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

REVIEW - What are Character and Qualities?

To overcome obstacles and challenges, one must develop specific characteristics and qualities. These traits or attributes define an individual's personality, behavior, and outlook on life. Everyone possesses unique characteristics shaped by their life experiences, environment, and culture. Recognizing and cultivating positive characteristics and qualities in oneself can lead to personal growth and success in various aspects of life. The first five characteristics are to stay calm, self-disciplined, withdraw and reflect, be tranquil and observe, and have a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life. To have a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life, one must develop understanding and respect for the natural world, human relationships, and oneself. Appreciation means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and understanding that what happens to one of us happens to all of us. Today, let's find calmness, self-discipline, reflection, observation, and appreciation. END: To bring harmony into your life, align yourself with and focus on developing honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. Remember: what you think, say, and do reflect the characteristics and qualities you have created. You have the power to change 84 percent of who you are: your looks, your name, your career, and where you live, but you cannot change your individuality or your family of origin. However, you can change your beliefs and attitudes, especially if they do not align with what brings health, happiness, and peace to your life. EGO: Flip your palms up and stick out your index finger, the symbol of the ego. According to karma, our characteristics and qualities are not our true nature but rather a set of patterns and tendencies we have developed throughout our lives. These are attached to the ego. The ego gives us a sense of individuality and separates us from others. Still, it can also lead to attachment and suffering, preventing us from achieving self-realization and soulful growth. The ego is the false sense of self that identifies with righteousness, importance, and attachment. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath, surrender to your soul. Karma teaches us how to detach from the ego (if only for a moment) by recognizing that our characteristics and qualities are not who we truly are. They are byproducts of our experiences. How we develop and use these characteristics determines the outcome of our lives. We are here on Earth as curious souls to learn and understand life, and with that comes characteristics. If the need to be right or self-importance should arise, take a breath, step away from the ego, and connect with your soul. It will encourage you to control the four great passions of deceit, greed, anger, and pride and replace them with honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. These characteristics will make your life harmonious and peaceful. Who wouldn't want that? Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consults, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Sixth Characteristic… karma yoga Suffering and Hardship

The sixth characteristic is to be able to endure suffering and hardships. Life is filled with suffering but 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 involves 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 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, and this may intensify suffering. The ego may compare suffering to 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 taking action may be helpful, the ego can get overly attached to control and may struggle to accept a situation that cannot be changed, intensifying the 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

The Fifth Characteristic for a Successful Life is…

The fifth quality or characteristic is a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life. Intellect and appreciation are integral to karma yoga, as they help cultivate gratitude, selfless actions, and detachment from outcomes. We do something because it is suitable for all, not just for us as individuals. To have a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life, one must develop understanding and respect for the natural world, human relationships, and oneself. Understanding and respect mean recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, understanding the impact or effect of one's actions, and striving to contribute positively to the world. A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life means thoughtfully and authentically recognizing and valuing the significance of one's existence and the world. It involves being aware of and grateful for life's opportunities and experiences, and acknowledging the difficulties and challenges that come with them. To practice karma yoga means to take actions motivated by a desire to serve others and contribute to the greater good of humanity. It all begins with your ability to find balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic world. Let's get started. 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 life and contributing meaningfully to humanity. Intellect and appreciation for life are essential to karma yoga, a soulful practice emphasizing calmness, soulful reflection, discipline, and tranquility. Appreciation means recognizing the value and significance of every moment and every being and cultivating a deep sense of gratitude for life's opportunities and experiences. By appreciating our experiences, we gain a sense of purpose and joy, which leads to a prosperous life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego plays a crucial role in how we perceive things, including our attachment to people, objects, and ideas. Attachment 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 difficulty 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 books, classes, consultation, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Fourth Characteristic for Successful Life ~Tranquility

