This months’s theme is Karma. Out of all the themes from this year’s classes, this word is probably the most well-known one, at least in the meaning of good/bad karma. Most people know this to mean you reap what you sow, or a sense of fate. But did you know there’s another meaning to this? In Sanskrit, Karma means not just the effect but also the action. That’s the part we do have control over, regardless of whether you believe in reincarnation. In this present moment, we have the ability to choose to act in a way that aligns with your sense of purpose. And when we do that with faithfulness, we can also surrender the outcome without continuing to beat ourselves up for not doing enough.
As 2020 has unfolded, there is no denying of the interconnectedness of this world. Also global scale suffering is so evident, intensified with COVID. More than ever, we are called into a collective action, where it’s not just about doing something positive for yourself, but doing our part for the good of the whole earth. It’s also important to go into it with creativity and community, so that we don’t burn out or feel overwhelmed.
Here is a list of things I’ve been doing or have recently done in light of September’s theme.
Learn about and support BLM. It’s hard to do from here in Japan, but I’m part of the BLM Tokyo facebook group to keep learning and sharing info. There’s heaps of resources in English so I won’t expand on it here.
Support meaningful movements and organizations regularly. My husband and I focus on environmental issues and supporting refugees here and in the Middle East, and we are proud monthly supporters of Green Peace, Japan Association for Refugees and Preemptive Love. Check out their websites to learn more!
Shift fo sustainable power resource! There are two companies we use here in Japan that provides us with 100% renewable energy. (Shonan Denryoku and Green People’s Power). If you want help switching your power supplier, contact me and I can help you!
Petition to do a vote to decide on the casino development in Yokohama. This petition is open only to citizens with voting rights so I haven’t shared this with English speaking students, but I registered to collect signatures from the Naka ward and have been actively doing so in classes.
Reduce plastic waste. Yes, Japan is plastic haven with over-packaging issues. It’s awful. We do our best, but one thing that’s really helpful is making your own soap and toothpaste. Find the recipe I use in this document:
These are some to list a few. What are things that you are doing, big or small, that is a working out of your Karma? I would love to hear your thoughts, or any questions you have about the list I just made. May we all evolve as a collective community, with each other not just here but across the world and with the earth.