A river meanders across the land, and does not always appear to be heading toward its destination. Yet every river is already at its destination and also at the source. “Think like a river,” the Buddha said, “when not heading toward your goal . . . you’re always heading to it.” The balance sheet of life is called karma. It contains assets and debts . . . this is the cumulative record of your many lifetimes. Whether a good, or bad moment — life is always reaching for its balance, and when you’re aware of this you’ll show compassion. When you’re aware that a person — no matter how badly they’re behaving — is making their way toward balance, you understand their mistakes are in this moment . . . not their entire life.

The soul is the power that moves life; the spirit is that which sustains life; the mind is that which explains life; the emotions are that which feel life — all in a physical body which contains the life.

These are the elements involved in the “rivers of life.” Each river arrives at the ocean of its liberation right on schedule, while coordinating with all of the elements. Imagine, when you meet someone who’s a complete jerk, a total mess, or worse . . . they’re not just having a bad day, they could be having a bad life. Constructive attitudes require more compassion and the awareness of this balance within the balance of the Universe. Everywhere and everything is part of this. Rather than considering someone’s bad behavior as bad — consider it as loans coordinating the business of life. The Universe perceives debt as just energy over time. Otherwise, nothing but perfection could exist.

Our prayer is that when the rivers seem to be heading in an entirely wrong direction — remember it’s still being drawn toward the ocean through the topography of balance . . . it’s already there, and your compassion will realize this on the pathway of understanding.

Guru Singh is a world-renowned yoga instructor, author, musician, and family man. Guru Singh works with the Dalai Lama, teaches with Tony Robbins, and has recorded an album with Grammy® Award-winning artist Seal. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out Guru Singh’s most recent book: Buried Treasures: The Journey From Where You Are to Who You Are.

Image courtesy of Kyle Cesmat.