, which in turn leads to a more prosperous life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers; the symbol of the ego. The ego plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions, including our attachment to people, objects, and ideas. This can influence how we conduct our lives, such as identifying with our emotional attachments even when they are unhealthy. Fear of losing our attachments can cause us to over-identify with our emotions. For example, when we feel jealousy or rejection in response to a friend or relative spending time with someone else. We overly invest in these emotions, which causes us to cling to them and have a difficult time letting go. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Appreciation cultivates wisdom, and wisdom teaches us that the true nature of reality is that everything, even our emotions, is impermanent and constantly changing. When we sincerely and intellectually appreciate life, we cultivate selfless action, gratitude, and detachment from outcomes. Sincerely and intellectually appreciate all of life. It is here for your evolution. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more information, visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

Why can’t we have peace in the world?

To come together as one and bring peace to the world requires removing prejudicial barriers. It starts with appreciating the diversity of our cultures. It is more than tolerance. It is accepting and appreciating that although we all may appear different, we are all equal. Our perception of the outside world is based on our individual and collective thoughts and mental attitudes. However, our values may change within a fraction of a second, and what might be meaningful in one moment may be meaningless in the next. So, Yoga reminds us not to focus so much on changing the outside world but rather to seek to change our inner world. If you can control your mind, you can control everything; in this, you will find peace. But why can't we have peace on earth? Humans are not free from personal motives and expectations. If we could free the human mind from deceit, greed, anger, and pride, the world would become a place of peace. To achieve this means being content and accepting of what comes into our lives and what goes out of our lives. It's not easy for humans to do. If we genuinely want to find peace on earth, it begins within each of us. Be aware and grateful for the moments of peace you experience. The more we practice gratitude and cultivate inner peace, the more peace we establish within ourselves, and the more peace we can project onto the world. Think for a moment what the world would be if we all stopped and projected peace rather than war into the world. END: If we truly want to find peace on earth, it begins within each of us. Be aware and grateful for the moments of peace you experience. The more we practice gratitude for moments of inner peace, the more peace we establish within ourselves, and the more peace we can project onto the world. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index finger – the symbol of the ego. Karma yoga teaches us to work selflessly without any personal expectations or attachments. Selflessness is not an easy task. That is why we must prepare our ego to find contentment and happiness and perform actions for the sake of others. Selflessness does not mean self-denial; instead, we seek to help others through our selflessness, and in doing so, we find inner peace. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. You are now sitting here in a moment of inner peace. Try not to focus so much on changing the outside world, but rather to seek to bring peace to your inner world. Be grateful for this moment of peace and remember it, for if we all could find more moments of peace, we could bring peace to the world. Be grateful for peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more – visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Sixth Characteristic: Enduring Suffering and Hardship - Karma Yoga, check out the blog post.

The sixth characteristic is to be able to endure suffering and hardships. Life is filled with suffering, but it is also full of wonder, offering us numerous opportunities to endure and rise above it. There will always be suffering, hardships, losses, pain, anguish, and fear. To endure suffering and hardships means to persist through challenging circumstances without giving up. It involves facing and overcoming adversity, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. This requires mental and emotional strength, resilience, and perseverance. It consists of recognizing that challenges and struggles are a natural part of accepting life and may be necessary for personal growth and development. For example, karma teaches us that if someone hurts us, causing suffering and hardship, we should accept this as an opportunity to find inner peace and liberation within ourselves. By emotionally detaching from the pain of insults, abuse, and suffering, we have the opportunity to cultivate compassion and understanding within ourselves. In this, we learn to work our karma. Once, a man sought to anger a saint by insulting him and using abusive language. The saint sat quietly and still. The man screamed, “Don’t you understand what I am saying about you?” The saint answered, “Yes.” And then the man yelled, “How can you sit there so quietly and still?” The saint answered, “Suppose you brought me some fruit, and I refused it. What would you do?” “I would take it back,” said the man. “In the same way, I refuse to accept the things you have called me so that you may take them back,” he replied. END: Karma yoga is a holistic approach to addressing suffering and hardships by integrating physical, mental, and soulful energy. This approach requires finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic and sometimes challenging world. Even though life can be complex and full of suffering and hardships, we must focus on the good, the lessons, and the growth. To endure suffering and hardships, you must develop great courage, patience, and determination. Draw on your inner resources, such as faith, hope, and a sense of purpose, to help you through difficult times. Life is chaotic. Sufferings and hardships are part of human life. They will not disappear. Like the saint, practice liberation; refuse to let them destroy your inner sense of peace. In this, you will know what it means to work your karma. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego is our psyche. It is our sense of self and identity, and it can play a significant role in dealing with suffering and hardships. The ego sometimes identifies with suffering, a fundamental aspect of our identity. This can lead to victimization or self-pity, which may intensify the suffering. The ego may compare our suffering to that of others, either to minimize our pain or to magnify it. Victimization creates a feeling of superiority or inferiority. The ego seeks to control difficult experiences by attempting to fix or resolve them. While acting may be helpful, the ego can become overly attached to control and struggle to accept situations that cannot be changed, thereby intensifying suffering and hardship. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the deepest aspect of our being. It is the source of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than our ego self. The soul responds to suffering with compassion and understanding by recognizing that all of life is interconnected and that we all share the joys and sorrows of life. Rather than being a victim, the soul finds meaning in suffering and hardships, using them for personal growth, learning, and transformation. The soul draws upon a deep sense of faith to endure suffering and hardship and find peace. This characteristic will help you emulate the saint and refuse to accept anything that disturbs your inner peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com