April 16th, 2011 by rob white
Steve asked me, “Can you connect your ideas with financial prosperity?”
Okay – let’s go:
When you look at the idea of prosperity in the light of the truth – you see money matters very differently.
Truth: attainment of earthly riches are never the problem – you are the problem. For example:
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- Some people subconsciously believe money is the root of all evil – phishaw … it’s time to step out of the dark ages.
- Some people were so harshly bombarded with NO’s while growing up that they feel unworthy of living prosperously – phishaw … if everyone believed this back twenty thousand years ago – we’d never have stepped out of the caves (we’d still be living with bats and scavenging with rats).
- Some people feel guilty of attracting money because they feel they will be punished down the line – phishaw … you wrongly attribute power to something beyond yourself.
No matter what the problem may be – if you have difficulty attracting and holding onto money – the problem lies within you (within your attitude and mood about life and about yourself).
Student: Who is the individual who sees the truth at last … and is willing to allow financial riches to flow into their lives?
Teacher: It is the individual who no longer concludes that they are inadequate or unworthy – and lives with the uncertainty of this conclusion to a bursting point – and lets it burst wide open!
What’s the bursting point that bursts wide open (of which the teacher speaks)? What bursts wide open is the accumulation of false ideas that you carry around with you – ideas that have you struggling with money or just never seeming to get as much as you really wish you had.
MONEY isn’t everything – I agree. But, most folks who use this statement, use it as an excuse, even though they feel they mean it … but if they won the twenty million dollar lottery, they’d not give it all away (would they?). Hmmm…
Whenever you feel troubled around money matters of any kind (be it big or small) – it is YOU that is causing the trouble. Accept this as true, and watch what happens to you!
The trouble around financial matters always exist in wrong thinking. Living less than wonderfully rich never represents your original nature. Even Jesus, a man of modest means, was incredibly rich. He had whatever he wanted when he wanted it. How rich is that! Why carry around a sack of gold if you can do that? Do not pass by this idea. Stick with it for all you are worth – because you are worth all of it!
Whatever has been wrongly constructed in your belief system must be Marvelously Denied! The understanding of your fear around money cures your fear around money – because you’re able to declare your fear NOT TRUE.
Tip # 1: Insights into the ‘inherited self’ (that ‘self’ that has been passed down from generation to generation in your family) helps you see your fears around money.
Tip # 2: Knowledge of false ideas about money and rich people prevents you from dragging yourself through money struggles.
Now having read this blog – ask yourself: Is there a more intelligent task on earth than to gain higher knowledge about my unlimited nature?
Folks who get a sense of their unlimitedness, have fun with money. Folks who don’t, manage to struggle with money.
A child found his talking teddy bear not working. Dad said they had to recharge the battery. They recharged the battery and the teddy bear began talking. The boy felt wonderfully rich. It’s time for you to recharge your battery (your psychic battery); it’s time to relook at your excuses for why you don’t have more money in your life. Take a rest from your excuses about not wanting more money … Marvelously Deny their validity. It’ll give you a charge!!!
Let your true nature handle everything – it sees prosperity everywhere.
Okay, folks – what does this stir up in your beehive of beliefs?
blessings
“Best Comment of the Week”. This weeks best comment comes from Dia of 2achieveyourgoals.com. The runner up is JK Allen from The Hustler’s Notebook. See their comments here.
Illustrations by nick
Rob,
I believe that the amount of money we make doesn’t define our character, but rather what we do with the money we make defines our character.
Alex
Indeed, Alex, what we do with money helps define our character … but, we can’t use money to define our character if we barely attract enough to live. An absence of money pokes us like a bad joke; we are unable to define our character, using money as a tool) because we are reacting to feelings of impoverishment. blessings
Money isn’t everything but I’ll take the 20 mill too! It’s interesting because I’ve really began to notice that for all my worrying and fretting about money I’m pretty much exactly the same as my parents financially. They worked hard and did fine… which is exactly how I made out. It’s like I could be in the same situation without all the anxiety and worrying just because that is how much a guy like me is automatically supposed to make. I’d like to think I could have a financial breakthrough at my age but to tell the truth I feel pretty stuck. It’s OK but not great. I feel so lucky for what I have in this economy it is hard for me to ask for more.
