This concept is new to me.

I have always felt far more comfortable giving than receiving, almost feeling guilty for having extra, or more than I need, because it felt as though it caused an imbalance in the world. What I had, meant there would be less for everyone else.

Have you ever felt that there is only a finite supply of resources available and that this supply needs to be carefully managed so we can all survive? That if we are doing more than that, actually thriving, with excess, there is risk that we may have more than our share? There exists the possibility that those with less are judging those with more & resenting the imbalance. Who would want to be seen in this negative light? Surely not me. I definitely wouldn’t want to be identified as a hoarder (you can read more about this in my post “You May Be a Hoarder..”)

You have likely seen the stats re: division of worldly wealth and how extremely fortunate we are compared to a large portion of the world’s population. I love the gratitude rationale that says if we have dirty dishes, it means we have food to eat; a house to clean, means we aren’t homeless. There are many similar examples that remind us just how blessed we really are.

But does that ever make you feel uncomfortable? As though, what you have, means someone else has less?

We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada & our American neighbors will soon do the same. It’s a specific day designated to pausing our busy lives in order to consider all we have to be grateful for. It also gives us a chance to do an inventory of the abundance we enjoy EVERY day & often take for granted. As we realize the many creature comforts we have, in excess of our basic needs being met, and compare it to those with less, it can be uncomfortable. We may even feel that others having less is somehow due to us having more.

I was fascinated when I recently came across the concept that the universe has infinite abundance for everyone.

Our natural resources are somewhat finite in supply, but what of Peace, Love, Space, Money, Surprises, Patience, Kindness, Generosity and so on (please comment, below, with anything else that you can add to this list!).

There is a visual that I found the most helpful in processing this, one of standing on a beach at the edge of the surf. For each bucket I lift out of the ocean, there is no impact on the quantity still left for everyone else. Money, for instance, flows as water. It is meant to. As some is taken temporarily out of circulation, more is being added from many sources, including from myself.

The universe (or whatever you call your higher power - if that is something you believe in) wants us to have the abundance that it offers. When we resist it, for whatever reason, even misplaced guilt, it communicates to the universe that we either don’t feel worthy or are not ready or comfortable receiving all the abundance available to us..

The universe looks for the path of least resistance, so when it experiences roadblocks, we can be missing out. If our perception of what is available to us and whether we are worthy of it, is one of lack, then the universe will get the message that we aren’t ready & will send the abundance along an easier path with less resistance.

Once you have gotten past the old concept that had you convinced you aren’t worthy of abundance, or that others suffer when you are blessed, and you start receiving it with open arms, expecting more, then be open and curious about how the universe will bring abundance to you. Expect it. Accept that it will arrive in whatever form and at whatever time is best for you and everyone else. Celebrate each blessing, large or small.

Know and accept that there will be a natural balance and, that you receiving more, doesn’t mean others have less.

There is more than enough for everyone. And when you are open to receiving abundance, then you also have more to share!!

I’ll see you on the shore. Bring a bucket!

xo Deena