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Chapter 2. Responsibility and Freedom
Rule 8. Cause and Effect

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“Life can be neither just nor unjust, as everything within it has a cause and an effect.” – Alexander Sviyash

This rule, also known as the law of karma or the cause-and-effect relationship, states that every action has a consequence, and every event has a cause. It is a fundamental principle that operates in all areas of life, from physics to psychology. In physics, for example, Newton’s third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In biology, evolution is the result of the cause-and-effect relationship between mutations and natural selection.

The manifestation of this principle is particularly evident in the realm of the human psyche. Our behavior, emotions, and even physiological reactions are often the consequence of our thoughts and beliefs. One of the most prominent examples of the practical application of the law of causality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As shown in the works of A. Beck, CBT is based on understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It helps people to recognize and change dysfunctional cycles where negative thoughts lead to negative emotions and maladaptive behavior.8 By identifying the causes (distorted beliefs), CBT helps to change negative patterns, thereby influencing the effects – improving emotional well-being and quality of life.

Understanding the law of cause and effect helps us take responsibility for our actions and create the results we desire. Every action, no matter how small, leaves its mark, shaping our future. Where you are now and in what state is a consequence of your past actions.

A real-life example. At the age of 40, after a knife wound that doctors considered fatal and a many-hour surgery, I returned to life. More accurately, Life reemerged along with me. This became a sign for me: it meant the world still needed me!

A vague feeling of physical discomfort and a torturous thirst – these were the first glimmers of my returning consciousness. My parched mouth could barely make a sound. Someone moistened my lips with water. Opening my eyes, it took me a long time to understand where I was. An unfamiliar room, unfamiliar surroundings. My “personality” switched on a bit later, along with memories of what had happened.

My first thoughts were, “Why did this happen?” and “What did I do to deserve this?” Only many years later did I realize that this event was a consequence of my mindset and state in the past. The most important thing is not to fall into judgment or look for someone to blame. I believe that nothing in life happens by chance. This event, as painful as it was, gave me the opportunity to start with a clean slate. It was a kind of “reset” that forced me to take full responsibility for my thoughts and actions. It was then that I understood that the harshest trials are not a punishment from fate, but lessons that lead to true transformation.

To effectively use this law, you can apply the “Action Self-Analysis” technique. It will help you identify the patterns between your actions, their hidden causes (thoughts, emotions, states), and their consequences.

• Start a dedicated journal. In it, you will regularly record your actions and their results. You don’t have to describe every single step; focus on actions that seem important to you and triggered a strong reaction (positive or negative).

• For each significant event, record as many details as possible in a table to help identify the cause-and-effect link:

– “What exactly did you do?” (The Action).

– “Why did you do it? What inner state (thoughts, feelings, beliefs, needs) motivated this action?” (The Cause).

– “What specific result did you get? How did the situation unfold after this action?” (The Consequence and Result).

– “What emotions did you feel during and after the action?” (The Emotional “Trace” of the cause and effect).


Example of filling out the table:


• Set aside time, for example, once a week, to reread your entries from the past period and analyze them.

• Ask yourself questions to identify patterns and learn lessons:

– “Which of my actions (and their internal causes) led to positive results?”

– “Which of my actions (and their internal causes) led to negative results?”

– “What can I do differently next time if a similar situation arises?”

– “What useful lesson can I take from this situation?”

Self-analysis requires honesty with yourself. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes and see the undesirable consequences of your actions. Remember that the goal of self-analysis is not to berate yourself for the past, but to learn from it and make more conscious choices in the future.

Recognizing and applying this rule is the key to freeing yourself from the victim role. It gives you a powerful tool for managing your Life. By understanding that every action has consequences, you become more responsible in your decisions and can purposefully create the results you desire, shaping your future through conscious actions in the present.

8

Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. Guilford Press.

Designer of life: 70 golden rules of deep transformathion. A practical guide to mindfulness. Will replace years of spiritual seeking

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