Life's Abundance
"How soon will you
realize that the only thing you don’t have is the direct
experience that there’s nothing you need that you don’t
have?" --Ken Keyes, Jr., Handbook to Higher Consciousness
Too often we believe that
if we had "a little more of this" or "a little
more of that," our lives would be better. But would they
really? Life's abundance comes not from without, but from
deep within. Recognizing that we are already rich—rich
in spirit—is where genuine abundance dwells. A Course
in Miracles teaches us that whenever we are looking outside
ourselves for anything, we will only feel more incomplete.
This is referred to as "the scarcity principle"
which is based upon the common belief that somehow we are
incomplete and not whole just the way we are. And in order
to fill this "hole," our insidious ego believes
it must grab onto certain things and hold on for dear life:
people, resources, recognition, approval, and so forth. This
leads us to taking action under the ego’s direction.
But since the action is based on superficial intention, it
produces insignificant results leading to an even greater
sense of lack. The ego’s doctrine is "seek but
do not find," a perfect example of how glutinous the
ego is and how futile its’ endless chase for seeking
outside one’s self. This scenario reminds me of a book
I once bought for my daughter when she was a very young girl
called the "Greedy Python." The python was so greedy
that he ate everything in sight, including his own tail, which
inevitably led to eating himself!
Life's abundance, on the other
hand, is the love inside of us—that infinite wellspring
where our fulfillment and peace of mind exists; the source
of love within us where our genuine inspiration lives; the
channel that allows our creativity to burst forth and our
love to pour outward. It’s not what we do or create
that matters as much as the intention behind it. For example,
when I’m writing or painting I feel like I’m on
"overflow" because joy and contentment bubble up
from deep within. The finished article or painting is rewarding,
but that’s not from where my real gratification comes.
My creation is only an effect of my true creative source;
it’s merely the results of the heartfelt energy I’m
extending. It’s the expression of my love and creative
inspiration that fulfills me. That’s why giving and
receiving are the same.
Diane Berke, author of The
Gentle Smile: Practicing Oneness in Everyday Life, states,
"Giving and receiving are complementary aspects of a
single movement, a single process, like breathing in and breathing
out." Whenever you are giving a part of yourself via
a creative endeavor, discussion with your child, business
accomplishment or anything else, you are also the receiver
of your energy. Since we are all one, whatever you give to
another, you are by definition, giving to yourself.
In Buddhism being compassionately
generous to all people is the basis for living a genuine and
fulfilling spiritual life. In this same spirit of wisdom,
the Buddhist teachings remind us that all of our suffering
occurs from having an attachment to something outside ourselves.
These "somethings" are what keeps us on the "wheel
of suffering," the merry-go-round of external attachments
that all human beings must come to terms with during their
evolutionary journey. As we practice giving we are reminded
that we need nothing outside ourselves, that everything we
will ever need is already within.
Some practical ways to build
life's abundance include:
Increase your willingness
to give. A Course in Miracles teaches us, "Give a little
more than you think you can, a little more than you feel comfortable
with." The key here, is "a little more." Throughout
each day we have numerous opportunities to give, and we grow
in abundance as we act on those opportunities. Just a little
stretch is all that’s required in order for us to experience
a sense of true giving.
Keep your intentions pure.
Remember that you are always the giver and receiver. Most
people unconsciously give to get something in return: appreciation,
recognition, payment, etc. Be willing to give to others in
a way that you would want to be given to. Before you give,
ask yourself, What am I doing this for?" If the answer
is "Because I want to give, just to give, and I expect
nothing in return," and you mean it, then trust that
your intention is pure of heart.
Practice receiving with graciousness.
So many times, we discount compliments or refuse to receive
what another wants to give. Low self-worth convinces us we
don’t deserve the compliment or gift, or distrust tells
us that if we receive something, we’ll be obligated.
It’s important to remember that you cannot truly give
if you’re unwilling to receive, for they compliment
each other like a hand and glove. All of us are connected
with every living thing and our interdependence is the sacred
web of life we exist within.
Give in those situations where
you feel the most lack. In what area of your life do you feel
the most scarcity? For some it’s money, recognition
or approval, for others it’s time, and still for others
it is love, affection or companionship. Determine where you
feel the greatest lack then allow it to come fully into your
awareness. These areas are your greatest opportunities for
practicing abundance because the place you most need to give
is the area in which you are feeling the most lack. The initial
reaction, of course, is to grab on even harder and faster,
but that will only take you further into the quicksand of
emptiness. Ask Spirit for guidance, then be willing to give.
The results are truly miraculous. As you begin giving in situations
where you once felt lack, your giving will fill you up until
there’s no more room for anything but a sense of completion
and abundance. Be gentle with yourself and validate yourself
for reaching out instead of pulling back.
Remember, your daily thoughts,
feelings and actions are the "brushstrokes" that
create the portrait of your entire life. They are the details
that make up the whole. Are your brushstrokes leading you
to a work of art that clearly represents your life? When you
leave Earth, how do you want to be remembered? As a person
who was genuine and authentic and gave with an open heart?
As someone who dared to live life fully without reservation?
Ask yourself if you’re willing to be remembered for:
1) Dared to have lived, or 2) Having lived in dread? "Dared"
and "dread" have the same letters in it. Which one
do you want to be remembered by?
Imagining it’s the end
of your life and capturing a life’s portrait that supports
how you want to be remembered is the first step. Observing
your daily brushstrokes to see if they are congruent with
your "ending" is second. Again, be gentle. The places
where you are not congruent mean only that you have some fear.
You were born to live a life
that creates and represents your own unique masterpiece. Life's
abundance is your birthright. As you gently practice giving
from your heart, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, and moment-by-moment,
you will one day look back with no regrets, but with a heart
overflowing with love, appreciation and gratitude.
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Authors Details: Lifes Abundance
- Laura V. Hyde Web
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