Soul Savvy humans are always evolving, the ambitious little buggers. Despite any retrograde planet or beaurocratic nightmares along the way – the pace is rarely slow. Last month I was reetling a bit from a step up into playing bigger, as some call it. Booked a sacred pilgrimage to Egypt along with a dear friend. It kicked my money ass!

I heard a voice from what felt like the ancestor realm – a kind of doomsday voice – say, “You’re inviting disaster!!” (A friend later asked, “Is this the old biddy ancestors?” Ha! You mean there’s fear-based as well as love-based ancestors? Hmmm….Do they duke it out?) Well, one thing was clear – I was stretching into new territory, personally and dna-wise. But it took a while to adjust, and for a while I noticed my computer backgammon game frequency reach new heights.

I wasn’t winning.

When you’re taking risks, or reaping benefits of leaps you’ve recently taken (as in a great month  of sales in your business, or reaching a milestone on the job) – you can sometimes hit the ceiling of your “upper limits of joy” as Kathyln and Gay Hendricks, authors of Conscious Loving, call it. It’s kind of the cosmic thermostat of what you think you’re capable of – what is comfortable. When that temperature is rising, our inner homeostasis watchers (Ego? Inner Big Brother? Inner kid who didn’t get good results in the past when shining?) can send you some messages. The old fogey side of the DNA can make the warning lights and “danger” bells go off.

Yep, this is a good sign.

You are progressing beyond the comfort zone. Yet – it can bring up safety and trust issues that you can attend to for less bumpy journeying out in that tundra of new territory.

ATTENDING TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS WHEN PLAYING BIGGER

I love that song by The Bears, Fear is Never Boring. Ha ha! Never boring, and a constant companion. Someday we might be friends, but now he just makes my solar plexus feel like a giant frozen tomato.

It helps to know this is somewhat normal. Do you know Jerry Garcia, lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead, never lost his stage fright after all those years of playing (and polysubstance assistance)? I guess it’s time to get used to this portal spice of fear sprinkling our existence.

Many of you are quite brave about facing fears that most humans might forever delegate to closet space. Sometimes it feels like it’s less of a choice – you’re surprised by big leaps or shifts you pull off. Either way, good to remember that when you hit these levels of new ground, it is a type of starting over.

The spiral model of growth is circular and roundabout, yet each level is above the last. It’s not straight up the mountain side. So you hit those same landmarks of the trail again and again in the spiral – the same bumps can trip you up – but you are at a higher level inside and out. You’ve got more skills and ways to navigate those bumpy parts.

This is good news, even when you want to say, “Oh no, that same bump again – haven’t I made any progress?” When expanding with prosperity work and other braveheart warrior training, there is an opportunity to do things in a new way. Often our past cycles when we were less empowered might have involved more struggling and less support, for example. Yes we achieved this, but it took years off our life, caused endings in relationships, or income difficulties, as we muscled our way through.

The extra challenge of breaking new ground in this time is that you get to redesign the HOW YOU TRAVEL part. So if past pioneering involved severe bump absorption, you might have a tendency to assume it’s going to be a similar ride. It might not even occur to you for example, that you can get support or ask for some help. Doh! (Yay…)

The big issue here is safety and trust, as Mark Silver, author of Unveiling the Heart of Your Business, notes. In past rounds of that spiral, maybe it was NOT safe. You’d have been an idiot to trust. Now that you are the captain of your spiral ship however, you get to call the shots a bit more. Oop, watch that wave!

LEARNING THE LANDSCAPE OF TRUST

So yes, upper limits syndrome can show up before, after, and during expansion. With less awareness, you tend to boomerang around the landscape like road runner evading the coyote, hitting the ceiling and hitting bottom quite a bit.

But you can make it a smoother ride. Well, as smooth as it can be in the 2012 birth canal. A good start is just being aware of this upper limits thingey, and noticing when you are expanding. You can take your braveheart warriorness for granted sometimes and just think you’re just trucking along. Well my friend, look at that freakin’ leap you just took. My jaw is still on the floor. (applause, shy acknowledgement, humble bows, etc.)

AWARENESS STEPS

So first just acknowledge the expansion and the courage it took. It may still be a bit rocky. Just keep watching. When you watch your self and your life, you develop those “witness” muscles that add cushioning and more breathing room to the captain’s room view. 

