How many of you feel abundance is a state of mind and not the pay cheques we rec

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   Savio Dawsonposted 12 years ago

   How many of you feel abundance is a state of mind and not the pay cheques we receive? Why?
   
   I know the question is a bit leading but time and again, I have read at different places that Abundance is a state of mind. When the mind changes its state, the physical proof in the form of prosperity, wealth and everything you need follows? Do you think this is true?

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   SidKempposted 12 years ago

   I partly agree. The penguins in your picture are clearly feeling abundance - and their paychecks aren't getting any bigger. Abundance is clearly a state of mind and not an external circumstance becuase people (and animals, too, I belieive) have been able to feel abundance to "be in the zone" since long before the invention of society, money, wealth, and poverty.
   
   Abundance is a state of balanced joy that we can create from within. We can learn to make it unconditional - not dependent on our paycheck or anything else. Then we are free to create wealth, which is an external. Or, we may not focus on material wealth and money at all. Abundance is part of freedom, and, when we are free, we get to choose wealth or simplicity.

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi SidKemp,
      
      That is an interesting analogy. Now, whenever I will see the penguins I will remember abundance... Nice way to frame it in my mind... Also, I tend to wonder, if it is our way of living which has made us link abundance to material things.

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Savio thanks for catching on. I feel there is more than an analogy;  it's areal connection. Your avatar evokes a feeling of abundance because the penguins in it are abundant and our animal selves feel that and share the feeling. yr last point - Yes!

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   somethgblueposted 12 years ago

   I think it is because we create our ow reality and that most of the time because of the frantic nature of our days we don't pay attention to this fact.
   
   When we pay attention to the synchronicity that occurs in our lives we begin to realize that, we are in fact creating what we want. If you think negative thoughts you beget negative abundance and vise versa.
   
   This is especially true now as the human race moves into a higher frequency of existence.

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, some years back when I was introspecting my achievements in life, I realized that many things that I had was because of me wanting them earlier... It is as if God has made a universe beautifully intertwined with our minds... Thanks!

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   beingwellposted 12 years ago

   Abundance is a state of mind, that is correct. Well, at least that's what I believe. Abundance can be of physical, spiritual, emotional, social and finally, financial abundance. If you (or we) really think that we are rich, these aspects should also coincide. More so, our state of mind must really be at peace that we truly have abundance in all aspects of our lives.

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      Insane Mundaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Without all the baloney philosophy about how the penguins find abundance in sharing their wings with Buddha, your answer is not only the most terse, but the most accurate one yet.  Thumbs up!

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Getting our state of mind to a peaceful place could be a challenge I guess.. But if we can achieve it probably abundance should follow... Thanks for you views beingwell...... Well your name says it all... :-)

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   stuff4kidsposted 12 years ago

   I'm pretty much in agreement with SidKemp on this.
   
   I'm very interested in Buddhism, although I am not a Buddhist. But the meditation I have done has clearly shown me that happiness - a feeling of security, acceptance, abundance in life - is a state of mind not a material condition and that state of mind can, at least theoretically, be achieved in any material condition.
   
   So in that sense, yes, abundance is in the mind.
   
   However, I don't think there is any evidence to suggest that there is any 'magical' correspondence between the 'right mind' and the creation of material wealth.
   
   After all, it would be very heartless and cruel to make such a proposition confronted with millions of starving children - as we are - both at home and abroad. We would risk blaming the victims of a greed-driven society and a power-crazed, growth-hungry politics for their condition of suffering. That would be wrong.
   
   So yes, in a sense and to a certain extent, I would concur. But I would also counsel treading carefully with the idea, adding a dose of daily reality and avoid pronouncing it - or anything for that matter - as a universal principle.
   
   Interesting question!
   
   Bless you

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I actually found resonance between Abundance thoughts and the Bible verse Matthew 25:29.. Even for the poor this verse holds good, only if they can shift their mindset.. Difficult I know... For those who can't there is always you and me... Thanks!!

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely beautiful.

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   Cristaleposted 12 years ago

   This is the same as being content and satisfied with what you have before you can have more. The state of mind a person can have is very important for many different reasons, including success and a happy life.

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Makes sense Cristale... Law of Attraction, I think.. If we get what we think of, then why not think of abundance? Thanks!

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Think of abundance. Feel it. Add being realistic and humble to avoid the grandiosity often associated with the Law of Attraction. Work long and hard in that state. Yes!

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   ChristinSposted 12 years ago

   I do agree.  I think abundance is a mindset that tends to lend itself to making people seek opportunities and better themselves.  I link abundance to optimism - those who feel blessed by what they have tend to be optimistic about life, what they can achieve - they see the glass half full.  Therefore, they are better able to see opportunities and failure doesn't overwhelm or stop them.  Optimistic people tend to be persistent people.  I also believe that what we feel attracts more of the same - you've heard the phrase misery loves company?  The opposite also applies.  If I feel blessed and abundant, I am going to look eagerly towards things that make me feel blessed and abundant.   
   
