At different points in your life, you may have referenced the effects of Karma “catching up” on you, or someone else.
But I think our society tends to have a misconception about Karma, with our take on it varying quite a bit from its fundamental principles.
We seem to believe that some form of cosmic or spiritual judicial system is looking to “even the score.” As though we can generate good Karma by doing good deeds (which might lead us to good luck or good outcomes) and generate bad Karma (or a form of punishment) for our mistakes and misgivings.
But that is not exactly the way Karma works according to Indian beliefs and traditions.
Instead of it being a judicial type system (or think punishment/reward), it is simply accepting that when we act (Karma means action or doing in Sanskrit) then what happens to us is the result of our own doing.
So, for example, if you were to not pay for something at the store (either by being distracted or dishonest e.g.) and you were stopped by security, the consequences would fall on you for your actions.
If you slip out of the store unchecked with a not-paid-for item, no one (or thing) is keeping a tally to make things right later on down the track.
Where I think we’ve got off track or confused about Karma is the beliefs around rebirth and reincarnation in Indian beliefs. These lend a sort of spiritual context to the concept of Karma.
But I think it is better to focus on the simpler explanation such as how it is explained by the late English/American Philosopher Alan Watts who said it is a sort of built-in moral law.
“Such that all the bad things and all the good things you do have consequences that you have to inherit.”
In other words, Karma is not how the universe gets back at you, but it is how your previous actions and decisions are affecting you. For example, if you didn’t look after your health you may be feeling the effects now.
What you are today is based on decisions from your past and if things aren’t so great then it is important to recognize your ownership of the things that you have done (decisions and mistakes made etc).
Dropping your Karma would be to allow yourself to accept your past mistakes and transgressions and be fully who you are today. Let go and take ownership of your decisions and actions from now on.
As it has been said, you are your Karma and you are not your Karma. It’s a choice.