Yes, you can even shut entirely down when in the rocky zone of change. Note the details. These can be considered your personal symptoms of upper limits syndrome. Cranky? Playing lots of video games or doing more TV? Dropping out of the exercise program? Sleeping more or less? Eating more comfort food? Feeling more hopeless about making a difference in this world that’s sinking down the drain and on and on? Okay, make a list. These symptoms can change, but they’re often similarly themed. Note any excess “dra-ma”, as Dave Navarro terms it.

Then check in with what you now need. Often you might forget to take a break, celebrate, and/or plan for more support as you crossover into that bigger universe where you might have to regularly stand up straighter and be braver than ever. So yes, remember to nurture and water your self. And note that living with awareness and some peace/kindness in these times is a huge contribution. Even if you haven’t yet created that masterpiece, green company/product, or ebook.

To summarize the awareness step:
*Witness with tenderness and compassion – mostly curiosity. Take the anthropologist role.
*Note the symptoms – yep, write it down, and make a file or something so you’ll find it later.
*Take a breather to celebrate, rest, think about what you’ll need in this new world – like . . .
*Support? To advise loved ones of changes that might rock their boat too? Gifts to self, etc.

FREAK OUT DANCE MOVES

How you travel through growth spirals can vary – kind and gentle to frozen and cranky, awake to asleep at the wheel, fear to exhilaration. I can vouch for this as the tomato stains have not yet rinsed out from July’s laundry.

So along with the symptom list, it may behoove you to also compile the Freak Out Dance Moves list. You can play that song “Freak Out” from the disco days while you peruse your techniques in times of trouble. Anything! that might bring a half moon smile to your lips.

Here are some things to try, and add to:

* Exaggerate it all. Want to curl up in the fetal position? Make a sign, Closed til January? Do it.
* Along the same lines, act out the emotion in BIG mode. Let fear contract you to a prune.
* Plan a vacation. What the heck, you might not get anything done right now anyway.
* Is there perhaps, no . . . can’t be . . . a need for some fun? Nurturance? Nevermind.
* Work with it on the body level. Where’s the stress/emotion? Breathe in there. Let it just be.
* Alternately, devise a body-based “antidote”. Frozen tomato position antidote is to fiercely embody the solar plexus zone – to muscularly jut my chakra forward into space with a smile.
* Write a bit – what’s the worse case scenario? What would be the best case scenario? Hmmm.

About the “make it big” technique. Often our cotnractions are held in place by sounds at low volume. When you turn it up, you hear how ridiculous that “frozen tomato” fear really is. I’m inviting disaster? Because I’m going to Egypt instead of buying a new couch? Please, say more. (As the fear shoots itself in the foot…)

I can’t say enough about getting support – in general, in these times, and especially when you are one of this tribe intent on evolving and being part of the change. When I was in tomato position in July, my mastermind buddies (a type of support group) noted that while I didn’t think a lot was getting done, it was. They also noted the idea of “pooling” – when rivers swirl and circle before moving downstream again. Thanks guys.

My experience with clients and myself is that we tend to take a lot of our beauty and bravery for granted, along with our gifts and jewel-like attributes. So chances are this might be happening as you pass through one of these transition zones between what was and what will be. It’s a bitch to begin again sometimes. So catch it if you’re being hard on yourself (turn that volume up). You won’t go wrong giving yourself a little credit at these times, even if you can’t see two feet in front of you. Think of a kid having a nightmare or having a scare or being sick, and break out the tea and cookies.

Having any growing pains lately? Can you tell the difference between the need for TLC and a GooSKA (good swift kick … you know where)? What helps you at the edges between the old and the new, brave and/or frozen ones?

Yet when you are walking upon the good goddess’ latest bouquet of mind-bogglingly-colored mountain meadows, you can’t help but feel the inner YIELD sign arise. Sure you can just <stop>. Even if you keep moving, it’s amazing how just a bit of easing off the gas pedal can allow awareness and healing to come into the picture.  A slight mph adjustment can change the world at times.

Maybe there’s a reason they call it “breakneck” speed (quite the term, eh?)  

HOW FAST DO YOU DRIVE?

I can recall many healing crises of self and other, where the first step is just to pause – or stop completely. How many rituals begin with this? How many shocking medical diagnoses start with a complete screeching halt? If you fall, or get sick – how long is it before you hear the knock of the Wisdom of Slow dude? (Come in, you say. Then the eye gazing begins … Gulp!)

We’re on the threshold of potentially massive change – even though the current times attempt to maintain a normal appearance. The assemblage points (reference points of reality) – the ones that aren’t going to work in the new paradigm ahead – are being scrambled. Reprogramming appears to be afoot. Time to surrender, my friends.