In this economy, Roger, is is hard for millions to ask for more. Now, there are not enough people asking for more. If more folks had the daring to ask for more – the recession would become boom times. Then you could take some of the excess that you received (by asking for more), to help others who are still stuck with NO’s that make it hard for them to ask for more. It’s a win / win. blessings
Rob,
I don’t think having money or living richly is tied to evil in any way. I love having money and enjoy spending it on travel and courses and books, etc. I think we need to be willing to share and help others with what we have though. If we hold onto to what we have so tightly for fear of losing it without sharing we will eventually shut off the flow of money through our lives.
Rather than focus on money itself I’d rather focus on the enjoyment of the experiences that the money affords you. For example I’d rather envision living in the home I want to live in, or going on a trip I want to live in, or working from home and being perfectly comfortable and satisfied with my life, etc. You can attract money but unless you also focus on the enjoyment of the money all your going to have is the money minus the wonderful happy life that goes with it.
It’s great to focus on the wonderful experiences that ‘having money’ offers, Angela. I find (for me) that this kind of focus can be an excuse to procrastinate. I used to dream about all the good things I could do for myself and for others with money, but I did not attract more money. When I placed my focus on money – with the intent of attracting it – I created a new state of being … and a whole new world of money can to me. blessings
Okay Rob, I’m putty in your hands – tell me what I should be doing, please! I’m ready to attract money by the boatload!
Here is a great start for attracting a cargo ship of money into your port, Angela. Begin by looking at the assumptive identity that you have accepted as true about you. You are a princess of the universe (which is loaded with infinite riches). Does the ‘self’ that has stolen your life (the assumptive identity), really allow you to feel like this princess? blessings
Hi Rob, This is big for me to admit but I want some MORE MONEY too! I get wrapped up in saying money isn’t everything and “all we need is love (la la la la la la)… but the Beatles sure go rich didn’t they?
I’m not looking for that kind of scratch, but I would like to live comfortably and not fret about my bottom line every month. Thanks for the gut check.
John Lennon was a simple man who did not need much materially – but he had gobs of money (didn’t he). What about Oprah! Nice noticement, Rus. Thanks for your honesty. blessings
Hi Rob,
This is a wonderful post as I have always been highly interested in social entrepreneurship and even not-for-profit organizations. Though, at the same time I desire to be financially wealthy. I know now many organizations do a great service to the community and society at large and make serious revenue in the process. I can follow a mission and purpose while still acknowledging the potential for great financial wealth. There is so many outlets to gain financial wealth and it’s about finding those as the person we are and using our strengths to get there.
Imagine a lawyer getting in touch with you, Joe, to tell you that you inherited $20,000,000. He’s very wealthy himself so he does not talk about his riches, but only about your inheritance in a nonchalant manner. This is what is so great about the truth. It does not talk about riches beyond our reach; but shows us what’s our own in a very nonchalant manner. A new consciousness about money reveals to us what is our own in a nonchalant manner (and it is much more than most folks expect!). blessings
Hi Rob,
Wonderful post! I’m glad you connected your ideas with money and financial prosperity. I will be honest Rob, my life is going smoothly like I want it to be in all domains (family, friends, love, knowledge, health, etc…) except money.
I love money and I believe money is good as it can help me and others. I also love to see others rich and can buy everything they want, travel, and live a life with freedom, security and stability. The only thing is sometimes “doubt” appears. In the past week, I re-read your older articles about money and started applying the “sow and reap” concept. I’m trying to apply what I do in the other domains in life to the money domain and I’m confident I will succeed one day, very soon
Thanks for the excellent post Rob and for sharing
People are afraid to talk about money, as directly as you just did, Dia. NICE. You will attract the riches that await you when you look directly at what stops you from allowing it in. Most folks become puzzled when told that they must become conscious of money if they want to attract it. An individual’s chief barrier to being conscious of money (really conscious of money)is his/her delusion that he/she already is. Money is good. You can use it for your own good and to help others in great ways. Why not bring it on in and try it out. Oprah did. she loves it. Oprah is very money conscious. If she wasn’t – she wouldn’t be a billionaire. It’s that simple. blessings.
