Prosper Through Giving

Have you ever given away several books, and received 20 in return? When you smile at the grocery clerk, does she have a better day and pass that on to the rest of her customers? When you wrap your child in your arms, and give them comfort, aren't you rewarded with their unconditional love?

The principles of giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Luke 6:38 says,"Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over." 

 

I was conversing with a minister friend of mine earlier in the week about making room to receive the abundance in life by giving of what we have. The conversation reminded me of all the good things that have come about in my life as a result of offering a room in my home to someone who needed it for a time, volunteering to help others who are in dire emotional or physical need, or even just giving away those material things we no longer need. When we give without any expectation of receiving something back, we often receive much more than we gave.  It is in the act of giving that we receive.

 

Most of us honestly believe that we must have it in our hands before we can give, and fail to recognize they we always have something to give - our time, our energy, our loyalty, our knowledge, our talent, our love and our money. 

 

When we speak of giving, most have a tendency to think of giving money. Money is only energy - prosperity consciousness, in its best form, is seeing money as a verb - an energy that flows continuously from hand to hand in support of transformation, growth, and love.  Money's value is the assessment of value placed upon it by the mind of man; the form is designed to insure the easiest exchange. When we give of ourselves in helpful service, without thinking of gain for ourselves, our personal purpose and the purpose of money blends, and we will prosper in our relationships and the abundance that comes in to our lives.

 

Raymond Holliwell says "When you have given, you must prepare to receive the response or results of your giving in receiving." Many of the major religions state that when you give, you will receive the same in multiples. We must make room by giving, so that we might receive those things we desire, whether that is love, loyalty, knowledge, time or money. It is the flow of nature, two sides of the same coin.   

 

It gives me great joy to know that when I have given of myself, authentically and with no reservations, there will be an abundance of love and laughter in my life, and I will prosper.

Georgia Feiste, owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE, is a business, career and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator. She has more than thirty years experience as a corporate executive in the insurance industry. Georgia currently writes columns for the Lincoln 55+ Senior Newspaper and Touche, a local magazine. Her website is http://www.collaborativetransitions.com

The Abundance Basket - Or an Act of Giving

Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.

W. Clement Stone

A fond memory of my youth was visiting my friend Johns' place. One of the main reasons was because of the bowl of goodies that was always just inside the back door. You see his Dad owned a fruit shop where he insisted on only selling the very best fruit and vegetables he could; produce that was not up to this standard but was never the less OK was placed in this bowl to be taken and enjoyed by all his friends and family who wished to do so. At his shop he had a bigger version in the form of a washing basket - customers were invited to help themselves to whatever they wished from his 'Abundance basket' as he called it. Many did and were very grateful for the opportunity.

One day I was at the store with my friend and noticed that some of those who helped themselves were not customers and I drew this to his Dads attention. His response was one of my earlier lessons on the importance of giving.

Young man he said (this being his preferred method of addressing me). "It is mainly for them that I have it there, you see there are many in our community that are not as fortunate as we, and it is essential that we share all God gave us. My customers expect the best and are willing to pay for the privilege, but there are some, who can't afford to buy even the cheaper varieties, but food is essential to life and so to those I freely give of my excess that my customers will not buy.

I also noticed that any spoiled produce was quickly discarded from this 'Abundance Basket'.

He went on to say "God looks after me greatly, my business prospers and so I am able to provide easily for my family. Besides when I myself was a young man I was taught to share, to not be greedy, to give and it would come back many fold, so I made this my habit. My business colleagues all insist, even to this day, that I will go broke because of my habit; but my experience is the opposite."

John's dad was a real living example of the Law of Abundance.

Now here we are today at the beginning of 2009, the world has just experienced a spate of natural calamities, the stock market is trying to pull out of disaster, politicians and world  leaders are deserting their posts and the world we are told is heading for deep recession. People are pulling on their purse strings. Doom and gloom seems to be the order of the day.

But there has to be a better way. The world has to be reminded of the abundance that is our natural inheritance. It was while I was thinking this that I remembered my friend John and his dad.