Take for example my old (ha ha) way of working – hardly stopping for breaks, neglecting fun and creative time. Cosmos is not letting me pass go anymore with that. My Mrs. Potato Head soul features feels a bit topsy turvy. (Is this where my soul nose goes? Since when is it a red-sponge-shaped circle?)

Thank goodness for all the work, training, spiritual practice under our belts. Testing, testing, 1,2,3 … Engage! Make it so! Wisdom of Slow dude, better strap yourself in.

SLOWING DOWN FOR REPROGRAMMING

Good to remember that this next oh, decade or third of a century will likely involve many healing crises, personal as well as planetary. The systems need to crash and be rebuilt. It’s going to take a lot of patience, humor and “in the world but not of it” innovation. You many wonder at times if you are up for the task. Yep. Yet there’s no tellin’ where our soul nose will be found at various times of the upheaval. Good thing that there cartilage is flexible.

Do you ever recall being with yourself or another in a healing crisis? Sometimes the first step there is to just s . . l . . o . . w everything d. . . o. . . w. . . n. Like my friend who slipped while we were hiking and crunched up her hip. We stopped and did a body alignment exercise, right in the dirt. Took some minutes to breathe and note the impact and ouchiness. Boof! She was shocked that there were no pain or kink leftovers. The movement work helped - but just heeding the STOP sign is half the battle.

Playing with speed includes spiritual practice, which tends to lift your foot off the gas pedal quite well. Even driving for example, can be a great practice area. If you regularly drive 10 miles over the speed limit or more, down shift to 5 over. If you drive 5 over, try driving the actual speed limit. If you drive the speed limit – How courageous! What planet of slow lanes did you incarnate from? Well, you don’t need any of my help. Please contact me to take over this column or download ideas; thanks.

THE SPIRIT OF SLOW WITH MONEY

Many compulsive or impulsive tendencies would loose their steam if you cut their speed. Sex, food, communicating, hiking – all of these can be enhanced with deceleration. This is clear with money, too, where there are a number of spots for watching. First, feel the pain, notice the healing crisis approaching. Is it waking up in the morning with the fear of “Not enough, Need more, or What have I done?”Oh, hello you lovely fear. Thank you for this teaching. Deep breath. And Hey, what if there is enough right at this moment? What if I switch gears to gratitude for all that is here? Exhale …

Before you spend money you haven’t signed off on (i.e., impulsive spending or “I know I really can’t afford this but that’s what credit cards are for” spending) – take a big fat deep breath and exhale, saying “Arggghhhhhh”. Feel better already, right? Grin. Then stop, be still and chill. Ask inside – do I really want to spend my energy here? Even if you go ahead with the purchase; you can slow down and be fully aware, noticing the impact after.

Or how about when you are dragging your feet to the money meeting, that scintillating time of the week or day when you crunch your numbers and see how many chai lattes you can treat yourself to, without guilt or fudging. What? You only do this meeting once a month/quarter? How can you put this joy off for so long, my friend? That tension is so much more solid until you open the file and sit your ass down for a brief time. Ah, not as bad as I thought… Or Phew! It’s pretty bad – good thing I slowed down here, and decided what action I can take now.

Anyway, at that moment of friction, you breathe, and just notice the foot cement friction. You wiggle your toes. Spray some lavender or rose water on them. And then imagine yourself spending your money on a luscious latte, without guilt. Okay maybe you’ll had to finally eat the beans and rice in the cupboard, or the veggies in the freezer. But then you will walk into that visa charge with a glint in your eye and a spark to your step. “Hand over that skinny sugar-free vanilla decaf latte,” or “I’d like that couch now!” you bellow with glee! And it’s so good; you leave an extra tip. And breathe deep into your 360 degree awareness moment of money peace.  

It does take a lot of extra breathing, if you notice.

SACREDLY SLOW MONEY AND THE 2012 BIRTH CANAL

Potential money areas you might try slowing down with:

-Using the credit card when you want to abstain or know it ain’t there
-Postponing the money meeting or checkbook balancing
-Feeling lack or an anxiety or a compulsive need to check the Dow Jones
-Spending impulsively and more clearly hearing why you deserve it
-Reverting to an old belief that is in the “shift” lane
-Shrinking from the marketing that will get you to the fun part of your work
-Doubting yourself or not following through after having an impulse to donate

And then there are always plenty of general healing tidbits for the earth/birth walk:

-Breathe (I know, you are hyperventilating by now)
-Be kind to yourself and others – especially yourself – start there friends
-Ask what the gift of this could be, after you let out a few arghhs and bellows
-Slow and easy does it, especially with challenge zones
-Do your practices early in the day so you stay grounded in perfect storms
-Wonder what a comedian might do with this -how would this would be funny in 100 years?  