Hey I’m not afraid to say it, I want to make lots of money and I want to enjoy everything that comes along with it. I don’t think money is evil and I don’t feel guilty about wanting more of it. I just think that in this day in age if you don’t admit that money makes the world go around you are in denial. I’m bound and determined to be prosperous and can honestly feel that it will happen. I’m young so I have time. It’s all about the mind and I am definitely mentally prepared to rake it in… I really don’t see that there is anything that can stop me now!
Watch out, Kara. I feel you are a bit cocky, and don’t really mean it. I do not say this to discourage you. I say this to encourage you to simply look deeper and be sure to clean up any negative energy that may be lingering around you and money. blessings
Hi Rob. I always feel prosperous because I live below my means. I think if we have a healthy perspective on what it means to be prosperous we will naturally get there. People get too anxious and worked up over money. I think a big part of it is finding peace with our idea of being “rich.”
I am not disagreeing with you, John. Yes, being rich is a consciousness of prosperity in all areas of our lives – harmonious relationships, peace of mind, joyful expression etc. etc. – but a lot of folks fall back on this conversation to come up with an excuse not to look at the fact that they fear poverty in some manner (which repels money). Did you know that ‘fear of poverty’ is the biggest fear out there (why do you think so many folks are suffering financially). thank you
I’m with you all the way (to the bank) Rob! Our false ideas given to us and accepted by us give us a poor attitude to money and thus a poor experience of money and so we (unsurprisingly)end up poor without money. We are all worth so very much and to realise that worth is to invite it into our lives for real!
Indeed, John, rigorous honesty about our attitude around money can be very revealing. Andrew Carnegie (world’s first self-made billionaire) said if you took all the money in the world and distributed it to all the people in the world, in five years – all the people in the world that have it now, would have it back. What’s up with that! blessings.
Hi Rob,
I think many do not have a healthy relationship with money. Obsessing over money at the expense of a balanced full life doesn’t work. To me it’s amazing how little is needed if you spend your money wisely. Being a good money manager and a wise shopper is enjoyable. I for one believe that the accumulation of wealth can become a healthy habit (just like brushing your teeth) if you acquire and practice the necessary basic skills: saving and living within your income, understanding the power of compound interest and learning some basic investment skills.
Riley
I agree, Riley, that obsessing over money can cause problems – unless it is a Marvelous Obsession that motivates you to use it in wonderful ways. Now, what’s wrong with that? We are obsessive beings. Yes, we are. There is no getting around it. There are miserable obsessions and marvelous obsessions. I love being marvelously obsessed. What a great high it brings to my day. Thanks, Riley.
Rob,
I love money as it allows me the ability to provide and sustain my level of living. Money itself is neutral meaning it is not good or evil but the love of money is where the inherent danger may lie. Greed is an unhealthy emotion where one consumes more for the sake of cosumption and not for purpose. I can only say that because I have never been in the position to amass more than my minial paycheck. I would love to consume to create. I would like to create opportunities when people may not have the resources to create themeselves. I would like to build communities by building the people who reside in them. I would like to bless others who have blessed me. I want more so I can do more. That’s after I buy my house on the hill of course.
So I too want that Marvelous Obession for the right reason.
