Monday, October 27, 2008

The Economy: From Scare City to A Bun Dance


Are you as drained as I am, with the constant, incessant really, media coverage of this financial crisis? The reality itself is bad enough, but the exhaustive and repetitive reporting, is just way over the top in my opinion. As Cathy Severson over at "Retirement Life Matters" says, "Finance as entertainment doesn't work". Turn the TV off, she says, and I agree!

Another excellent way to better understand and overcome the current financial situation we've found ourselves in, is to look at what Alan Cohen has to say about it in his timely article "From Scare City to A Bun Dance". Alan Cohen is a writer, teacher, keynote speaker and seminar leader in the fields of personal growth, professional motivation, spiritual inspiration, holistic health, human relations and achievement of work/life balance. He has appeared on numerous national TV and radio shows and is also a faculty member of the celebrated Omega Institute in New York. I find his article fascinating. Here are Alan's 10 vital tips that will help you soar through this period:

1. The economy is an expression of the consciousness of those who create it ― all of us. We vitalize the economy with expansive thinking and action, and we deaden it with fear and contraction. You have power over the economy ― especially your own ― by consciously choosing the thoughts you think, the attitudes you hold, and the actions that proceed from them.

2. The economy is not a fixed entity, but is quite liquid, constantly changing in accord with the thoughts and emotions of those who create it. The economy you see today is a result of the attitudes and actions that sourced it yesterday. The economy you will see tomorrow is a result of the attitudes and actions you think and do today.

3. You have the ability to create a personal economy independent of the one experienced by the masses. There are always people who thrive in a floundering economy, and people who flounder in a thriving economy. The two greatest architectural achievements of the twentieth century ― the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building ― were funded and constructed at the height of the depression.. There is always money out there for people who know how to use it. A visionary thrives under all conditions.

4. Engaging in conversations of lack only adds to the pool of thought that creates lack conditions. Talking abundance creates abundance. Join others in only those conversations that affirm what you want to create.

5. You are wealthy by nature, rich in an infinite number of ways that have nothing to do with money. Money is one thin slice of the greater pie of prosperity. Remember how rich you are regardless of money, and you will attract money to match your wealth consciousness.

6. In the Chinese written language, the symbol for "crisis" is a combination of the symbols for "danger" plus "opportunity." What opportunity lies before you as an individual and us as a nation?

7. This is a fertile time to check and reset your priorities. If you have been distracted by the quest for money or trapped by your business, you can refocus on your family, loved ones, and activities that truly bring you joy. If you end up being truer to values that fulfill you, this "crisis" will have served you well.

8. Circulate your wealth. The only antidote to financial contraction is to move energy. When you spend money, you become part of the solution. If you don't have money to spend, be generous in other ways. Give of your time, skill, and love. Even giving compliments is a way to stimulate the economy.

9. Remember that the tide always comes back in. The entire manifest universe functions in cycles. Every wave has a trough and a crest. No wave has ever ended with the trough. There is always a next crest.

10. Don't wait for the economy to get back on its feet before you can be happy. Find happiness right where you stand, and you will be the richest person in the world.

From Scare City to a Bun Dance, indeed, yes from scarcity to abundance!

I hope these 10 steps help you see this situation in a whole new light. I know it certainly did for me!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very interesting blog today. Especially the Chinese symbol for "crisis". I did not know that. I agree that the constant media coverage of the failing economy is over done. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Thanks for mentioning me. I whole heartedly agree. We need to start to redefine what wealth is.

fatfighter said...

Yes, too much bad news is well... just bad for you! I just want an update, then I'm done - it's too depressing.