   Those in a poverty mindset that seem to struggle tend to feel powerless, they defeat themselves and don't readily embrace changes and opportunities.  I've been on both sides of this spectrum and I noticed when I came out of my personal darkness and became more positive and accepting and conscious of my blessings - more opportunities (and thereby more money) started flowing my way.   That being said a "poverty mindset" is NOT about money.  Many people without financial means are very joyful people.  It's not about blaming money or people who don't have it.   I think in Western cultures we are programmed to equate money to "success" or "happiness" and in that I disagree wholeheartedly. 
   
   I'd rather be flat broke and have the peace I have in my life, than be loaded with money and angry/greedy.

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Abundance linked to optimism... I like it .... Positive expectation, hope, optimism are all barometers of Abundance.... The challenge with poverty is that it is difficult for people to concentrate on abundance when most  of the reality is scarcity...

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      In emotional intelligence, realistic optimism is demonstrably linked to optimal health, the feeling of being "in the zone," and the most relaxed, effective behavior towards outer success and abundance that is possible.

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   A_Kposted 12 years ago

   I completely agree that abundance is a state of mind. However, while the statement is complete it doesn't give the correct picture to those who haven't experienced this state of mind. I will tell you why? When you are in an elevated mental state, you feel connected to the universe. You get a sense of fulfillment and abundance. However, this feeling does not last permanently. Like when you are thirsty, you look around for water and when you quench your thirst you feel fulfilled and abundant. At least that is the state of mind immediately after drinking water. But then you feel thirsty again and the cycle goes on. Similarly when you desperately want money and wealth you are in an unfulfilled state, but if you earn money or wealth through any means you feel abundant and quenched. But then again, you begin hankering for more. So, the cycle goes on. No one has ever said, "I have enough money and now I don't desire any more". I mean in the literal sense. So thirst or hankering is a state that runs in cycle. The cycle is broken in the case of advanced monks and zen masters because they lead a life where material wants have no meaning. People like us can achieve this sense of abundance only to a limited extent or in a relative sense. So, what I mean is that sense of abundance is entirely mental but cannot be divorced from the physical. If you had a magic wand that gave you anything you asked for. Would you feel abundant? I guess 'no' because you would soon begin feeling bored with life without struggle, without something positive and concrete to do. So, you would still not feel abundant. The feeling of abundance comes from fulfillment of wants which may not be entirely possible for people leading the daily grind of 9 to 5. However, the feeling of abundance actually comes from connection to the highest source so that you feel completely fulfilled because you inherit a paradigm that is not based on the narrow perception of needs and fulfillment. It is like someone that is thirsty is thrown into a sweet water lake. If they continue to live in there, the notion of thirst vanishes completely. Similarly when you begin to see that the universe has everything that you need and it actually belongs to you, you begin to literally experience abundance. But the slightest thought that all this wealth is not yours takes away the feeling of abundance. This thought comes from the perception of the lack of connection and the perception of your individuality(0 character left).

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Abundance and Fulfillment could be two sides of the same coin, I guess... A_K, you have really given it all... Really appreciate your post! Thanks!

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   Billie Kelpinposted 12 years ago

   Victor Frankl, in "Man's Search for Meaning," quoted Neitzche as saying, "He who has a 'why' to his existence can bear with almost any 'how'.  Supposedly, we can feel abundant in solitary confinement in a prision because our mind has the amazing power of trancendence.  There is a danger I sense, however, in the total embracing of this philosophy. Having coming from a strong Catholic background, I see how suffering is glorified. I see a twisting of this concept in modern day preaching in Protestant churches as well.  We can use the power of trancedence, thus feeling abundant, if we willingly choose this for ourselves.  However, if we start to judge other people on their ability or inability to feel abundant, we are part of the group that looks away from injustice and inequity.  When this belief system is neatly connected with politics it creates an opiated electorate that believes that we don't NEED to get paid fairly; unions are expecting TOO MUCH from corporations; and on and on. We have to be careful that contentment does not lead to complacency, especially in relationship to fighting against injustice for ourselves and our fellow human beings. I can feel abundant in the gift of the flowers blooming in my garden, the presence of my adorable little dog, Scooter, at my side, the presence and love of my family, and on and on. However to feel so content that I stop striving for the security and freedom that money brings, is something I refuse to do. Friends my age talk about getting along with less, giving up more, living more cheaply, not going out to eat, buying clothes at Goodwill, appreciating what you do have, just being content. I'd prefer "to walk and chew gum" as I like to call it - exist with the feeling of abundance and contentment while continuing "to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."  It's a delicate line to walk.