We determined to follow his example; Sue set out to find an appropriate basket. She decorated it in gold and yellow and we filled it with many different goodies. When friends, customers and clients come by, we ask them to share in our abundance and take from our basket. All have been delighted with their little gifts.

One friend commented; "gee, I get to put my hands in the cookie jar," she went on to explain that she sometimes didn't feel all that prosperous and she hoped that our little act of giving and sharing would rub off on her. We suggested that she go home and make a basket and start sharing herself.

You see, your 'Abundance Basket' sets up a vibration that is sending a clear message to the universe that you feel well taken care of and that you have more than sufficient to meet your needs and are willing to share your excess. The universe then responds to this message and provides you with this abundance.

Several of our friends and clients have gone home and created their own Abundance Baskets. One business colleague has commented on a marked increase in sales in his shop, while interestingly a friend of his whom he shared the concept with said she couldn't afford the luxury and continues to struggle in her business.

To make your Abundance Basket

Use any suitably sized container, eg a cane or wicker basket, if this is not available use a bowl, a wooden or cardboard box or even an old pot. Line it with yellow or gold cloth as this is the colour of abundance. Sue wove some yellow and orange/gold coloured artificial flowers and some small plastic gold bells into the basket to decorate it. Some small golden and orange crystals such as carnelian and citrine were then placed into the basket. Citrine is recognized as a wealth stone. Then fill it up with your goodies; these need not be expensive, nor do you necessarily need to buy them. We used some of our excess stock of small tumble stones and incense as well as small packets of fruit and nuts from our pantry along with other bits and pieces.

Sue also had a relatively expensive piece of dress jewellery that she no longer wore, so it was also added so that someone else could enjoy it. It was interesting to watch the reaction of the lady who saw and chose it. That was a very joyful moment.

Our little basket has been refilled many times now and provides us with the joy that comes from giving each time someone shares in our abundance. And the universe is responding in kind.

Ron is a Crystal and Reiki Master, Metaphysician and Meditation teacher who lives and works at 'Akasha Keep'; a spiritual centre dedicated to healing and teaching, located in the beautiful Somerset region of Queensland, Australia.

http://www.whollymetaphysical.com

Open Your Flow of Abundance and Prosperity by Giving Thanks

"The more we discover the magnitude and abundance of God's gifts, the more we will find ourselves." - Mother Theresa

"Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into" ~ Wayne Dyer

In a conversation with a dear friend and colleague, the subject of money and abundance came up. She has had a very prosperous year personally and in her business despite all the media reports of the economic climate. She's a very savvy business woman and marketer as well as having highly attractive products and services that people clamor for which would explain why she was so successful, right? Was her marketing expertise and knowledge the most important keys to her success and abundance? Yes....and no.

First, I want to make a comment about abundance. In most dictionaries abundance is defined as, "A great or plentiful amount, an overflowing fullness, and an over-sufficiency and wealth. Often people equate abundance strictly in terms of money and they miss out in recognizing all the forms abundance can take in addition to money such as having an abundance of love, time, health, support from friends and colleagues, happy memories, knowledge, being willing to forgive.... Being prosperous means giving and receiving abundance with joyfull gratitude and humility for the gifts and blessings that flow to and from you.

Give what you most want to receive in your life for the joy of prospering another, NOT for the purpose of getting something in return. You cannot enjoy the riches of the universe unless you are willing to share them with others. This is the meaning of the Law of Abundance, or The Divine Law if Prosperity. The spirit of this law asks us to take an action in order to express thanks for the abundance that has already manifested in our life and for the greater good that is yet to come.

So, I asked her, "What else contributed to your having such a great financial and abundant year?" She said two things added to her success. The first was really listening to her inner guidance, inspiration, and instincts to make business and life decisions that aligned with her spirit. Cool. That's what I believe is a key factor in having a prosperous life - listening to and following the calling of your heart.

Second?

She tithes consistently. I have always admired her generosity and loving heart.

My favorite book on tithing is written by my good friend Paula Langguth Ryan called Giving Thanks: The Art of Tithing.

What exactly is a tithe?

