The opposite of scarcity (not enough) is not abundance, but is enough.
~Brene Brown, author of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead
When I read this quote from an Ecofamily message by Kristi Cooper, former co-worker and dear friend, it vibrated with such truth. As she goes on to say, enough means just the right amount to satisfy our needs-not too much and not too little-JUST RIGHT.
Abundance sounds great and when it means what this quote says, it fits beautifully. But I think that often we have distorted our idea of abundance to mean excess. And that’s where it doesn’t work. As Mahatma Gandhi said’ ‘The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.’
This has been food for thought for me over the Thanksgiving holiday. How many times have I wanted something I don’t really need? How many times have I worried about the future, fearful that my needs would not be met? Those fearful thoughts actually create the lack I am afraid of.
Although I didn’t grow up during the Depression of the 1930’s, I know that I have been influenced by it through the memories and coping strategies that my parents and grandparents absorbed during that era. Those imprints are passed on, often outside of our conscious awareness. The fear of not having enough or losing what we have acquired runs deep. It has been a lifelong journey for me to heal those wounds and fears.
One small, yet not so small, step I have taken is to limit my tendency to store things for ‘just in case’…having an extra item ready in case the one I am using breaks or gets used up. I have learned to shift my thinking to motivate me to give things away so others can use them now, rather than storing them so I can possibly use them 5 years from now. Or not to buy or accumulate things in the first place.
Trusting that I will have ‘enough’ is challenging sometimes. But what a gift of freedom and peace I feel when I can let go of the fear that leads to accumulating and sometimes hoarding.
Let’s do some gentle self-examination and let go of the beliefs that prevent us from enjoying enough!
Blessings, Mary
From Gaia, November 30, 2015
My beloved ones,
I am so joyful when I see my people of the earth at ease, having faith in the supply of gifts that will meet your every need. Your friends and partners in the Unseen Realm know what you need. We want you to be peaceful and attuned to the flow of resources that will provide for you.
Surely it is fear of lack and not having enough that drives the machine of destruction, voracious accumulation and hoarding for the future. Look around you and you will see evidence of that everywhere.
Breathe deeply and quiet your mind. Get in touch with the ever-present Spirit that guides each step of your way along life’s journey. Know with great certainty that you are loved and cared for with a depth that is beyond your comprehension.
As you relax into the embrace of love from your Divine Mother, you will cease to worry and simply trust the flow of grace and life. I am here for you each moment, pouring out love in myriad ways. It may be the sight of a small creature or a beautiful tree. Or the smile from a stranger, the brush of the wind upon your face. I send countless reminders that you are precious and treasured, more than you can imagine.
Rest in the love that surrounds you each and every moment. Let go of the fears that grip your thoughts. Know that all is well, held in perfect and divine love and timing.
I love you, dear ones. I am Gaia, your Earth Mother, your friend.
Messages from Gaia 