Tricycle | Awake in the World

What can I understand from a karmic perspective about the 50+ pounds of fat I am carrying? I am 55 years old and ready to lighten the load.

(signed) Thanks, Iris

Sandra Weinberg responds:

The law of karma refers to the law of cause and effect: we perform an action and at some point we experience the results. Referring to the extra pounds, if you eat more than your body needs, you will most likely gain weight. However, if you mindfully shift your habits of eating and do more exercise, you will probably lose those extra pounds.

The Buddha expressed this principle in a four-clause formula:

Where there is this, that is;

With the arising of this, that arises.

When this is not, neither is that.

With the cessation of this, that ceases.

--Samyutta Nikaya

You can cultivate new habits by staying very mindful and aware of your thoughts and actions around food. When you become conscious of your intentions that precede eating you have a better opportunity to make skillful choices for yourself. Otherwise, if you continue to act in your habituated ways around food, you create the conditions for future discomfort.

I wish you well, Iris.