On page 22, She says, "Tithing is about saying thank you which always begins with putting some gratitude in our attitude. Giving thanks is about tithing with our money, but also with our thoughts, words, actions, time, efforts, and possessions. She reminds us to give thanks by sharing a loving and gratefull heart with everyone and everything that comes into our life for the role they play even if that role is unwelcome.

She also says that, "Tithing proves us with a proven systematic way to multiply our good through a demonstration of our willingness to give back one-tenth of everything we've been given. We tithe as a show of gratitude for what we have already been given and as a symbol of our gratitude for and faith in the fact that greater good is coming to us. Tithing is a way of showing we are ready, willing, and able to embrace that increased abundance. The word tithe is based on the word tenth, which is believed to be a powerfull number of increase. When we joyfully and selflessly give thanks to God by sharing one tenth of the good we receive, we connect to the flow of abundance and our blessings are multiplied tenfold, even one hundredfold.

Paula emphasizes that, "You do not an obligation to tithe, you have an opportunity to tithe."

Tithing is an act of faith rather than a duty or obligation. Tithing might be called a love offering, a free will gift or blessing that is shared willingly with another without any expectation of repayment. The size of the gift does not matter, the intention of the offering does.

Everything that is freely given with thanks will be multiplied and returned to you in expected and unexpected ways - The Divine Law of Prosperity

Are you hoarding your good?

Do you withhold sharing with others because you fear you won't have enough?

Scarcity thinking and poverty consciousness will constantly block the flow of abundance, money, and opportunities coming into your life that the Universe desires to give you>

Prosperity and abundance isn't just about having money. Imagine having more joy, more love, health and vitality, greater freedom, peace of mind, and time to be with the people and things you love.

Consistent practice with tithing will increase your inner wisdom, judgment, health, wealth, fulfillment in relationships, spiritual connection, and open your receptivity to receive what you truly need without fear or expectations.

Give with joyfull thanksgiving rather than annoyance, desperation, frustration, or in the hopes and expectation of getting something back. Give without strings attached as you would offer any gift from the heart.

Imagine what you can then share with others?

Who to tithe to?

Give freely and generously to those who spiritually feed you. Your local spiritual centers, leaders, teacher, mentors are great places to begin. Personally, I often tithe money to friends and colleagues who have been of service to me by offering me healing sessions, business advice and expertise. I also enjoy gifting to my local non-profit organization that feeds families in the area so they don't go hungry. Tithe to whoever brings you spiritual inspiration, joy, help, and comfort. Be sure to write your tithe check first even if you cannot initially give a full 10%.

Do this for 30 days with joy and gratitude.

Open your heart, mind, and body to recognize all the gifts, blessings, and miracles of abundance that flows to you. Be on the lookout for the many forms abundance takes from the penny on the sidewalk, a smile from a stranger, a new client, a thank you email from a grateful client for friend, a new business opportunity... Track your blessings daily in a journal and remember to say "Thank you." for EVERY love offering that comes to you and share freely when you feel guided to bless another.

What comes back might not initially be in the form of money. For example, you might receive ideas, resources, connections to others, that will improve your financial situation is the long term. Be open to receive the delightful ways the Universe responds to your desires, needs when you open your heart and checkbook in faith and gratitude.

Founder of Powerfull-Living, Rev. Dr. Lorraine Cohen is a spiritual life coach, broadcaster, published writer, and inspirational speaker who is recognized as a cutting-edge expert in her field. For over 20 years, Lorraine has inspired and supported thousands of spiritually-conscious business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, coaches, mentors, and authors to create a prosperous business, meaningful career and fulfilling life that aligns with their spirit. An expert in transforming fear and limiting beliefs that create barriers to success, she shows people how to get unstuck; to break through the confusion and roadblocks so they move forward in all areas of their life. Receive her free report '5 Secrets to Attracting Everything You Want!"

Living in Abundance - The Power of Giving and Receiving

As a mother of three small children, coach, teacher, writer, and entrepreneur, I have often been drawn to the notion of having it all and living in abundance. I wanted it all- the full house of happy children, the handsome and supportive husband, and the thriving and meaningful career. OK, I do have most of that. But, what about the cash? The ever flowing wads of green stuff so we can buy whatever we want, donate without feeling the pinch, and not having to make either/or choices about our money. These feelings and desires inspired me to discuss some strategies and tools with you that have been helping me shift my beliefs around living in abundance. When the beliefs changed, the abundance began manifesting in my world.

