As one of my teachers @Mark.Breadner teaches, Dharma before Karma- Dharma before drama!

When we live an unexamined life we tend to perpetuate the same unconscious cycle of- same actions, same results. We get stuck in old behavioral patterns and predictable outcomes. According to yogic philosophy these patterns are determined by our karma, the blueprint that directs the course of our lives. We enter the world as a way of sorting them out. In an unconscious life, karmic patterns become circular. We keep doing the same actions and going down the same path. This path is our Dharma.

The practice of Yoga is a way to break the alliance with karma so we, more consciously determine our Dharma. Through conscious intentionality we create our life’s purpose, our Dharma, rather then giving this control over to unconscious and reactive karmic urges.

The first step towards this Dharmic reclamation is simply to begin looking inside. Slow down. Notice your mind. Feel the texture of your thoughts. Awareness itself can take some of the colouring out of these karmic drives. Have Dharma before Karma. Dharma before drama!!!