The first thing to understand, Frank, is that when you were born – you came into this outer world without any knowledge of yourself. You looked to others for advice – how did they see you? That is how you grew. You first became aware of others, and then you became aware of how they treated you. You assumed they knew the truth. You are a brilliant man, Frank. Yet, something has you NO-Stuck. Can you feel it? Stay with this conversation – and you will discover the sweets of eternal ecstasy (which includes plenty of money to use for all of those wonderful things that you want to do for others) – after you get your house on the hill, of course. I love your honesty, Frank blessings
Hi Rob,
It wasn’t until one of our initial conversations where the topic of money came up that I realized my view of money was foggy, and based on inherited beliefs that money is the root to “most” evil. My attitude has changed so much since then.
I grew up seeing money being miss-managed and poorly utilized and never maximized. I developed the same mental framework and unknowingly created an excuse as to why I wasn’t rich: because money isn’t everything. But if I were to win the lottery, I surely wouldn’t want to give it ALL away..maybe a nice sum, but not all.
I used to feel very selfish saying something like that…but the reality is that I have kids that I want to provide for in abundance and I have interests in traveling and being free from the worries that the lack of money can bring. More than anything, I want to be in a position to not be limited from certain things because of money. I want to help change lives and help financially support people as they get on the right track.
I grew up not having money…I’m far far far from rich, but I have the comfort of having options to do things for my kids, that I wasn’t able to do.
So, I no longer think money is the root to evil. That’s like saying a gun is evil. People with bad intentions and a gun – is evil. Money is a temptation, but that doesn’t make it bad. What’s bad is if we fall victim to a badly intended temptation.
I will even go so far to say that it’s okay to be obsessed with money. 1 year ago if I heard that I would have thought that idea was awful. But what if a person is obsessed with giving money? Getting money (the right way) and giving it away. That’s a great obsession, wouldn’t you say?
Jk, the wisdom of past lives is shining through your comment. You have had magnificent obsessions with money (where you used it to help your community), and you have had miserable obsessions with money (where you harmed others to get it). That is my sense about you. In this lifetime – you want to be inspirationally addicted to attracting gobs of money so you can use it to make a real difference in the world. That’s what I get from you! If a being should come into your life who seemed to you divine, and yet he was a multimillionaire – what would you do? If you do what comes naturally, you will find that you and he are one. Stay with this, Jk. blessings
Replying in response to: “If a being should come into your life who seemed to you divine, and yet he was a multimillionaire – what would you do? If you do what comes naturally, you will find that you and he are one.”
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I said that I’m replying…but I’m more so pondering. As you suggested, I will stay with this until it’s clear(er). Because what comes naturally, will come naturally.
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Thank you Rob
Rob, wow my friend, this was truly exceptional. Personally, I’m mystified that ‘money’ has been given this ugly image, it really makes no sense to me.
Take mother Theresa for example. Although she was an incredibly amazing woman that lived most humbly, her whole mission was made a reality through…..MONEY. That’s right, she was a gatherer of money, and changed the world through it as well as her example.
I think everything in this world can be used for good or evil, and money certainly is a beautiful thing when used the right way.
Thanks so much for this article Rob. It was truly inspiring and well put.
Marcus
Marcus, I love your addition to this blog. YES, Mother Teresa was a fabulous gatherer of money. She loved money for what it could do to help her serve in the name of Jesus. I love your insight here. Marcus, are you truly willing to consecrate yourself to the unlimited you? Are are willing to give your whole life over to this ‘YOU’? Can you feel it? He’s very wealthy in so many ways (including financially). Thank you for you input. blessings
Rob,
Way to say what no one in the room is talking about but everyone is thinking. Part of it comes from misquoting: money is the root of all evil, instead of the actual words, money is the root of all kinds of evil.
We can put many words in the place of money as being the root of all kinds of evil.
Jk gave a good example with a gun.
@Jk, much of your comment is where I also was in my thinking. It took some serious reprogramming.
We can use money as a tool the same way we use a good hammer.
People listen to those who have money.
