Creating Abundance

Brent October 9, 2023

CHAPTER 02

CREATING ABUNDANCE

One of the first things we would like to accomplish is learning to live in the moment more often. It is a trick Zen masters call mindfulness.

First focus on this moment, and then the next and the one after that. For it is what we do now, the choices we make to be healthy and whole, beginning right now, that will lead us to our promising futures of abundance and purpose.

Normally we do not so much look at things as overlook them. — Alan Watts

Living in the moment is difficult when we have responsibilities. We are normally gauging what has to occur in the future, and evaluating what has happened in the past.

A state of being, in which we are entirely present is almost childlike. Watch a child at play and he is totally involved in the moment. Thoughts of what comes next or what he did in the morning are put aside for a joyful, purposeful action that is engaging all of the senses. Researchers say that children’s minds operate in a beta state of active moment-to-moment living until they reach five years old. It’s a constant source of growing, experiencing, assimilating and learning.

For us to constantly live in the moment does not seem very practical. Yet on balance we ignore the moment so often that we are actually missing out on our own childlike discoveries, the little miracles that occur around us everyday.

Yesterday is ashes; tomorrow wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly. —Old Eskimo Proverb

Think of a time when we were absolutely living in the moment. It is usually a time of high achievement. It could have been while engaged in a sport, or falling in love, playing a musical instrument, giving a speech or even during an emergency or crisis. Time seemed to slow and every motion was perfect and efficient.

Remember that moment for a second and take in all the senses as if you were there. Then sit quietly and return to that experience. Breathe deeply and become aware of your breath as you inhale and exhale. Feel with all of your senses. As thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge them briefly and then let them go. Stay in this state as long as possible. It takes time to master a sustained focus.

Write in your journal about that experience you may have had while in the moment and make a comparison to your normal state of being. Think of a time when we were absolutely living in the moment. It is usually a time of high achievement. It could have been while engaged in a sport, or falling in love, playing a musical instrument, giving a speech or even during an emergency or crisis. Time seemed to slow and every motion was perfect and efficient.

Write in your journal about that experience you may have had while in the moment and make a comparison to your normal state of being.

Learning to treasure our many moments, will alert us to the abundance all around. Time, opportunity, positive thought — think of a new one each second.

Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.

— Sarah Ban Breathnach

It is so easy to go with the familiar, get into patterns that before we know it, become ruts. We can be spinning our wheels and not even know it. Steering up and out does take effort but the freedom we experience once we are un-stuck is so worth it.

This process occurs naturally and constantly in nature. They say the strong survive, but so do the resourceful. Have a clear direction. Steer clear of obvious danger. Adapt to new terrain. These are the methods of the leaders who deliver themselves and their followers to greener pastures.

Don’t forget to click the mark complete button when you have finished completing your journal.

Elevate

Introduction

Participants 116

Creating Abundance

Brent October 9, 2023