Universal Laws
The way individuals undertake a spiritual journey is different for each of us. Some may have a dedicated practice; others may learn about concepts and take up study in areas of interest and yet others may attend a yoga or meditation class now and then.
This is what differentiates spirituality from religion – there is no dogma to follow; no right and wrong way of doing or being.
However, within the spiritual community, it’s generally agreed there are concepts that are integral and without dispute. One, if not the primary, concept is that we are all part of an intricate Universe –a creator force that sets established humans as a species and participates in our continuing evolution.
The Universe as our Home
“Most of the elements of our bodies were formed
in stars over the course of billions of years and multiple star lifetimes.”
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/are-we-really-made-of-stardust.htm
As humans, we look up at night to the stars and planets, gazing in wonder at their magnificence. Yet, we sometimes forget to acknowledge the intricacy of the intelligent force underlying this vision. In fact, it’s been proven that at our core, we are made up of the same elements as the stars in the night sky.
Science and spirituality are finally starting to come together in recognising that our existence is not random (as was once believed) but a complex web of intelligence that is truly beyond our comprehension.
Through science, we are slowly putting some of the pieces of this amazing puzzle together, but it’s been a slow process. It may prove to be an infinite one, as well. In other words, we may never know the true scope and magnitude of the creative force that makes up our Universe, for it goes well beyond this planet we call home.
Universal Principles
It is generally recognised that there are definitive guiding principles when it comes to the Universe and how it operates. Most have agreed on at least 10-12 while others believe there are many more.
These principles give form to our world and have formed an integral part of many ancient and indigenous cultures of the world. Many are still revered to this day including the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono which focuses on restoring harmony at a soul level. Through prayers and meditation, an intention is sent to the Universe to assist in restoring balance.
Universal Laws guide each of us along our path towards health, happiness and success. We humans tend to make life harder at times than it need be. If we lived more in accordance with Universal principles, we might find the journey that little bit easier.
Manhardeep Singh, in his book “12 Laws of the Universe” states further, “Consider them as guidelines that help us understand how universal intelligence is organized.”
We don’t have to see these laws to experience them. Take the Law of Gravity for example. We each know that gravity is real, but it is intangible; we cannot see, feel or touch it.
Likewise, Universal Laws are an aspect of our world that don’t have to be seen to be believed.
“By embracing the Universe as your support system, you’re no longer relying solely on your own power to solve your problems.”
Gabrielle Bernstein, from “The Universe Has Your Back“.
The 12 Universal Laws
The Law of Divine Oneness
This law states that everything is connected. This includes humans, plants, the environment, the planet and beyond. What affects one affects the whole.
What each of us chooses and does affects the collective, however miniscule a thing it is. This is because we all came from the same place and are energetically connected. We may think we live in our own personal bubble, minding our own business but in fact, everything we do has an impact, whether it’s recognised it or not. Every word, action, belief, desire and thought can have an impact on others.
We can easily evidence this phenomenon regularly on the world stage, particularly with the anger, frustration and violence in response to recent world events.
“A person at low energy can take a lot away from the world. It automatically stops people from being
at their highest energy (vibration). It is important to consider that if enough people run through the world
with low energy, the world starts to be dragged down.”
The Law of Vibration
This law states that our beings exist in a world of vibration and frequency. In fact, everything you see (and don’t see) is in constant motion.
Science has proven that even inanimate objects are constantly in motion, containing energy that moves at different frequencies. This includes the chair you sit on, the rock at the beach and the curtains in your lounge. Even colour is energetic; it is the different frequencies that result in the huge spectrum of variety we perceive with our own eyes.
Taking this concept further then, what we and others put out vibrationally on any given day resonates throughout the field. This is why you can walk into a room and feel a certain “vibe” – you are picking up on the frequency of others. High vibrations attract other high vibrations, just as low vibrations do the same. This is why you can experience a bad day when one hiccup is followed by another and then another. When you are feeling “low”, this then attracts more “low.”