The fourth characteristic is tranquility, which means having the stature or poise to hold still and contemplate before speaking or acting. Tranquility is a state of calmness, peacefulness, and serenity. It means to be free of agitation, anxiety, and chitta, or fluctuations of the mind. Tranquility might be experienced in a peaceful natural environment, through meditation, or by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as yoga. Physically, tranquility lowers the heart rate, decreases muscle tension, creates a sense of lightness and ease in the body, and mental and emotional calmness. We move without effort and with ease. Tranquility involves contemplation, a mental practice focusing on a particular subject or idea to gain a deeper insight. It can come from meditation or be used for secular purposes such as solving problems, making decisions, and creative inspiration. Karma yoga describes tranquility as the ability to hold still, quiet the mind, and contemplate (think calmly) before speaking or acting. It’s not easy; it takes work—that’s karma! END: Taking time to cultivate tranquility and engage in contemplation can positively affect your mental and physical well-being, such as reducing stress and preventing burnout. It can be a valuable practice or characteristic to incorporate into your daily routine. Tranquility makes problems easier to solve and decisions easier to make. Some obstacles to achieving a successful life are stress, burnout, lack of focus, poor decision-making, and lack of self-worth. When you practice tranquility and contemplation, you can reduce stress, gain the ability to focus, make better decisions, become more self-aware, increase creativity, and generally improve your health in body, mind, and soul. Tranquility would be a good characteristic to develop. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego runs here and there, always looking at external things. Without going inward, it can never know its true self, so it feels anxious, stressed, and exhausted. When we stop, get tranquil, and quietly connect ourselves to the world we occupy, we have an opportunity to realize that our view of the world is not necessarily the only or right view. Pull your fingers in, place your thumbs on top, take a breath, and surrender your ego to your soul. Sitting quietly, remember that contemplation can help you recognize your limitations. Tranquility can foster a sense of humility, improving our relationships with others and allowing us to be more open to gaining new knowledge. We are here to master our lives and make peace within us. Tranquility and contemplation would be good characteristics to have. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace Doctor Lynn

The Third Characteristic of a Successful Life

Karma yoga views characteristics and qualities as ways to progress towards soulful growth and self-realization. (First, be calm, and second, self-disciplined) The third characteristic is the ability to withdraw and reflect. To withdraw means to remove oneself from a situation or to disengage from one's surroundings, both physically and mentally. Reflecting involves introspection and self-examination. It means reflecting upon one's thoughts, words, and actions to gain insight and understanding. In yoga, we call this sense withdrawal, which means turning inward to quiet the mind, creating a sense of inner calmness, and then making positive changes in our lives. Withdrawal and reflection allow us to get in touch with our feelings. Karma reminds us that one of the obstacles to a peaceful, successful, and happy life is blocking our feelings. When we block our feelings, we block our self-awareness. Let's work on withdrawal and self-reflection. END: Withdrawing and reflecting means controlling the senses. The senses are like a mirror. By themselves, they are pure and innocent. Turn them outward, and they reflect on the turbulent and chaotic world. Turn them inward, and the mirror reflects our state of being. The world is a battlefield. Looking outside, we must be prepared to fight against deceit, greed, anger, and pride. When we withdraw, reflect, and look inside, the battles of life will also challenge us, but if we practice calmness with self-discipline and inner reflection, we can find quietude, peace, and happiness. Look inward, withdraw, reflect, and create a state of being that reflects your ability to be calm and disciplined, and you will build strong and worthy characteristics. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego easily deludes itself by comparing itself to others while believing it has control over itself, even while putting in minimal effort. But at any minute, there can be a slip-up, the mind can lose control, and the ego will find itself on the battlefield of life fighting for survival. Pull your fingers in and place your thumbs on top, take a breath, and surrender to the soul. The soul knows how to withdraw and reflect. Reflect upon your pure state of being, it's like a mirror turned inward, reminding us that if we find and cultivate the quality of peace within, we will find peace wherever we go. Good characteristics to have are calmness, self-discipline, and self-reflection. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Second Characteristic for a successful life