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      Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      To have goals and have a strong "Why" is great... But during the phase of achievement the mindset we have will greatly influence the outcome between Abundance and Scarcity, I guess... Thanks for your post and I see you have taken some time on that...

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Stephen R. Covey was the first to suggest "poverty consciousness" as a state of mind leading towards a state of poverty. He developed his ideas along the lines that the opposite - Abundance Consciousness - must also exist. Chk out my 7 Habits hubs.

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    Lizam1posted 12 years ago

    I have found that when I am open and thankkful for everything I feel better and things go better.  So, for me that is abundance.  I create opportunities that lead to activities, sometimes financial gain but most often a sense of well being and security.

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       Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I think you are hinting towards gratitude and appreciation... So true.. When I thank God for the things I have, the more of those things come my way...Count your blessings does make sense... Thanks Lizam1!

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       SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Gratitude, for me, is like breathing in. It gives us energy. Grace is the resulting state, graceful energy leading towards happiness. This allows easy outflow of Generosity. The three G's(m): Gratitude, Grace & Generosity, are abundance conscious

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    ilovehubsposted 12 years ago

    
    
    “Positive belief in yourself will give you the energy needed to conquer the world and this belief is the power behind all creation.” ― Stephen Richards
    
    Merriam-Webster Definition of ABUNDANCE
    1: an ample quantity : profusion
    2: affluence, wealth
    3: relative degree of plentifulness 
    
    Abundance is not a state of mind, it simply means ample quantity. I believe you are confusing Abundance with The law of attraction.
    
    According to the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_attraction
    
    The law of attraction is the name given to the belief that "like attracts like" and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results.[1][2][3][4] For example, if a person opened an envelope expecting to see a bill, then according to the law of attraction, the envelope would "confirm" those thoughts and contain a bill when opened. A person who decided to instead expect a cheque might, under the same law, find a cheque instead of a bill.[5]
    Although there are some cases where positive or negative attitudes can produce corresponding results (principally the placebo and nocebo effects), there is no scientific basis to the law of attraction.
    I hope my answer helps you understand  the difference between abundance and The law of attraction. Happy hubbing and good luck.
    
    “The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.” ― Stephen Richards

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       Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks ilovehubs!
       
       The post is indeed a mix of two concepts - "What you have? (Abundance or Scarcity)" and "What you get? ( by law of attraction)"... So if  I have a feeling of having ample  then by the LOA, I should have more of "ample"..

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    lupineposted 12 years ago

    I agree with SidKemp - Abundance is a state of mind, balance, a feeling of peace and freedom. We can be abundant in many things, not just in the amount of money we get in a paycheck. We can live within our means and feel abundance, then there are those who get very good paychecks and still don't feel abuncance. It's how you view your life and how you live it. When you rely mainly on a paycheck to measure abundance...you essentially lose your balance, peace and freedom!

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       SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Lupine - well said, and your last sentence is a reminder we all need to hear.

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       lupineposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Sid, I value your philosophy and consider this a complement. Voted up on your answer.

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       Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       True!! I have come across people who take home great sals and yet complain so much!! So pay cheques are definitely not an indicator of abundance!! Thanks!!

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       lupineposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Savio - Thanks! Always remember, it's not how much money you have, but how you use it.

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    IDONOposted 12 years ago

    I believe that abundance is the result of a state of mind. If you are pretentious and set goals that are far beyond your true capabilities, you will never feel abundance. If your self image is low and you have a lack of self confidence, you will sell yourself short and realize you left a lot on the table. Neither of these mindsets can produce abundance.
         A certain degree of humbleness and a realistic self image can set the bar on where you think you should be in life. That gives you a much more realistic view and allows you to make your own decision whether you even require an abundance to be happy or knowing what you have to do to reach that abundance goal you set. Grandiose ideas are a recipe for failure.
         Whatever decision you make will be made with a true sense of what it takes to meet each option. And what is an abundance to me, may not be to you. That's an individual choice.

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       Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Meaning of abundance itself can be different.. That is true... So long as we are happy with our definitions and life, we should be good... Thanks Idono!!

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       SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for bringing in humility and realism!

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    Insane Mundaneposted 12 years ago

    All feelings are a state of mind; not much mystery there... As long as we continue to exist in this chaotic infinity, the feeling of abundance, if attained, will only be finite, as there will always be more to our existence to unravel and discover later on.  Life, as they call it, is all about the experience, and as long as you have the ability to find abundance in anything, well, more power to ya...  Pay checks?  Dang!  Since when does the universe accept cash for cosmic rewards?

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       Savio Dawsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That is so true.... Looking for abundance in whatever we have... Very resonating thought.... I remember my mom teaching this when I was a kid... I think she was a spiritual guru of sorts as much as you are... Thanks!

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