I welcome your comments on slowing down with money and other stories of healing.

Thanks for your presence and willingness to work it. Peace, Denise.

Money – It’s Not Rocket Science, yet … You Often Jump Ship

You’ve been good. You’ve been eating at home, digging the healthier foods, and saving money for weeks on end. Then all of a sudden, some extra stress, a few challenging emotions, and the idea of another bowl of bean soup all converge, and – Voila! You have a string of dining out that buries your thrifty record in the dust.

Or you’ve had a great few months of sensible spending after resolving to stay away from the mall. But you discover a new shoe store next to the hardware store when you had to pick up the duct tape and vwoosh! Another pair of sexy shoes click clack into your closet.

Or you have been planning to make time for a money meeting with your self/hubby/family. But the familiar dread arises when you wake up that day, or a few hours before your scheduled time. You’re tired! You haven’t had any fun in way too long … wouldn’t it be possible to start this next week? Then maybe you’ll find the receipts that have gone missing and be able to get a handle on the budget …

Okay then. Get that burger and shoes – go to the movies instead of your money meeting. Feeling better? No, of course not. Because you’ve not fed your sensuous belly, artistic side, or your need for fun. You’ve fed the Money Monster – and while the Monster’s happy, your true self knows the hungry ghost belly is never satiated.

Who Dat Monster?

By this time, you probably have heard how our money messages of the past can gain mass and momentum like a snow ball rolling into Frosty formation. Usually it’s an innocent start – look at that cute little ball of snow – but it grows over time and gets hard to stop without major work.

Maybe you asked dad a silly question like, “Can I have that new bike?” or “How much money do we have?” and got read the riot act. Maybe you noticed (this would be me) that even though there wasn’t money to cover basic expenses, worry would occasionally be thrown to the wind for some fast food relief that might have instead bought a lot of … okay, beans – but you catch my drift.

Often the money messages are way old – passed down through generations. There are positives with the negatives too. For example, when depression-era or immigrant thriftiness leads to good shopping and saving skills, but also limited earning mindsets or hoarding tendencies. Such a mixed bag to sort!

Luckily – there is hope for you no matter how wicked your money monster. You just have to open that closet door (phew! need some air in here) – and get the dude out in the open. So let’s see how to “out” this thing and get some help with ambush prevention.

All good monsters operate better in dark dank closets, and capitalize on the element of surprise. But just a wee bit of awareness (hey that Leprechaun’s early!) brings them to their knees, airates the room and it may even make you guys a bit friendlier.

After all money monsters do start with good intentions too – usually to protect you – but but this outdated history has outlived the need for defense. You now need to dismantle the money monster autopilot function.

How to Troubleshoot Money Monster Claws

I do recommend you rent or buy the book – I liked Spencer’s energy and self disclosure of his own “money madness”. He has good stories about people’s different types of money monsters (MM) – they strike us all. Yes, MMs operate despite their owners being educated and/or moneyed – like the mortgage banker who buys the too expensive home due to visions of wine sipping at the fireplace (irrational) rather than the number story with the fireplace repair reality(rational). Or the broker who puts all his money into one stock and loses it all when the bubble bursts, despite knowing way better.

The following ideas come from the book as well as the MoneyMonk pool of wisdom, and eh … snowball melt.

1) Be on the lookout for your irrational $ behaviors and triggers
You should know by that Ugh kind of deflated feeling in your stomach afterwards – or the speeding heartbeat before and during the spending. Just notice what you can about it, and what might have contributed to jumping over to this irrational side of life, this time.

2) Look for money leaks, and links to old money messages
In my case, there were a lot of money messages, but I didn’t really link it to my own behavior until I observed that dining out spike syndrome. Oh, there’s a place I leak money. Oh, that’s kinda like Mom used to do when she got some extra money. Oh that probably relates to that message that, “We’ll never get on top of our bills, so we might as well enjoy ourselves” kind of thing. Which has some cultural precedence in the Irish saying, “It is better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money”. (I also have seen this quote attributed to PJ O’Rourke – who sounds Irish too).