The second characteristic to develop is self-discipline. Our world operates in a regulated and disciplined way. Without discipline, nothing is achieved. If everything were chaotic, life could not progress. If the sun, moon, and Earth did not rotate in a disciplined manner, we would not have the calculations to send rockets and satellites into space. Nature is disciplined; it does not try to be something it is not. Only humans think they can do anything they want without consequences, and this creates chaos. Self-discipline doesn’t mean living an austere life. It means knowing your limits and stopping before you cross over and lose your balance. Karma yoga is more than an exercise for the body. If you practice with self-discipline, you will find that it affects your entire body, mind, and soul. Self-discipline is needed when you are attempting to improve your life. Self-improvement begins by doing the best you can with what you have. Start where you are and watch your attitude; it is tied to self-discipline. END: Regular practice is required to achieve anything, and this requires self-discipline. Failing to continue any discipline or practice is one of the obstacles to success. You can’t succeed at anything unless you commit the time and energy to it, which takes discipline. When you practice discipline, you experience a greater sense of happiness, contentment, and wisdom. Self-discipline brings calmness, structure, and order to your life. Everything in the universe must be fed. If a dream or a goal is fed daily, eventually, it will become a reality. But we must have the self-discipline to feed it, or it will die. Everything born within the world carries the seed of (process) dissolution. If not fed, it will dissolve. So, if you hope to achieve anything in life, you need the quality of self-discipline. EGO: Flip up your palms and extend out your index finger, the ego symbol. The ego loves instant gratification. Sometimes, it thinks it is smarter than nature and doesn’t need to implement self-discipline. Sometimes, it takes pride in its false sense of discipline and believes nothing is left to improve. Bring your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Self-improvement begins by doing the best you can with what you have. To achieve anything, you must have self-discipline. You are what you think, say, and do, so watch your attitude; it closely relates to your sense of self-worth and self-discipline. Self-discipline is a good quality to have. Even good deeds will bind you if you do without discipline and for egotistical gratification. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more information: http://www.doctorlynn.com

To Overcome Obstacles -The First Characteristic

The first characteristic karma suggests we work to develop is the ability to be calm. Calmness refers to having tranquil and balanced energy in our body, mind, and soul. It involves being free from stress and anxiety, enabling one to think and act with clarity and composure. Calmness is considered an essential part of inner growth, clarity, and a quiet mind. It enables you to think and act more rationally, overcoming the obstacles of distraction and carelessness. Being calm helps you to make better decisions, solve problems, and handle stress more appropriately. With less tension, stress, and anxiety, we can connect more effectively with others and the world around us. Consider for a moment what it would be like if, all around you, there was chaos, stress, and overload, yet you could remain calm. This, of course, would require a lot of conscious effort, and that is karma: being aware of your thoughts, words, and actions and how they can influence an outcome. END: Developing the characteristic of calmness through yoga is a quality that helps us to overcome life’s obstacles without losing our balance. We are here to develop punja, or virtuous characteristics that enhance our lives. We have the power to choose who we want to be. We do this by building character and qualities such as calmness. As the body releases tension, the mind becomes quiet, and when we do this, we bring a sense of calmness to our lives. If we continue this practice, over time, it will have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Look for those moments where you encounter problems, chaos, and stress as opportunities to be calm, and when you do, you will be working on your karma, and you will prosper. Just remember, all of life is simply a process of making decisions and solving problems. Calmness allows us to do a better job at both. Calmness is a good characteristic to have. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger outward; this symbolizes your ego. The ego makes decisions based upon emotions rather than logic. It wants to be in control and always be correct. It also likes to feel superior or entitled. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Free of agitation and disturbance, calmness is associated with inner peace, self-worth, and self-acceptance. On a soulful level, calmness is believed to be the result of connecting with a higher power and allowing the universe to take its course. It is a reminder to trust in ourselves, the path we are on, and be open to all the possibilities that come our way. Be calm, it will serve you well. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

What are Character and Qualities?

