First, if you haven’t listened to Episode 11: the Introduction, go back quick and do so. It’ll give you a much better idea of what this series will be all about. The book is 7 parts, and this is part 1, but the introduction will be really helpful first. Again, that’s episode 11. I’ll be doing these episodes every few weeks, so keep an eye out for The 7 Laws episodes if you’re planning to follow along and join the conversation.
If you’d like to catch up, check out episodes 11, 17, and 23. I’m spacing these shows out a little bit so you have some time to digest and practice implementing what you’re learning into your life.
As the podcast intro mentions, I believe strongly in the importance of nurturing our entire mind, body, and spirit connection, in order to run a healthy business & live a balanced life. So I’ve decided to dive into my favorite bits of wisdom I’ve leaned on and learned from and share them with you here.
I really believe that more business podcasts need a dose of ALL the pieces that make up the entrepreneurial journey, not just the how-to business stuff. After all, we’re human beings. And human beings are fascinating, complex beings.
If you’re into exploring this holistic view of personal growth in order to be more well-rounded in business and life, I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. It’s very small, but very profound. Since I won’t be reading entire chapters, just highlighting actionable concepts to chew on, I think it’s important if this stuff resonates to dig in and revisit on your own. I have a link in the show notes, or head to jennings.photo/seven for my Amazon affiliate link, or just go to a bookstore. jennings.photo/seven that’s jennings.photo/seven
Okay, here we go: Chapter 3, The Law of Karma or Cause and Effect
I’m not going to read the whole chapter, but instead share a few things that resonated. As always, I recommend grabbing a copy of this book for yourself to keep handy if these episodes speak to you.
We’ll start with the intro:
“Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind…what we sow is what we reap. And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.”
This is a simple message, but sometimes when we’re being humans, it’s hard to remember. Why shouldn’t we want everyone to be happy? Seems obvious. A rising tide lifts all boats, right?
Deepak asks us to consider a couple of things when acting throughout our day:
- First: What are the consequences of the choice I’m making?
I think this applies to little things like how we react to being cut off in traffic, to bigger things like how we treat a friend who’s treated us unkindly, or a co worker who is gossipy ,etc.
2. Second: Will this choice that I’m making now bring happiness to me and those around me?
This second item is one of the reasons why I don’t publish these Seven Laws episodes close together. It takes a minute to practice implementing this stuff. Like this for example. Try for the morning or your lunch hour, or the whole day to develop a habit of asking yourself these two questions when things get tricky or trying.
What are the consequences of the choice I’m making?
Will this choice that I’m making now bring happiness to me and those around me?
He goes on to suggest: Listen to the comfort vs discomfort responses from your body. This gets easier with practice, but how does it make you feel? Good? Kind of off? Listen to your body, not your mind. It’s a remarkable guidance tool.
Next, the book reminds us that “Your future is generated by the choices you make in every moment of your life.”
This one always trips me out. Whatever you’re doing right now, where ever you’re going, it’s all a result of every single decision you’ve ever made in your life. Chew on that one.
This gets back to the idea that I talked about in previous episodes that even if something seems like a tiny, insignificant action, it all adds up over time. So take a minute to really be intentional about your choices and the energy you choose to share in this world. In my case, the more I practice this form of self awareness, the more I notice when I’m acting like a brat, and the quicker I am able to turn things around.
Here are the chapter-ending actionable steps Deepak suggests for implementing the Law of Karma into our lives:
- I will witness the choice I make in each moment and by doing so bring them to my conscious awareness. I know the best way to prepare for any moment in the future is to be fully conscious in the present.
- When I make a choice, I ask myself: What are the consequences? And will this choice bring fulfillment and happiness to me and also those affected by this choice?
- I will ask my heart for guidance and be guided by the message of comfort or discomfort.
And that’s it for this installment of the Seven Spiritual Law of Success by Deepak Chopra. Get a copy to dog ear at jennings.photo/resources. You’ll also find a ton of my other faves from this podcast. Jennings.photo/resources for a copy of this book.
Love and light until next time!
EPISODE NOTES
BUY the BOOK using my affiliate link: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Spiritual-Laws-Success-Fulfillment-ebook/dp/B005BY3XHC/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=jenningsphoto-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=389b4698f2e5c6945f37e16c6fbad38b&creativeASIN=B005BY3XHC
