by Digger Barr
https://gaiasgardens.guru/
“It’s time to tighten our belts. It’s beans and rice for a while.”
As a child growing up with a single parent, I remember my mother announcing this to me and my two siblings at the end of each month.
I knew she worked hard to take care of us.
Working two jobs we hardly saw her and things like housekeeping were our responsibility.
But I was in grade school and the financial world meant nothing to me.
I actually enjoyed rice and beans.
I did see how stressed my mom got because of money.
As an adult I understand clearly the attachment to money.
People get very upset when you mess with their money.
And they react to financial situations depending on their attachment to it.
I submit that this has varying degrees for a large variety of reasons.
My interest here is looking not at the different financial situations but at our attachments to money.
Keep in mind, as kids we were much more interested in other things. Put that thought on the back burner.
What is our attachment to money?
It’s been around for quite a while and we have built our lives around it.
Mess with it and you’re messing with our lives.
But what if we look past what we are used to and separate our attachments from money and how we use it and focus on what we really need to live.
Can we take money out of the equation?
Everybody has no money. Boom. Just give it a minute. Everybody has no money.
This moment is a great equalizer.
Like a drug it will create withdrawal symptoms.
Panic and pandemonium set in as mental and emotional responses.
Physically, we are still here.
Yes, Physically we still need to eat and sleep. And be safe. Others may need medical care.
What else is there? We can list many things but I am breaking it down to basics.
Take away my money and my concern will turn to what I need to do to meet my basic needs.
Food, water, shelter.
It’s the same thing the homeless deal with everyday. Because they are people.
We are all people.
Let’s say you have a home. You have a filled pantry. You have access to clean drinking water.
That’s living pretty high on the hog. A bit of bacon with your rice and beans.
Physically if you are fine. Good time to get grounded and release any attachments that no longer serve.
And if you find yourself needing help, reach out and ask.
If you can donate, donate.
There is no shame in connecting with your community. Quite the contrary.
Attachments to money aren’t really about money then is it?
It’s about convenience. It’s about having a common currency. It’s about fair and equitable exchange.
Wait, are we still talking about our current economy? Cause fair and equitable went south long ago.
The angst about money isn’t when we have it, it’s when we don’t have it.
It’s about lack. It’s the fear of not having it. This is the greatest trigger of all.
Unless you’re used to not having it, then it’s just another day.
When I want something and need to work a trade for it, my negotiations will be based on my word.
The transaction will need to happen in a manner that I trust.
We give our word and the exchange will follow.
These are values that have been lost that we can get back to.
My word is good. When I say I am going to do something, I do it.
If you say you will do something in exchange, I trust you will do it.
This is a fair and equitable exchange. This is spiritual currency.
Even with money, this should be the standard operating procedure.
Even with money, this should be the standard operating procedure.
Even with money, this should be the standard operating procedure.
How you chose to conduct yourself during challenging circumstances is the telling of your character.
Find it in your heart to have gratitude for what you do have, courage to do what you can do and patience for who you are.
Find compassion for those around you.
It’s the ‘end of the month’. It might not be easy but this too will pass.
Let’s see how it plays out. There are always more months ahead.
From the back burner we are reminded that the kids will be watching.
Let’s use every opportunity to create a better world shall we.
Mind your core issues. Lift your spirits. We are powerful creators.
In love and grace
Digger2023