Overcoming obstacles and challenges requires the development of certain characteristics and qualities. These are traits or attributes that define an individual's personality, behavior, and worldview. Every individual possesses a unique set of factors that have been shaped by their life experiences, environment, and culture. The ability to recognize and cultivate positive characteristics and qualities in oneself can lead to personal growth and success in various aspects of life. Karma yoga views characteristics and qualities as ways to progress along the pathway to soulful growth, self-realization, and prosperity. According to yoga, we all possess what are called “gunas." These fall into three categories. The first is purity, goodness, and kindness, as well as wisdom, compassion, love, and harmony. The second is the quality of activity and restlessness. It is associated with ambition, passion, greed, and desire. The third is the quality of laziness and inertia. Its characteristics are ignorance, laziness, depression, and apathy. Karma means work, and we must work diligently to cultivate kindness and harmony while eliminating restlessness and laziness. Let’s get to work. END: To overcome obstacles, we need to cultivate positive characteristics and qualities within ourselves. This can lead to greater self-awareness, inner peace, and soulful growth. To bring more positive attributes into your life, align yourself with and focus on developing honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. How we create and use these characteristics determines the outcome of our lives. We are here on Earth as curious souls to learn and understand life, and with that comes the development of human characteristics. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger outward – the symbol of your ego. The ego protects us, and when balanced, can bring us strength and endurance, but it can also lead to low self-esteem. Building strong characteristics can help us to overcome the ego’s low self-esteem. Low self-esteem often leads to a need to be right or self-important. If this arises, pull your finger and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and connect with your soul. The soul will encourage you to control the four great passions — deceit, greed, anger, and pride — and to cultivate characteristics such as honesty, generosity, kindness, and compassion. This will bring harmony and peace to your life. Who wouldn’t want that? Remember, we are here on Earth as curious souls to learn and understand life. To overcome obstacles, pay attention to your character—it matters. 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

NINE OBSTACLES to Overcome - if you want to succeed

At the core, we are pure, simple, and unique, but life presents many obstacles. It takes continual practice to overcome and master life’s obstacles. When presented with obstacles, we can see obstacles from the soul’s point of view or the ego. The ego will fight, blaming others and the world for life's obstacles, but the soul sees these as opportunities to learn and master life. The nine obstacles are: Ill health, boredom, and apathy, doubting oneself, being scattered and careless, doubting one’s progress (comparing ourselves to others), uncontrolled cravings and desires, allowing the stress in our lives to lead to burnout, getting caught in the Maya or illusion of life, and failing to practice—nothing can be achieved without continual practice. The key to overcoming obstacles is to be aware of them and, when they arise, approach them from the soul's perspective rather than the ego. It isn't easy and will take continual practice, so let’s begin. END: At the core, we are pure, simple, and unique. Life will present us with many obstacles. It takes continual practice to overcome and master life’s obstacles. Try to see them from the soul’s point of view. We are here to master our karma, and the only way to do this is to consciously become aware of the obstacles preventing us from finding the most important things in life: health, happiness, and peace. Then, remove the obstacles and live in harmony with life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger – the symbol of the ego. When confronted with obstacles, the ego immediately goes into survival mode. It fights within itself to be right and, when faced with obstacles, begins to blame others in the world for its struggles. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. No one goes through life without struggles. Each obstacle allows us to find our strength, stay open and flexible, and maintain our balance even when the world seems against us. For the soul knows everything is temporary, everything changes, and what might appear as an obstacle today might be an opportunity tomorrow. It all depends on how we view the world. 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 Ninth Obstacle—An Inability to Maintain Continual Practice

Continual practice means to remain steadfast and committed to something. If you want to succeed or master anything, you must practice, practice, and continue to practice. Without practice, nothing can be achieved. If you wish to achieve a state of vitality, happiness, and peace, you will need to focus on your health, your self-worth, and seeing life for what it is: an opportunity to learn, know, and master your karma and thus master your life. This focus requires constant practice. Otherwise, we get careless and distracted by cravings and desires. Everyday life will present you with obstacles to overcome. That is why you must practice finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace. It takes work—that’s karma! Let’s get started. END: Even after you have succeeded and mastered something, you must continue to practice. Karma yoga is a lifelong practice because it is about how you live your life. Practicing karma means continually making conscious choices every moment you live. The most important things in life are your health, happiness, and peace. Each of these takes continual practice. So, practice daily taking care of the most important things in life: your health, happiness, and peace in the body, mind, and soul. EGO: Flip up your palm and extend out your index finger, the symbol of the soul. The ego thinks of itself as the master, forgetting that it is the reflection of the true self filtered through the mind. Karma teaches that the true self is selfless. However, when filtered through the perceptions and attitudes of the mind, it tends to become selfish. It often gets caught in the illusion of life, boosting its importance. It sometimes thinks it has all the answers and is perfect, so there is no need to continue to practice and learn. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the symbol of the soul. At our core (our soul), we are our selfless essence or our true self, which is pure, simple, and unique. It’s independent of the body and the mind, yet it depends upon the body-mind for its existence here on Earth. Life will present us with many obstacles. It takes continual practice to overcome and master life’s obstacles. So, every day, practice, practice, practice, and keep practicing. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations and more, visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Eighth Obstacle—Getting Caught in the Illusion of Life

