We can never truly hope to be free as long as any part of us struggles with or suffers over what others are doing, have done, or will not do with their lives. Moreover, if we were aware of our own often-compromised character—how we still do things to others that we do not want to do—this awakened conscience would stir in us a new sense of urgency. Instead of fixating on whether someone else receives their just desserts for being the way they are, our attention would shift. It would focus fully on the present, actively addressing the need to let go of the old resentments that continue to grip us.
A significant part of our inability to release this conflict-ridden sense of being hostage to others’ behavior stems from a false perception. We mistakenly believe that we must fix those who have wronged us to ensure justice is served. Yet, as we are about to discover, the truth is far removed from this popular notion, which only serves to create a cycle of victims.
Powerful forces are constantly at work around and within us. As we awaken to these perfect principles, we begin to realize that they are already in place to empower us. This understanding connects us to a new kind of freedom—a freedom that is not of our creation. It is not something achieved by forcing life to align with our desires. It is a system already in place, needing only our awareness to realize its power. These same invisible laws apply to justice for all.
We often hear the saying, “What goes around comes around.” This principle of karma—that we receive what we give—is a mathematical law that runs through the heart of reality. Our challenge is that we often fail to recognize this principle in action because its fulfillment is not always immediately visible. Nonetheless, be assured: evil never goes unrewarded, just as goodness is always rewarded in kind.
How many of us spend precious time and energy fuming over the wrongs others have done to us? Hidden within our heated emotions is the inescapable fact: we become prisoners of those we wish to punish. The more we seek revenge, the less freedom we have to find peace within ourselves.
Becoming trapped in the conflict of wanting to fix someone else’s bad behavior only invites more pain into our own lives. We can leave these people to their own struggles, knowing that their negative nature is their punishment. Any additional burden we try to place on them only falls back on us. Acting from this higher awareness not only frees us from the initial pain of reacting negatively to others but also prevents us from needlessly trying to correct what is already in the process of correction.
Once we stop imprisoning ourselves with judgments and endless worries, we find true freedom. No power in the universe can hold us captive again.