Being in a higher vibration leaves you feeling optimistic, eager and someone others want to be around. Of course, we can’t stay in this state all the time as life offers its challenges and dramas. But awareness of your state can be a great precursor to completely changing your circumstances whenever you choose to.
The Law of Action
This law defines how thoughts alone cannot manifest reality; we need to act. Nothing will come to pass without us getting off the couch and incorporating movement and intention. Taking small steps goes towards achieving what you dream of.
Inspired action is what is required; that which ignites your passions. Sometimes the results may be tangible, others not. Money and riches cannot replace learning and wisdom when you are doing something enjoyable.
The Law of Correspondence
This law identifies how your external reality is a mirror to your internal state.
“As above, so below”
This Law identifies the relationship between our thoughts and the world around us, including the patterns of behaviour and beliefs. They are mirrored back to us.
This realisation can prompt self-reflection and identifies what is occurring in our daily life. It means we must do some inner work to identify the beliefs, thought patterns and actions that dictate our lives. Sometimes subconsciously, we enact behaviours and patterns that come from family, the community even our ancestral heritage. They are not even ours but are taken into our being at a young age.
Yet, we need not be slave to this forever. When we change our inner environment, the outer will change also. Ridding ourselves of fear and chaos on the inside will bring peace to our outer world; this is the Law.
The Law of Cause and Effect
This law identifies that every action has a corresponding reaction – that nothing happens by chance.
The philosophy of “Karma” or “We reap what we sow” is central to many cultures, past and present, and has even become part of our everyday vernacular. This knowledge encourages us to re-evaluate our actions and see ourselves not as victims but as active participants in what happens to us.
Self-awareness is the key to this law. If we blindly and belligerently act without any thought of consequences, we have no right to play the victim card when the outcomes are less than favourable. Instead of asking “Why me?”, consider the question “What did I do for this to happen?” or “What is this situation trying to show me?” You then open yourself up to taking responsibility for your life.
The Universe is timeless, so this is where Karma comes into play – it causes us to be mindful of what we do and think.
The Law of Compensation
This law identifies the balancing component of the Universe which states that every positive should incur a negative and vice versa. It ties into the Law of Cause and Effect; it’s not about punishment but harmony. Reward for what we put out, in other words.
Compensation is not only monetary or material but can come in many forms; awareness makes us mindful of the benefits we receive back for our deeds.
The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy
This law highlights the everchanging movement and response of energy in the Universe. Our thoughts are a form of energy and by changing these, we have the power to alter our reality at any given time. Thinking positively can change the energy around you. This means that any bad situation can be turned around if we choose to see beyond the boundaries of hopelessness.
This is a Universal Law that gives us a superpower – the power to change our reality at any given moment in time. Even the smallest action can trigger change that will slowly turn any situation around.
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Victor Frankl
The Law of Relativity
This Law identifies how we perceive life events from our own unique perspective, that nothing is inherently good or bad. It is how we relate to situations based on our own beliefs and experiences.
This law reminds us of the power of perception so what one person sees as bearable, another person sees as a challenge or drama. We use a personal experience or belief to judge a situation and how it pertains to us.
“We are not responsible for what our eyes are seeing. We are responsible for how we perceive what we are seeing.”
Gabrielle Bernstein
The Law of Attraction
This law is probably one of the most well-known thanks to the movie “The Secret”. In basic terms, it described that your thoughts and emotions act like magnets drawing similar experiences back to you. Like attracts like.
This Law encourages you to be mindful of your thoughts and emotions because what you put out, whether you realise it or not, comes back to you, even the negative stuff. The caveat to this is that the Universe responds to what you frequently put out, not “one off” thoughts that come and go.
Working in consultation with the Law of Vibration, we know that similar vibrations attract each other. Yet, many still struggle with achieving their dreams and desires. “Why doesn’t it work?” many have frustratingly stated. I’m doing all the things that the movie said but I still haven’t found my perfect partner/house/job!