Getting caught in the illusion of life means having a false impression of life as being a certain way, a false sense of security, and a false sense of importance. The eighth obstacle, Maya, means illusions or boundaries. Competing in life requires a strong body and a steady mind, but success requires something more profound: a sincere and intellectual understanding of Maya. We have all heard the saying that the world is an illusion and nothing is real. But that is not true. Everything around you is real. Believing that we all see the world through the same set of eyes and from the same experiences is the illusion. We see the world through our perspective, forgetting that everyone has a unique view of the world. We may share a common reality, but how we experience and perceive life is unique to each of us. The illusion is in believing that how we perceive the world is the only view. The world is real, made up of experiences through which we might gain actual knowledge of what yoga calls our Purusha, our authentic being, known as the soul. This is your character and virtues—let’s get to work. END: We often look to the material world to define us. It is not the material world that defines us, but what defines us is what we do with it and how we do or do not let it build character, values, and virtues. The only permanent thing is what you cultivate within. Money, health, happiness, possessions, and relationships come and go, but the virtues you build within you carry through each incarnation. The world is real—how we perceive the world is an illusion. So, work to develop virtues within. Know the world is real and then use it as a great opportunity to build acceptance, tolerance, compassion, and understanding, and you will overcome the obstacle of illusion. It takes work to separate yourself and see the world for what it is—an opportunity to master your karma. Remember, everything in the world is real and ever-changing. Nothing in life is permanent except the characteristics and qualities you develop and retain. Wealth, material things, world peace, technology, emotions, and feelings are all constantly changing, but what you create within carries with you from lifetime to lifetime. Be peaceful, kind, and generous. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger—the ego. The Maya, or illusion, believes everything is ego-related and real from the ego's perspective. You are here to use the world, but do not be used by it. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, symbolizing the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. You are a steward of life, so use it wisely. To overcome Maya, detach and observe life without indifference. Withdraw and reflect with an objective point of view. Remove your emotional attachment, and you will discover clarity. You will then begin to understand why you are here and what you are here to learn. See every problem and decision as an opportunity to learn, know, and master your karma, and thus, you master your life. The world is not an illusion; it is made of real things and experiences so that we might have the opportunity to discover, define, and refine our Purusha, our authentic being, known as the soul. Your life cannot be understood through intellectual interpretation. Life can only be understood through experiences. See the experiences for what they are: opportunities to lift the veil of illusion so that you might learn, know, and master your karma. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more, visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Seventh Obstacle—Doubting One’s Progress

Doubting one's progress means questioning or comparing one's life to others. Why is someone else more successful, more innovative, or more evolved? Have they made more progress in life than we have? We live in a world where others may be more successful and move down life's path faster. We doubt our progress. Have you ever questioned where or what you are doing with your life and wondered if you were on the right path? Questioning is a byproduct of the obstacle of self-doubt. When you doubt yourself, you doubt the progress you've made. Karma, however, teaches us that we are all on our paths, and the markers of the material world do not indicate how far we have progressed soulfully. The soul is here to turn deceit, greed, anger, and pride into truth, generosity, kindness, and humility. Awareness of this and taking this direction puts you further down the path than someone ignorant of what progress means. Awareness does not mean that you cannot be wealthy and powerful. What you do with your energy is the true marker of progress. Regardless of where you are, if you are working on being honest, generous, kind, and humble, you are making progress. It takes work—that's karma. Let's get started. END: Everyone faces doubt in varying intensities—from a subtle whisper to a loud emotional shout. Doubt can remind us to return to our most basic truth—love. Where there is true love, there is no doubt. Doubt can teach us a thing or two about ourselves and the world. We have an opportunity to see where we lack trust and, as such, can make a different choice. When we become aware of doubt, we connect to a deeper part of our being—a place of stillness and peace. Here, we connect with the soul or our essence, and it is here that we truly discover our progress along life's path. Trust and love yourself and be honest, generous, kind, and humble, and you will make tremendous progress in life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index fingers, the symbol of the ego. Doubt, at the core of the ego, is a fearful emotion. The ego shouts at us to take charge, fearing not being accepted, rejected, or loved. It doubts its self-worth and questions its progress. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When we surrender to the essence of our being, our soul, we discover that each path is unique. Comparison and competition do not fit into the soul's mission. The soul is here to help us quiet the mind and see the world for what it really is—an opportunity to discover trust, generosity, kindness, and humility within ourselves. When we discover these qualities within, we have no need to doubt ourselves or our progress. We often climb hills only to slide down or climb to the top of the mountain, only to realize we climbed the wrong mountain for the wrong reason. So, we must come down and begin a new climb. Navigating life takes continual practice. Sometimes, we get it right, and sometimes, we don't. But we need to keep practicing to achieve trust, belief, and love for ourselves. 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 Sixth Obstacle—Feeling Heavy and Burnt Out

