Here’s the thing with planning: it never turns out exactly how you imagined it. And that’s not a problem. In fact, to me, it’s proof that results don’t come just from the effort we put in. Yes, the work matters. It creates conditions and secondary causes. But if effort alone were the true cause, then every time we put in the work, we’d get the result. And anyone over the age of five knows that’s not how life works. So what causes it? The Buddhist traditions I study say that it comes from our past deeds, the way we treat other plants a seed in our minds that ripens into an experience when the time is right.

Over the past few years, I’ve added a new layer to how I plan. I use it in every part of life: personal, spiritual, and business.

Traditional goal setting tells you to choose a milestone or a result you want, then reverse engineer it. Break it down into manageable steps over time.

But here’s the issue. If we don’t address the karmic layer, those steps might not land.

We have to make sure our minds are clear of obstacles and that we’ve planted the right imprints to result in archiving the goal.

Using the karmic framework: let’s say my goal is to capture 10 new clients by the end of the year. The karmic cause isn’t just hitting the pavement or sending outreach messages. The real karmic seed is helping someone else grow their business. Not once, but consistently. And when I do it, I need to stay aware of why I’m doing it—because I want that same result for myself. And I’ve got to do it with joy, with presence, and with intention.

Then I ask: what are the obstacles? Am I getting in the way of someone else’s growth, even subtly? Do I resent or envy others who are winning right now? Or can I genuinely celebrate their success and see it as proof that it’s possible?

You can replace “clients” with anything. A relationship. A health goal. A financial target. The formula is the same:

What karmic obstacles do I need to clear? What karmic causes do I need to plant?

Once that groundwork is in place, then I can focus on the tactical stuff—the schedule, the emails, the actions. Because now, the karmic juice is flowing.

So here’s my invitation: pick one of your goals this quarter. Before you dive into the to-do list, pause. Ask yourself what karmic causes need to be planted, what karmic obstacles need clearing, and then plant the shit out of that goal.

If you’d like to learn more about this ideas, please reply to this email and let me know what specific questions you might have!

See you on the cushion!

Special Events

The Consulate of the Republic of Pachanga

Pachanga is a collective of Venezuelan artists in New York, creating spaces where diaspora, memory, and belonging intertwine through art. Their new venue, located at 1161 1st Ave, officially opens on April 12. I’ll be hosting two sessions there; dates are still being finalized, so stay tuned for more details. ​Follow me on instagram for any updates on this.​

Sleep & Dream Meditation Teacher Training at Three Jewels

Ever been curious about harnessing the power of your dreams? Three Jewels is offering a four-weekend training from May 3 to 25, 2025, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program delves into using the dream state as a path to self-realization and liberation. It’s a unique opportunity to deepen your meditation practice. Sign up at ​Three Jewels Website​

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