Rob, I learn some new concept every time I visit. Thanks a million:)
You’re a thinker, Rob. You are also a feeler, and a doer. You are awakening. You are rising up. You are asserting your real identity. Please know that you cannot be completely free until you surrender the 60,000 NO’s that you heard from age two to six. Stay with these words, Rob, allow them to quicken in your daily life. Thanks for picking up the ‘money is the root of all evil’ misquote. You’re sharp! blessings
I don’t think I have many hang ups around money. I’m a good saver and always have enough of it. I’m not one to go around acting like a big shot and picking up the tab for everybody… I think people just have to keep an eye no their own budget and learn the market and they will be fine. I admit, I have fantasies about being a millionaire and think that if I learn how to invest and save prudently I can get there. I think unrealistic expectations about a “big break” or whatever gets people in trouble.
Be wary of thought-voices that have you living beneath yourself, Alan. Don’t take them as being your own voices, especially when thinking about things like money. blessings.
Hi Rob. I agree money is a wonderful thing. I like spending it on loved ones and affording myself the freedom to travel. I also love rich people who spend their money on my business — it’s the cheap skates I hate doing business with. People who “nickle and dime” set up a bad pattern. If someone is rich and stingy than they are not really rich — they are still feeling the same worry as the poor. Putting money out there so it circulates and makes babies is the way to make sure it is always coming home to us.
Indeed, Carol Anne, folks who are rich and stingy are not really rich. A great Zen statement with meaning! blessings
It is quite interesting when we think about what a pivotal role money plays in all of our lives, yet we hardly ever openly discuss it. Talking candidly about money matters is a very rare thing. I wonder why talking about money is so taboo? Seems to me we spend our whole lives worrying about making enough of it and die before we can even spend it all. I’d like to be free from worrying about money.
Indeed, Salty, even talking about money can be taboo. Ask folks how much they make annually, and half those asked will get offended. What’s up with that? How can spontaneity replace struggle around money? blessings
Hi Rob, I think that as long as one is kind, calm, humble and capable they will be able to afford whatever they truly desire. My desire for materials and earthly goods is a reflection of how peaceful I am within. When I’m feeling really great about myself I see that adding anything won’t really make me any happier. When I am feeling down I find myself fantasizing about getting new clothes and jewelry and I feel resentful of people with money. Sometimes I want more, then I feel guilty about not being grateful for what I have.
I love your truth around money, Alicia. Refusing to be truthful with ourselves about the way we deal with money causes underground torment. Thank you
Hi Rob,
You say, “Truth: attainment of earthly riches are never the problem – you are the problem.” You are right when you say this. Jesus states in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve to masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
I believe this is where people get a little confused when it comes to money. We first have to understand that we are all placed on this planet for a reason. When we are in line with Gods wishes we have balance. Money is a tool that he provides us with and trust us to use wisely. If we do not believe this in our heart and have faith in his reward we are going to lack in money.
When I was younger and a single parent of 3 I was lacking money. Yes, this was my own fault, because I didn’t have the right attitude. Once I learned that it was in my attitude and that money was a gift from my maker, my world changed.
When we lack money it comes from lack of faith that our heavenly father wants the best for us, just like our earthly father wants the best for us.
That is why little children are so wonderful to watch. They know that a parent will give them want they need. They have faith and trust. What it comes down to for me is having that child like faith and trust in the Heavenly Father, and we will have everything we need for a wonderful full life. Money is Gods tool and gift, so stop worrying about it and fulfill your purpose for being on this planet and the rest is history.
INDEED AGREED, Debbie – We cannot love God (generosity and sharing) and mammon (greed and hoarding),too. Money is a great tester of that. Prosperity is not made of money, as you point out …… and money comes easily to the those who live with a consciousness of prosperity. Thank you
Rob, first off I love the background image in the comments section here…very serene.
I think this is a great post man, and I agree wholeheartedly with all of your points. Especially the notion that true wealth isn’t synonymous with financial riches….although we can attract both into our lives.
Great one Rob, loved it as usual.
most folks run away from money. money doesn’t run away from them – though it seems that way to them. Until we confront our issues with money, we will never truly understand how it works, nor will we attract much money too us. blessings
Hi Rob!
