Prosperity... What's It All About?

by Marie T. Russell

In this day and time of the "new millennium", many are talking of prosperity, of abundance, and of prosperity consciousness. It has now become acceptable in some spiritual communities to "have it all". For centuries, or millennia, the opposite was being taught... We have many common expressions and teachings that refer to this: "No pain, no gain"; the teaching that it's easier for a poor man to get into heaven; and I seem to remember that Jesus loved the meek...Now, of course, the interpretation given to these stories was that it was better to give away your riches and to be poor, than be rich and not be able to get into heaven -- as if these were the only two options open to us. So, the followers paid attention, and paid out their money to the teachers of such profound wisdom. 

Yet, when we look at the other side of the coin, we see that we were also told that we are the children of God and created in His (Her?) image. Now, I don't remember being told that God was poor and starving, and was going around begging, or doing things He/She didn't enjoy to attain daily bread and sustenance...So, we also are not beggars fighting to keep from starvation. We are created in the image of God. The all powerful, all knowing God...like Father, like son (and daughter)...that's us. How can the beloved child of that all powerful and all knowing Being be poor and lacking of material comforts and even luxuries if so desired? 

How do we create this situation of lack in our lives? One way is by thinking that we do not deserve prosperity, which includes not only financial prosperity, but emotional well-being, and bliss. We judge ourselves so harshly for our "transgressions" that we are not about to reward ourselves with success on all levels; we close down to receiving or attracting the Good that is there for us. We also block the door to our good by encumbering the doorway with guilt and anger...deeds unforgiven, and resentment at current expenses.

Have you ever realized that rather than grumbling about the electric bill or the phone bill, it would indeed behoove you to be thankful for the services provided, and be grateful at having to render the exchange (payment) for the services provided? When you perform a job for someone, it seems only right that you get paid, right? So does it not also seem fair that the rent, the phone bill, the electric bill, etc. be paid...and gratefully at that? 

I also mentioned unpaid bills...The main catch with this is that we justify not paying bills with the thought, "Well, I don't have enough money to pay this", which becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Every time you procrastinate on paying a bill or debt with the excuse that you don't have the money, you create a bigger gap in your finances, because you will, of course, prove yourself right...(who ever wants to be wrong?) Of course, the key is trust...Trust that as you take care of your responsibilities today, God (and yourself as co-creator) will take care of a responsibility towards you: that of seeing that you have your daily bread which includes the fulfillment of your desires...whether that is a workshop, a concert, a simple spaghetti supper, or a roof over your head. 

I'm not saying one has to act foolishly, but rather look realistically at your situation, you priorities, and ask the Universe (God) for help. First you need to acknowledge that there is a power in the Universe that wants you to be happy and prosperous, and then affirm that you also are willing to be happy and prosperous. The secret is in acquitting your responsibilities and at the same time, opening up to receive your abundance. Once you clear the doorway of the guilt of unpaid bills and old debts (karmic or otherwise) that have accumulated there, the pathway becomes clear for prosperity to flow your way. 

All of this also applies to the emotional level. Sometimes we feel we don't receive enough love, yet our "receptive channel" is cluttered with old resentments, fears, and other such garbage. Then we wonder why the love isn't coming in...The reason is that there is too much static on the line...Love comes by and tries to get "air-time" and constantly gets knocked off the air by the old junk...the old resentments, fears, etc. 

Luckily it is up to us, and only up to us, to clear out the debris surrounding us in order to make space for receiving our birthright... abundance, bliss, and joy. It takes a little determination, and a lot of honesty and courage, to start the clearing process and to keep at it day by day...Doing this, you can be assured of having increased prosperity in the form of more aliveness, joy, love, and financial wealth. Remember you are a divine being! You deserve the BEST! Get out of the way and allow yourself to have it. 

About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first published in 1985 as Mighty Natural Magazine). She produced a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1991-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our inner source of joy and creativity.

Marie's favorite book on this topic: 

"The Trick to Money is Having Some!"
by Stuart Wilde.
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