There are scores of articles, books, seminars about abundance and money out there.  And I don't want to regurgitate information that you can easily get elsewhere. But, I do want to focus on an aspect of attracting more abundance, including money, that I think gets overlooked. It is about giving and receiving. Living in abundance is based on these two components. You must give and receive to create the cycle or flow of abundance. If you are doing just one, the system breaks down. If you give with fear and receive with resentment, you are blocking the flow.

Just observing how comfortable you are with these two seemingly opposite actions can significantly shift your beliefs and therefore, energy, around abundance, and let the cycle continue. It will unclog the drain and let the waters flow again.

Growing up I was told it was better to give than to receive. As a mother, it seemed to be a requirement. You better give, and who knows when you will receive. You give to your children, your spouse, your friends, your family, your local charities, your community, and so on. As a mother you can literally give until it hurts. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Now, there is nothing wrong with giving. Giving is essential. What you give is not important. It is how you give that makes the impact. Do you give from obligation or joy? Guilt or love? Fear or fullness? Do you give with an expectation that you better get something back or without expectation? Do you give to impress or with inner peace? The energy that goes into giving will dictate not only how you feel but how the receiver feels. If giving with the energy of fear or love, all are affected.

But, why is there a trend to give with resentment when we know giving is good for everyone? My theory is that mothers, and women in general, give from a half-empty, if not completely dry, tank. We run our engine without thought of filling up. Most of us would never expect our cars to run for a very long time without going to the gas station to fill up. We know to constantly fuel our kids up so that they "run" more healthily. But, what about us? We literally treat our cars better than ourselves.

You've probably heard all this before, but have you really stopped to feel the impact of how not filling up affects your energy around giving?

Now, how about receiving. That is usually the one with which we have the most challenges. That's the gas we need to run the car to do the giving that we so want to do. How do you receive things? Are you comfortable receiving? Do you feel that you deserve to receive?

Here's an example. I had a gathering of moms over a while back. I had served some snacks, drinks, created a nice atmosphere. Everyone had a great time including myself. I was giving and feeling good about it. Then at the end, my friend told me she had such a great time and thanked me. I could have said "You're welcome. See you soon.", but my knee jerk response was to say "It was nothing, Thank you for coming!" You may not see the difference here. It is deliberately deceptive. I realized afterward that I was not receiving her compliment. I was not letting her give me something. I felt undeserving of the thanks. I also had a false sense of power being the ultimate giver- the super mom who needs nothing and gives everything. After a time, I ran-out of fuel and felt resentful and martyred.

What to do? Here's a practical exercise: Get a small notebook that you can bring with you, if possible, or if not, use at the end of the day. Whenever you give or receive something, write it down in the notebook. Everything you give or receive. I'm talking money, food, clothes, advice, compliments, tickets, toys, kisses, hugs, insults everything! Now in the beginning, just record what they are and whether it was given or received. You could make two columns for ease of use. You'll be surprised what you write for just one day. Do this for a few days until you see a trend of how much you observe as given and received.

Once you get into this habit of recording, add this next element. With each item given or received, record the feelings you observe. The first feelings- not the ones you think you should have, but the ones that come in the beginning. That will give you a clue into how you really feel and the energy you put out.

You may find that you feel good when you receive a compliment, but then go into self-criticism almost immediately. That is good information! Remember to not judge yourself for your discoveries. This is all information gathering here. It is helping you to get an understanding of why this flow of abundance is not flowing your way. It is helping you diagnose so you can later make new choices for yourself. It is a tool to stop the knee-jerk programming you have been working under for so long.

The key is to feel good with giving and feel great with receiving. That is keeping the flow of living in abundance in all forms. The flow that is meant for you.

Rita Desnoyers-Garcia has devoted over 20 years to helping women discover and reach their full potential through coaching, classes, and workshops. Her popular abundance course is available online at http://www.extraordinaryabundance.com and includes more of her personal insights on living in abundance and the power of giving and receiving.