Consider
the way plants grow: they absorb water and minerals through their
roots, and then transport them all the way up to their leaves where
photosynthesis occurs, and energy is created. The roots anchor the
plant into the soil, discern which molecules will enter the plant,
and produce defense compounds to ensure the survival of the plant.
When the root is compromised, the entire plant fails to thrive.
Roots
are the plant’s gatekeepers for fluid and nutrients. They are like
the bouncers at the club who decide who may or may not attend the
party of photosynthesis. Nutrients are the VIP club goers, and
the root must receive them very graciously with an “open door”
policy. In fact, the hydration of the entire plant is directly
related to the root’s ability to receive nutrients; only once the
root is chock full of minerals are the reclusive fluids in the soil
finally coaxed into the plant through root pressure. Once this root
pressure develops, the club gates swing open, and the fluids and
nutrients are propelled up the stem to attend the photosynthesis
party. When the party is over, all the sugary bling created through
photosynthesis is then transported back to the roots where it is
stored. Lucky roots.
However,
these roots are only “lucky” because they are in alignment with
the flow of nature. They are tuned into their natural place in
the universe, and have fully embraced the nature of their work. Roots
have embraced the fact that they are roots, they easily receive
fluids and nutrients, and they protect and maintain their
infrastructure for storing carbohydrates, the riches of the plant.
Nourishing
our Roots
In
nature, the root’s ability to receive nutrients and fluids is
directly related to the plant’s ability to thrive. Only once the
root is overflowing with nutrients, does the plant begin to care for
itself (create energy), and then only once it has adequately cared
for itself, does it create and share it’s medicine (sap, leaves,
flowers, roots) for us all to enjoy. As an integral part of nature,
humans must also adhere to this law of the universe: we must receive
before we are able to give.
Receiving
may seem like a revolutionary idea. Our western culture prides itself
on the merits of giving. We are coerced into believing that giving is
always a highly virtuous act, and that any form of receiving must be
avoided, or else accepted with a pious, self-deprecating reluctance.
Our conditioning tells us that giving is generous and spiritual, and
receiving is greedy and selfish. We are taught to crave material
goods and societal approval in order to fill the void created from
years of neglecting the gifts of the universe. When our bellies are
full, but our souls are starving, then we are not living in
alignment with nature.
The
word abundance comes from the Latin word abundantia, which means
‘fullness’ or ‘to overflow.’ In nature, giving is the
natural overflow that occurs once we have received what we need; a
river spills over to nourish it’s banks once it is full to the
brim; root vegetables are sweet enough to eat once excess
carbohydrates are stored there; and flowers bloom and evoke beautiful
perfumes once they have been properly pollinated. Giving from a place
of abundance is pure, effortless, and devoid of ego. It is the
natural flow of the universe. However, giving from a place of lack,
when we have not properly nourished ourselves, can quickly become
corrupted with ulterior motives such as ego gratification, inner
coercion, and self-consciousness. This kind of giving comes from a
place of control – a need to feel powerful and secure.
Receiving,
on the other hand, means relinquishing control, surrendering to the
universe, and exacting a great deal of trust. Receiving deeply and
profoundly is a spiritual activity that requires us to align
ourselves with what we would like to manifest. Contrary to
popular belief, receiving is very much intentional. In order to
receive, you have to intend to receive. Before asking the
universe for what you want, try asking yourself what you are
truly capable of receiving – the answer might shock you! Receiving
requires humility.
While
western society often equates abundance with money, eastern
philosophies such as Taoism actually consider leisure to be the
essence of abundance. Consequently, in order to enjoy leisure, one
must have the time to do so. Thus we have the age-old
dichotomy of time versus money, and in our society we are conditioned
to believe that these two are mutually exclusive. This assumption is
at the root of many beliefs around the generation of income.
Perhaps most pervasive is the notion that we must sacrifice our souls
(or our ability to engage in soulful leisure activities) in order to
make money.
To
truly nourish our financial health, we must first address
our core beliefs around generating income.
(...) Some important questions to ask ourselves regarding
money and abundance are: “how much money do I need?” and “what
is it going to cost me (in terms of time) to get it?”
We
must also examine our limiting beliefs around generating
income. Beliefs such as these: “I must struggle to survive”; “I
must give away my time, money, energy in order to be a good person”;
“the system is against me”; “making money is hard work”, and
so on. These ideologies are part of Chiron, the wounded
healer archetype. In Greek mythology, Chiron was a highly gifted
healer who was unable to heal himself. It was only when Chiron
finally surrendered his life (a metaphor for any limiting belief that
you hold) that he was able to free himself from his suffering and
finally heal.
Protecting
our Roots
There
is a mystical aspect to generating financial wealth in an abundant
way – that is in a way that also nourishes your soul in the
process. Journaling, visualizing, conducting rituals, and maintaining
gratitude boards are powerful ways to assist you with manifesting
what you want to create. However, these must be used in conjunction
with other practical tools such as business plans and financial
tools, which, like plant roots, serve to anchor your vision in
tangibles.
Roots
protect and maintain plants by launching their own series of chemical
defenses in the face of stress or damage. Likewise, in order for
our livelihoods to grow, we must employ financial tools that help us
respond to both the short-term and long-term needs of our business.
As the saying goes: ”Prepare yourself for success and you will
get success.” (...)
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