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.
Thanks Mary. I know the path of trust and ‘enough’ so deeply as I’ve walked it for so many years. However we must have acceptance that what ‘is’ is indeed enough. So many times in the past I wished to do something, thinking that I needed or wanted it only to find out I didn’t and was being lovingly held and protected. It is a scary path until one is firmly grounded that needs will be indeed be met-needs, not necessarily wants, and very often not in ways we would have chosen but in ways that benefit others as well. Patience is necessary for sure. I love Ant in the Medicine Cards who says to be patient that what we need is known as you said and that it will come in right timing.
Bonnie, thank you for your beautiful perspective. I am learning to trust in the divine flow but have my times of doubt and fear. Fortunately, those times don’t last as long and I can move back into trust. It feel so good. I am interested in your Ant in the Medicine Cards and their message. Thank you for sharing!! Lots of love and gratitude to you!!
Mary, sorry to be so slow, life has been energetically overwhelming as it often is as you well know. I have lived with the Medicine Cards for 25 yrs, asking daily for guidance and found them to be a wonderful aid. I’m sure you’d love them too as they are animal guides. Ant is patience, a builder, of course a worker, working for the good of all. It shows trust in the universe to provide. If we are working for the good of the whole “be assured that the whole wants the same goodness for you, and it will be provided.” But it will most likely be received at the time it is most needed, so trust is needed.
Thank you, Bonnie! Your wisdom and experiences are such valuable teachers for me. Wishing you much love at this holy day season!! Mary