“We get what we vibe, not what we ask for”
Manadeep Singh
Firstly, we need to be mindful that there are 11 other Universal Laws that play a part in you achieving your goals and desires, for instance, the Law of Vibration. If you complain that you are not achieving, then you are vibrating in lack and frustration which is what you will receive more of. As well, the Law of Action stipulates that we must act to achieve – sitting around and simply wishing for your dream partner to appear won’t manifest them into reality.
Consider yourself to be a magnet – your life reflects your thoughts, whether you are consciously aware of them or not. You have manifested your current reality by your very existence, not your parents, the government, your boss or the crappy neighbour next door! Some may struggle with this concept and reject it, and that is their choice. Remember, beliefs are not set in stone – they can be changed whenever you choose.
The Law of Rhythm
This law highlights the natural ebb and flow of life, the patterns that govern our natural world. Rhythm is everywhere yet we are quite often blind to it. This is where the seasons exist, the migration of animals occurs, the planets moving around the Sun – all follow a universal rhythm as old as time itself.
Life also unfolds in cycles, and it is best to flow with these rather than resist, which only creates imbalances in our personal world. This concept applies not only to the outside world but our inner world as well. Often stuck in emotions and thoughts, we cannot see a way out, but the way will inevitably come. Sometimes patience is required for the tide to turn or the seasons to change but it will happen – it is the law.
The Law of Gender
This law emphasises the existence of both masculine and feminine energies, and the qualities these represent. This law does not refer to the male or female gender constructs that society has become embroiled in, but to the energetic principles of creation and manifestation itself.
Every person (and situation) has both energies which contributes to the balance of the whole. There can be no creation (converting an idea into reality) without the feminine and masculine. An integration of qualities such as nurturing, assertiveness, logic and intuition is one example of how we each embody these attributes.
“On a physical level, everyone has a
male or female body but psychologically,
everyone is androgynous, with both male
and female characteristics. Everyone has
a left brain and a right brain.”
Manhardeep Singh.
The Law of Polarity
In our 3rd dimensional existence, there is polarity (or duality) in all aspects of life. Light and dark, good and bad, love and hate. We can’t know heat without feeling cold or feel sadness if we haven’t experienced joy. Living with duality is an integral part of the human experience.
“Opposites contribute to the balance
of the Universe.”
How to implement the Laws
Now that you’ve been introduced to the basics of the Universal Laws, it may be worthwhile considering how they can be implemented in our everyday lives.
It’s not necessary for big and dramatic changes to be made; simple awareness is enough to make you stop and think about the importance of each of us within the fabric of universal balance.
“The simplest shifts can reconnect you in an instant. As you get into the practice of mindfully making these shifts, you’ll in turn begin to experience love, flow, synchronicity,and a tremendous amount of guidance.”
Gabrielle Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back.
The Law of Oneness
Be mindful of how you interact with others. What you do and say can greatly influence another’s vibration. The words you use, along with your thoughts, actions and behaviour, all possess a positive or negative influence upon the collective.
The Law of Vibration
Pause for a moment and consider how you are vibrating right now. How do you feel? Where is your focus? Feelings such as anxiety, stress, worry and fear mean you are vibrating at the lower end of the frequency range.
Alternatively, feeling joyful, grateful, loving and compassionate demonstrates you sit at the higher end. You have the potential to change any situation at any given moment simply by focusing on how you vibrate. Even if those around you are suffering or at the lower end of the spectrum, try to raise your own vibration to bring some balance.
The Law of Action
We need to get off our butts and act to manifest our reality. Even the smallest of actions can result in big outcomes. There is a difference between challenges and struggles, however. Sure, the work required may take some effort but if what you undertake seems an uphill battle, perhaps you need to change tack.
Consider what actions you take in your everyday life to manifest your reality. The Law of Action works in proximity with the Law of Attraction; there cannot be one without the other. Taking note of your inner guidance will inspire you on how best to act.
