Abundance: Old Ideas → New Reframes

Financial Wealth → Mind-Body Wellbeing

abundance: noun
the situation in which there is more than enough of something:
an abundance of: There was an abundance of food at the wedding.
in abundance: This team has talent in abundance.
The area has an abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams to fish in.
opposite: scarcity
–Cambridge Dictionary

Whenever I thought of abundance in the past, it registered as Money. Big Bucks. Copious amounts of Cash. The kind of wealth one dreams of, but maybe hasn’t yet experienced.

Even Merriam-Webster Dictionary includes “AFFLUENCE, WEALTH” as a synonym.

That’s not to say this can’t be true—for many it is. Arriving at a place of financial abundance is very real, and it can unfold in pretty miraculous ways (whether it’s ethical or not is a topic for another time).

The problem with expecting this one singular type of abundance is that perfectionist tendencies, control-based habits, or scarcity mindset can get in the way of fully enjoying the many other forms of abundance that are already part of our reality.

Much like practicing gratitude, if we fail to see the abundance that exists in the present moment, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of lack—creating a physical, emotional, even material reaction of missing something versus having everything.

Remaining in a lack loop can lead to stress and anxiety, which may eventually show up as gut issues, disrupted sleep, or decreased immunity. When the body feels depleted, we can easily lose motivation to create the life we desire because we feel like garbage.

Wah wah.

This is important to be aware of so that we can redirect our awareness out of the downward spiral if we get stuck in it. I’ve been there, and even with a strong toolkit of holistic wellness practices, it can still be a pretty deep dark hole to crawl out of.

But life might be generally less stressful and more enjoyable if we can aim to shift toward an abundance mindset in a few simple yet effective ways:

• Acknowledge and process emotions around what you feel you lack—whether it’s something heavy and life-altering or tiny yet significant. Having additional support here can be really helpful.
  • If you feel guilty for the abundance you already have, acknowledge and process those emotions, too—practice self-forgiveness and gratitude.
• Refocus your attention on the abundance that already exists—whether it’s a cup of tea, nourishing meal, piece of music, or person in your life that inspires you.
  • If you want to give more, but can’t do so financially, explore other ways you can give more—whether it’s via emotional or physical assistance.
• Practice embodying that physical and emotional feeling of abundance as often as possible—return to it over and over, even when life feels tough.

The kicker is to repeat this process when times are good times or bad; happy or sad. Abundance is not about waiting for things to improve, but knowing how to practice and embody gratitude, fulfillment, and presence at any time.

Easier said than done sometimes, but worth the effort, no?

Reflect

• What were your previous or limiting ideas of abundance?
• What do you feel you’re lacking right now, and how does it make you feel?
• What are you already abundant in, and how does acknowledging it shift your feelings and perspective?

Reach out for personalized 1:1 coaching to cultivate your unique abundance mindset in sustainable and holistic ways that suit your lifestyle.

Take good care,

S

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