We all experience exhaustion, stress, and overload from time to time, so karma reminds us to pay attention to these feelings, slow down, and bring some balance and harmony back into our lives. This is how to overcome the obstacle of becoming burnt out. Being energetic, enthusiastic, happy, and focused is hard when faced with heavy feelings and exhaustion. The basis of life is energy, and what we do with our energy determines whether we survive or perish. To overcome feeling heavy and burnt out, we need to balance our energy, body, mind, and soul, which leads to harmony. It is so easy to get caught up in the dramas and stressors of life and let them lead us to exhaustion. But the irony of life is that for all our outward strivings and all the dramas, in the end, the sum total always adds up to zero. We take none of the dramas, problems, and stressors when we depart this world. What we do take is the compassion, understanding, and kindness we give to ourselves and others. This requires flexibility, strength, balance, and inner peace. Let’s get started. END: The irony of life is that for all our outward strivings and dramas, the sum total always adds up to zero. What we take as we depart this world is the compassion, understanding, and kindness we give ourselves and others. Life is all about our experiences, and how we use our energy in each of these experiences determines whether we live a life of harmony or strife, with the heaviness and dramas that lead to burnout. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger, symbolizing your ego. The ego constantly strives to excel, be important, and consume. It wants acceptance and love. All of this comes from the Citta or the perceptions we hold in our minds. They keep us in a constant state of fluctuation, making it easy to get burned out. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. The soul sits back and watches as the mind, the ego, or the “I” strives to feel important and always be right. Once you begin to control the “I”(ego) and see it for what it is: our desires, cravings, distractions, worries, and self-doubt, you can then begin to take control over your thoughts and exercise your free will. There is nothing wrong with the world. It is here for you to use it. You can make it a peaceful and harmonious place or a heavy, dramatic, and exhausting place where you become stressed and burnt out. The antidote to feeling heavy and burnt out is living a balanced and harmonious life. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlyn.com

The Fifth Obstacle—Unbridled Cravings and Desires

There is nothing wrong with having desires. We are hardwired to seek pleasure; without this, we could not survive. We all desire to live a better and healthier life. But when desires become unbridled and obsessive and lead to cravings that distract us from our karmic work, they become obstacles to a successful life, which means having health, happiness, and peace in your body, mind, and soul. When we have cravings and desires, they bind us and drive us to satisfy them. Once satisfied, we become somewhat peace¬ful until the next craving or desire arises. Cravings keep us in the perpetual cycle of discontentment. Karma teaches us to work on disciplining the subconscious mind so we might draw the thoughts found in the conscious mind into it. Here, we can produce genuine contentment and peace. How? Quiet the mind and observe. The whole point of karma is learning to be content and at peace with what comes into your life and what goes out while observing and learning life’s lessons. When you have genuine happiness and are not attached to anything, you control cravings and desires, allowing you to control your life. Nothing in the world binds you. Yoga reminds us that if we can control the Chitta (fluctuations) in our minds, we can control everything. END: Be content with who you are, body, mind, and soul. Contentment is an inner peace independent of any external force. It means to be independently happy and satisfied no matter what enters or exits your life. When content, you are at peace with yourself and the world. Removing cravings and finding satisfaction is easy when at peace with yourself and the world. EGO: Flip your hands up and extend your index finger, symbolizing your ego. The ego wants acceptance and importance. It sees those with powerful titles and expensive cars and houses as more important than it is, so it craves these things. It believes that these things symbolize acceptance, happiness, and success. And although power and wealth can make it appear that one’s life is more important and easier, in the end, we take none of this with us. Cravings and desires can take on an addictive nature. Desires scatter the life force and keep us in the perpetual cycle of seeking pleasure but ultimately finding pain. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. You are connected with your soul when you are truly content and happy. Here, it matters not what comes into your life or what leaves your life. The soul finds joy and appreciation in experiencing life as it is in each moment. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace, Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultation, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Four Obstacle obstructing your karma— REVIEW

