Finances are tough for everyone, especially now and usually the thought is “We must save and pinch our pennies!” Now this isn’t a bad thing; in fact we should be smart with our money. Though, as with everything on the spiritual path, the better question would be, “Am I being more contractive or more expansive?”
Even though we might have to create a budget and watch our money outflow, are we doing so with the attitude of fear, that our happiness and emotional well-being is tied to this? Or are we doing it because it is the practical thing to do?
In regards to my personal finances I’d think, “Okay, after getting this job, it will give me a nice padding of money for a while and I’ll feel more secure…” Yet then, as soon as I’d get the extra savings, I’d need to use it for something important, such as car repairs, and it would be gone in a flash!
A few years ago I had an experience where I quickly lost $2,000 by something my bank had done. As I initially saw this, I froze and I could feel my energy tighten around my heart… Then the thought came, “Offer up this emotional energy up to God!” As I did this, I could instantly feel an expansive joy in my heart. I knew that it would be okay. A few minutes later I instantly received back that same amount of money that I had lost.
What I’ve noticed time and time again is that money is always somehow there when I need it… It’s almost as if God is saying, “Find abundance in me, not in your bank account. Fully trust that I will provide for you when you need it… and I will.”
It’s a fun game trying to practice the techniques and hints I have learned from living at Ananda, but at the same time it’s not a game. It hits at the heart of the whole idea of the spiritual path and the search for God: Nothing in this world can give us true security, true happiness, true fulfillment…. Only God can do that.
The first draft of this article was written about a week ago when I found out that I had almost $800 in car repairs…$800 that I barely had! I took it calmly and again raised the energy up to Go The next day I received a check for $700 that I wasn’t expecting. Coincidence?
12 Comments
I am moving to Ananda in December so I am saving as well as clearing some debts. This is perfect divine timing and a great help. Thank you.
Jai Guru, and timely–same here, I’ve JUST had a few major $$ hits that I wasn’t expecting. So…relax, breathe…and remember Who’s in charge, anyway. Thanks! :)
we are saving for a house right now, thank you brother!! that was a wonderful insight i needed it right today!!
This article just saved me from months of worry. Thank you so much for reminding me that I am not alone in solving these economic hard times.
Well put! Poverty consciousness is definitely fun to be in, with all the constriction that comes along with! Putting trust in God is truly the best practical advice, along with putting out tons of energy! AUM!
I remember when I first came to Ananda….Never before had I felt so at home…the thought that went through my mind was that I was a fish in a fish bowl for the first time after attempting to live on land. After a few months at the EL, the internship and then the seclusion retreat, I felt connected but still that nagging thought about money came to my mind. A friend said , if you leave you will never come back. I began practicing Swami’s affirmations and had 3 jobs the very next day! A few years later, I was thinking of visiting Assisi and really longed for a seclusion before hand. Out of nowhere a man asked me if I wanted to paint his house and would pay me 1000.00. I was a 26 year old woman with no experience painting a home…but I did it and had the most lovely month seclusion in the alps in a little cabin in the alps…..no electricity…no running water and absolutely lovely. Thank-you Sundera for reminding us of where the gold truly is!