Karma is a Sanskrit word, कर्म , which means action and the consequences of action. It isn’t a mystical transaction where you do something good and get something good, or do something bad and get something bad. Karma is simply the fact that cause and effect are real—each of our words and deeds and thoughts have multitudinous consequences on ourselves and others. When we’re unable to see reality clearly, these actions will cause harm to ourselves and others. That’s why mindfulness and meditation are useful—they teach us to pay attention to what is real—instead of what we want, deny, or imagine is happening.

In this hectic time, you can learn to act beneficially by making the time to get familiar with yourself. Take a few minutes and shut off your phone, computer, and television to sit quietly by yourself. Place your attention on the air on your skin, the sounds entering your ears, and feel you’re breathing. Notice if you’re liking or disliking, or if you’re feeling bored —and just let it be without trying to change it or fix it. Do this daily for at least ten minutes.

When you’re able to be present and aware of what you’re experiencing, you can choose to act skillfully, rather then re-act mindlessly, and that’s what’s meant by good karma—that your actions come from wisdom and compassion instead of greed, hatred, or delusion.