The Law of Correspondence
Most of us remain blissfully unaware of what thoughts and beliefs may be holding us back from achieving our dreams. Meditation is a good practice for clearing your mind and reflecting on that which may not serve us. Start small and look for something to be grateful for when you wake up.
The Law of Cause and Effect
We’ve all played the victim at one time or another; wondering why something happens or are treated one way or are subjected to bad luck.
Remember the Law of Vibration, that everything comes back to us at some time so becoming more mindful of our actions, thoughts and words will encourage your good deeds returning to you.
The Law of Compensation
Getting back what we put out into the world. Encourages us to strive to be the best we can be. This isn’t just about the material rewards but in other ways as well. Compensation can come in the form of a job offer, a brilliant idea, a gift, a smile or a free coffee from the guy in front of you at the drive through. Your “reward” comes because of what you contribute to the world including the joy you provide, the compassion you offer and the wisdom you share.
The Law of Perpetual Transformation
We are the thinker of our own thoughts – we are the only ones who can turn around a negative situation to a positive one.
Recognising our super-power as energetic receivers and conductors makes us co-creators of our reality. Oftentimes this fact is forgotten, particularly when we’re in the middle of a crisis (or what we perceive as a crisis) where we can see no way out.
We’ve all been there and done that. Remember to latch onto the thoughts that serve you and ditch the ones that don’t – you’ll easily recognise the difference.
The Law of Relativity
This law is a reminder of the power of perception and how we can change our view of anything from good to bad, and vice versa. The Universe is not out to “get you” or anyone; events and life experiences are neutral and have no hidden agenda.
Knowing that there are always another perspective gives you pause to consider your own situation. Keep this in mind the next time you bemoan a difficulty that you encounter and as a game, come up with a list of alternatives.
The Law of Attraction
Remember you are a magnet, drawing the experiences and people to you which reflect your thoughts and actions. Keeping a positive, loving and optimistic mindset will bring more of the same.
Feeling sad, frustrated or angry are still aspects of our human selves but are best not clung to for long; simply let them pass through you on an energetic level and then release them.
The Law of Rhythm
Seasons and cycles, the ebb and flow of life, this law highlights the Universal power of flow and pure intelligence. “Going with the flow” is not just an off-the-cuff mantra but relates to this Law.
There is a need to have a little faith that in time, anything can turn around. Maintain balance and live firmly in the belief that the Universal pendulum is always swinging.
The Law of Gender
The Yin and Yang of life; this Law embodies the reality that all of us, without exception, possess both feminine and masculine qualities. Regardless of how we identify, it is the balance of both these energies that bring balance to our lives.
Give consideration on the qualities you demonstrate – such as intelligence, nurturing, intuition, practicality, anger, fragility, control, or conflict. Living more in harmony with your true nature will lead to greater ease, both personally and professionally.
The Law of Polarity
Everything that exists has an opposite counterpart; it’s the truth of our third dimensional reality. Knowing this gives us the awareness that everything has a purpose, the good and the bad.
As an example, negative emotions are often something we tend to squash or avoid yet we don’t examine what they are trying to teach us. Acknowledgement and feeling of emotions allows them to them travel through us and let go, rather than remaining stuck in the physical body, leading to illness and dis-ease. Accepting life’s ups and downs, its good times and bad, will make our journey more pleasurable.
Acknowledgement of Home
As we’ve seen, the Universe is way more than the stars, planets and other astral bodies we see or perceive – it can be likened to our ancestral home. It is that place we came from and the one we’ll one day return to.
From this perspective, learning to live more in balance with its laws can positively enhance our journey through the trials and tribulations of life, giving us the sovereignty and confidence to exist with greater joy, love and passion for the gift we’ve all been given.
To be born in this time.
Coming next...
In another instalment of “Reflections,” we’ll consider the topic of Triggers and the impact they have on us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.