I think you did a great job of putting this plainly. Money is one of those things that gets people so tied up. As you said they give it more power than that which they give to themselves. Overcoming wrong thoughts about money is a must if you ever plan to have more of it. I love the questions you present here and most of all I love that you use “phishaw”. I could hear it! lol
I love your simplicity, Marlee. In simplicity there is credibility! Thank you for being part of the community. blessings
I definitely have a lot of negative baggage when it comes to money. My family always separated people into the “Haves” and “Have Nots.” We were assuredly in the “Have Not” class and that’s just the way it is and there was no changing it. People with money were frowned upon and it was assumed that they made their money on the backs of the poor. To this day it is hard for me to betray those roots even though I would love to be a millionaire. Part of me feels like I would be selling out on my family if I were to be wealthy… I almost think they would become alienated from me.
It is a strange pleasure that the ‘have nots’ get when they refuse to pledge their loyalty to rich abundance because they believe they are betraying something of value. Thanks for that, Ramone. blessings
Money is a wonderful thing. I worked hard my whole life to provide for my family and I feel deserving all I have earned. I never believed that money should really come “easy” otherwise I would never truly learn the value of it. There is a responsibility that comes with money too. I always feel it is important to be a friend to the poor and be willing to distribute wealth to those who were not afforded the same opportunities I had.
We are not always aware of areas needing correction, Georgie. Money is an area that needs correction in most folks lives. It seems that you are working at cleaning that up nicely for yourself. thank you for your comment.
Hi Rob,
I have a kind of personal question. I know that a lot of successful writers and poets like Junot Diaz and John Ashberry win Pulitzers and receive all the accolades but still struggle to make ends meet. If they were motivated by money I would think that they would have to compromise their art. When you write your books is your primary motivation to make money? And if it is, do you think you would write differently if you weren’t thinking about making money? I ask because it appears you are a successful author and I am an aspiring writer myself (fiction).
Wow, that’s clean questioning, James. John Lennon was motivated by art and motivated by money. He saw how expressing himself in an artful way and selling it for a good return was a win/win for him and for the world. Bob Dylan (from what I’ve read) can sometimes have money struggles. Why? Would he have to compromise his art in the name of money? Paul McCartney loves his art and loves to play in the domain of ‘lots of money’. Picasso loved his art, and always had plenty of money. I believe I would write as magnificently as I can whether I was motivated by money or not. I believe I write as magnificently as I can because I enjoy writing and because I enjoy the money it brings me (sold 27,000 books so far). blessings
Rob, Thanks for your honest answer. It is definitely giving me some pause for thought. I guess there is no right way for everybody. For now I will keep my creative expression first and foremost. I think it is just too hard to predict what will sell. Glad I found you from Chris Guillebeau’s site, I’ll be following along. 27,000 is fantastic! Congrats.
YO Robb. I got NO problems with MONEY. That what this LAW of ATTRACTION stuff is all about. Once you got the money flowing everything is smooth sailing. Anybody who ever picked up the SECRET only did because they wanted to get mad RICH. I don’t much about the spiritual books and zen stuff but anybody who says all that want is to be HAPPY or whatever is lying to themselves. PEOPLE got to be real and not shy about what they really want and I want MILLIONS AND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS HAhAHHA!
You are a rich man inside, Magic. It shows in your blow-out personality! As usual, I appreciate your enthusiasm and personal perception of things. blessings
Hi Rob, What I’ve noticed about myself is that it is either feast or famine. When sales are good I spend carefree … then it slows down and I am worried all over again. I’d like to be able to take a more responsible approach. I’m kind of an enigma, I can earn boatloads real quickly and then before I know it I’m dried up again. I’m not sure why I am so compulsive about my spending but I’m seeing it basically means I have some issues to resolve around money.
The question is – do you spend ‘carefree’ or is it ‘compulsive spending’ when you have a little extra money? If a person is not aware of his ‘real’ relationship with money, then who will know this? blessings.