Abundance is a Way of Living
True abundance goes far beyond the art of sourcing money. We usually consider abundance to be material wealth. Yes, and it also means emotional well-being and spiritual fulfillment. And the ability to fully experience—and share—love and joy. True fortune is the art of knowing how to live. While today we associate abundance with money and material gain, it’s enlightening to take a look at the origin of the words we use to describe having a lot of money. In their origins all have meanings that address quality of life in broader terms. Abundance derives from a Latin word meaning “to overflow.” Prosperity comes from a Latin word “to be fortunate, flourishing, happy.” Wealth stems from an Old English word meaning “well or well-being.” Rich originates from the Old English “rice” meaning “strong, powerful.” Therefore, true affluence means “flowing happy, healthy power.” Or, one could say, “the power to Mana-fest from the Heart.”
Deeper Aspects of Abundance
Abundance has been understood in a variety of distinct ways in different cultures. In modern Western society, we typically measure abundance in terms of the money and objects we possess. We think that those who possess the most are the most free and powerful individuals and that they therefore enjoy the most abundant lifestyle. Yet for Plato, Aristotle and the Roman Stoic philosophers, the most free and powerful individuals were those who could be happy with the fewest things. While our culture values those who earn and hoard the most, among certain tribes in New Guinea and many other native peoples, the most valued members of society were those who give away the most.
Abundance is an Attitude
In lacking money, we too often think that a lack of money is our only problem.
Money can give us the time to appreciate the most important things in life more fully, but not the spirit of innocence and wonder necessary to do so. Money can give us the time to develop our gifts and talents, but not the courage and motivation to do so.
Money can give us the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others, but not the desire to do so. Money can give us the time to develop and nurture our relationships, but not the wisdom and caring necessary to do so.
Abundance is a State of Being
Here are three modest suggestions on ways you can cultivate true abundance in your life.1. Recognize the inner and outer forces that conspire to make you believe in scarcity and thus to feel lack. Being aware of these factors will help you to overcome their influence over you. Learn ways to release the emotional power of these programmed beliefs and feelings have over you.2. Foster a spirit of abundance in your life, celebrating the gift of life with joy and thanksgiving. As you focus your thoughts and actions on things that bring a feeling of connection with all life, you move with the flow of the Tao—the Eternal Way. You allow blessings to come to you from the "overflow" of an abundant spirit—not from a place of craving, needing or struggle. To come from lack can only bring lack.
When you come from the spirit of abundance, you attract ever greater abundance.
3. Exude prosperity! Become a liberating and empowering force in the lives of those with whom you interact. Help others see—not by preaching, but by example—that we all live in an abundant world and that they as well can free themselves from lack consciousness.
You are your most valuable resource. To be a Money Shaman, find the inner clarity and strength to allow your natural abilities and talents to shine through. To open to Money Magic, cultivate your inner Mana until the overflow of goodness in your life inundates all memories of need, want or lack.
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