Practicing Abundance

Being able to observe Nature, but not control it, we can see that it’s not our thinking that makes things happen in the world around us, but a higher process at work. Our every inspiration is the intelligence of the universe, offering us the clearest, most direct path to our happiness. There’s guidance in each of us. This is because there is at the center of nature, and in each of us, a Soul. It’s so intertwined with universal processes that we prosper when we accept its advice. We need only follow through. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Natural Abundance

I am half way through a Zoom Abundance class with Rev. Dr. Beckwith where I am enjoying listening to the stories of miracles that arise out of the Field of Consciousness when we ask and are open. It reminds me how my training in being self-sufficient gets me only so far, and how much more Joy I have when the Divine Presence Within is front and center leading and guiding me. Yet, if I skip a day of spiritual practice or focus on what isn’t working I am sucked into a vortex where Abundance is no where to be found.

I appreciate that mystics place ALL of their marbles in the God basket. They take the time and the effort involved in going within and experiencing the Divine Presence voting with their Trust in the Invisible Realm. I have gotten better with this over the years, yet, for some reason as of late I’ve become lazy in my Faith. Aaaaargh. Practice keeps me in the game.

One of the stories Reverend Michael shared in class was Agape’s (his spiritual center) need for money to expand into a larger space for Sunday services. They didn’t have it and wanted to take out a loan. They didn’t have anything to put up for collateral and they were a young spiritual center. The Board was in doubt. Reverend Michael sequestered the Board, locked the door, and they all sat in practice until each Board member knew it WAS POSSIBLE for their new space to be funded. THEY DIDN’T NEED TO KNOW HOW, just that it could be. Over time, all Board members were in agreement in Consciousness that with God EVERYTHING was possible including the new building’s funding. The funding happened. A bank manager was familiar with the community and gave the go-ahead for the loan. He “happened to be” looking at the application on the loan officer’s desk and signed off on this seemingly risky loan.

I love this stories as they remind me that Life isn’t linear and that there are Invisible forces behind the scene. Ask anyone who has fallen in love. It wasn’t planned. It “happened.” Think about spontaneous healings you or friends have experienced. What about a job that someone was willing to bet on you when you didn’t have all of the qualifications yet the employer knew somehow you’d be perfect. Every day there is magic and miracles happening.

I am reminded to invest in silence each day. I am reminded when in Nature to see Its natural abundance. The leaves in my yard are a colorful reminder of the plenty that is so vast I could not count it. To listen to the within while looking for messages in the without. To be awake and aware to what feels good and right. And, to trust my gut. I have been reminded in this class when I pray for something specific to add “this I’ve requested or something better.” God loves doing BETTER. And to ask. “Ask and ye shall receive.”