Ill health, self-doubt, boredom and apathy, and scattered or careless behavior are the first four characteristics that keep us trapped in the perpetual cycle of karma. Overcoming these requires awareness, calmness, and shifting our mindset toward contentment and peace. It is difficult to find contentment when life hands you illness, restlessness, self-doubt, and distraction. However, karma reminds us that these challenges arise so we can work through them and experience true peace. If we never faced them, we would never learn how to accept life's struggles and joys. No one gets through life without encountering these four obstacles and many others. How we work through them is how we work through our karma. Today, let's focus on awareness, contentment, and peace. Ego and the Path to Peace EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger—representing the ego. The ego often asks, “Why is this happening to me?” It forgets that obstacles are simply part of life’s experience. The ego can easily slip into believing it is the center of the universe when, in reality, it is just a tiny part of the vast, interconnected whole. Now, pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a deep breath and surrender to the soul. The soul understands that we are here to experience all of life—the sadness and joy. The soul observes, experiences, and then chooses the best path toward peace and contentment. The ego gets in the way and gets us stuck in the obstacles. So, we are reminded to be aware, be still, observe, and then choose the path that leads to peace and contentment. That is how we work our karma. 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 Fourth Obstacle—Distractions and Carelessness

When we are distracted, we are often careless, leading to mistakes, injuries, and poor judgment. Success in life requires focused effort and a careful approach. Without focus, the mind becomes scattered, and a scattered mind is precisely what karma yoga teaches us needs to be tamed. If you are trying to master something, you must give it your focused attention; otherwise, nothing gets completed. We must also be careful with our energy; otherwise, we waste time and effort, and nothing gets accomplished. Wasting time and effort can harm the health of the body, mind, and soul. Yoga reminds us to be present, aware, and careful about what we think, say, and do. This requires conscious awareness, which is what it means to work your karma. If you know the things that distract you and scatter your energy, you will be more careful about how you use your energy. Use it for the right purpose, at the right time, with the right amount of focus, and you will succeed. Emotions, feelings, desires, and cravings scatter the life force, and it isn't easy to find peace and tranquility when it is scattered. Tranquility, of course, takes work, which is what it means to work your karma. END: Life will always present us with obstacles to overcome. Awareness of these obstacles and the valuable lessons they teach us is working your karma. It is easy in today's world to get distracted by all that is happening around you. That is why karma reminds us to still the mind and focus on the important things: your health, joy, enthusiasm, self-knowledge, and self-worth. Master these and be like the warrior; focus on your energy and then carefully use it at the right time, with the right amount of force, for the right purpose, and you will succeed. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger—your ego. The ego is always looking here and there in the outside world for its worth, validation, and enthusiasm. The ego is constantly distracted in its quest to survive and thrive. It forgets that we need focus and caution to survive in the world. Distractions and carelessness can lead to stress, ill health, lack of enthusiasm, and self-doubt. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. This is the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the calmness of your soul. The soul reminds us to stop and think before speaking and acting. When the mind is focused, we can direct our energy to create a more carefully directed life for ourselves and the world. To do this, remove distractions. Stay focused on what is important and be careful where and how you direct your energy. In this, you will work your karma and prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultation and more http://www.doctorlynn.com