Thoughts on money and the meaning of Life

Money has many symbolic images in our society: power, greed, happiness, love, freedom, fulfillment, dreams, second homes, cars boats planes, leisure-time, vacations, travel, end to world hunger, no more struggling. We assign so much to it. But the problem is we either can’t get enough, or have too much (really?).

Money can indeed provide fulfillment, and give us some of those things. But there is a flip side, researchers call it the ‘hedonic treadmill’ and you never can seem to get off, it can take on a life of its own, and no amount of ‘stuff’ completely satisfies. There is a tripping point- when the buying, shopping and dropping, and the satisfaction wears off – the thrill disappears, the only way to fulfillment- is to plan and scheme for that next big shopping binge. Retailers, marketers and sales people know this. So the price tag for the hedonic treadmill is pretty big- if it causes you to be away from friends- family, doing the things you like to do. So think always about what it cost.

So what else is there about money? Many people view money as a form of security. Are they right? No, not really- money will not provide the kind of security you might imagine. Just begs the question: What is happening to dollar assets? Feeling secure? Does the dollar value of your home feel secure? Does your job feel secure? The paper assets have lost value, and yet- ‘fear’ has everyone is rushing into T-bills and cash; and that which is supposed to be secure is becoming unsecure and worth- less. The move is at record levels out of “securities” (stocks) (funny name huh?) into the money market funds. The sky is clearly falling. We wanted all those things money can buy and with such intensity- and suddenly, we awoke from our sleepy little dream, to impending doom. So- is acting on fear, wise? I never think it is.

How do we feel secure with our money? Think of money this way; that there is a consciousness of money and it represents potential energy. If it sits somewhere unused (under the mattress) or is unproductive (buying and flipping un-built condos in Miami) it loses all that potential to do anything useful in the world, so it seeks to free itself, there is no value in it sitting there locked up, not even worth the paper it is printed on. It is only when we put it to work in a sensible manner, or release it by giving; that money manifest itself into its true power. We really can never give money away without it having an effect in the world. The only proof in this is to give some of it away- then see what happens in your own life. So having a balanced view of money is important, think in terms of doing ‘good’ with it, and it will do ‘good’ for you. If you have a little extra, use common sense always, and a balanced approach to weather any surprises that come up.

Perhaps the best security of all however - is not money itself; it’s the knowledge of who you are-- your soul purpose, giving so that you can receive, being in the flow of life, being in the flow of the universe. Fight this and you will know how it feels to be insecure. Life has a way of throwing in a test time to time, and probably when you least want it. You don’t want to have the mistaken identity when these come up- that this is a permanent roadblock to your personal advancement; quite often it’s challenge to be met, over come, and to propel you forward in life-. And who knows you just may meet the same challenge again, and at a higher level of consciousness. Will it be any easier? I seriously doubt it, but you will have the tools and courage you learned the first time to punch on through.

Remember money is no substitute for your own sense of self- the truth and wisdom within, and with the wise appreciation of its power it can bring that which you need.

Be Rich –

Live Rich

Mike