3) Track the triggers and set up some ambush prevention
If you are eating split pea soup for 5 lunches in a row, there will be an eventual rebellion. If you are not scheduling enough time for (fill in the blank with say creativity, fun, intimacy) it may rear its head in an unattractive format, when pushed too far. If you are having some emotional challenges at the same time you are having too many days of bean soup – AHHH! So, keep track of the elements that comprise the precursors to your irrational money behaviors, and brainstorm some MM ambush prevention strategies. (After x many days of split pea soup, I freeze it and …)

4) Inquire within re: the old money story, the monster’s purpose – and REVISE as needed
See the book for some detailed steps on how to work this step. Basically, there’s usually a combination of child mind (just one side of the story), bad experiences and fear that create monsters. If it was a bad experience as a kid that leads to this, Spencer’s suggests retelling the story in third person, and coming up with three alternate endings. What fun! Hardy har. Coffee shop time …

5) Keep watch
The money monster doesn’t die. He just smells that way. Oh wait, that’s fishermen, per my grandfather. No – MMs can be activated even when you’re on top of your money scene. That’s why we often need financial reboots, regular money meetings, and all these good practices. So just know that irrational side can be debugged with a little light of awareness, even if that light gets lit after the behavior had wreaked some havoc. Never too late to turn it around, practice compassion for yourself and get a bit of dirt on your monster. That can be used to deflate and befriend that ball of protection.

Want to share some dirt about your money monster? Please comment.

And may the luck of the Irish – wait, that’s not necessarily a good thing.

Best of luck money monster sleuthing!

Denise Barnes

What’s a Matta For You/r Abundance?

Who is it, and what movie (or many), when the Italian guy (Joe Pesci?) is yelling, “What’s a matta for you”, at his minion? Poor minion is either kind of slow, or just not playing the mafia game properly.

Sometimes I feel just like that poor minion, when I read books or attend “abundance” workshops. I’ve heard about the law of attraction (LOA) for many years. It seems so easy. What’s a matta for me, that I’m not rich, or the perfect picture of Buddha with jewels, right now?

The books and teachers will tell me right quick what’s wrong. It’s my fear, or other negative emotions. Nope, I can’t keep a straight face when I’m embodying my vision of what I want to create. Or maybe, I don’t really belieeeevvvve that I deserrrrrrvvvvve my desire.

Okay, like any statement, there are often nuggets of truth in the LOA. You do need all your senses to visualize effectively, and you want to really embody your vision. You do want to hold a positive intention, and uh yes, be clear enough to have one, as you sally forth.

When you have many desires and gifts? Watch out! It may take a little more time for you to realize your multi-faceted success. Are you sure you’re not multi-tasking due to your fear of failure? Look at your neighbor – he always knew he wanted to be a forest ranger.

And look at all those “negative” emotions! C’mon now. I see you are at a negative six on the Abraham-Hicks emotion scale. What can you do to raise your vibration friend, so you’re at least above mid-line?

You know, I’m exaggerating here, but I have to say, I’ve had it with the instant wealth promises and the lame blaming I hear in some of these “abundance” teachings. Kind of like when folks say attitude is everything in healing, and if you aren’t curing your illness, it’s your fault.

Metaphysical Malpractice, a mentor of mine calls it.

Here, Try this NEW! Law on for Size

Okay, what if I told you there is a new universal law, a very powerful law that can help you do amazing things. It’s called the Law of Love. There are certain steps and practices, and it works the same for everyone – you just have to get it right.

Oh, it’s just a coincidence that the initials are LOL. Ignore that. But yes, it does take a lot of luck, and if you aren’t feeling particularly lucky right now, just stay awake, because luck changes a lot. If you are properly awake, you will not miss luck’s arrival. If you do miss it, you need to wake up just a little a bit more.

Here is how you wake up more. Get in front of a mirror. Open your eyes wide. Repeat this affirmation, “I am willing to stay as awake as humanly possible”. (See that human adjective gives you a lil’ bit of slack.) Repeat this, very dramatically, as loud as you can, embodying it in every cell, 10 times.

If you are moved to laughter, that is the advanced Law of Laughing Love – and you can now start teaching this practice. Watch your world fill with love and abundance – your wish is ….

Okay, I’m being a little silly here. Some laws, like the law of gravity do apply to everyone. But when it comes to spiritual laws, or laws that govern human nature, you often need to fashion your own way through it. Especially if you are one of those independently-minded artist/healer types.

You know, it’s like working with illness. Two with the same condition may find very different ways of healing themselves. We don’t want to say, “Here, have some chemotherapy; it’s the law”.

Everyone’s path is unique, like snowflakes. These paths will shift, cover new ground, meander, and have up and downhill times. There may be some elements our journey’s share, and some that are specific to your own soul’s research.

Be Kind – Abundance, Enlightenment - Take a Little Time

Don’t buy it when the abundance peeps make you feel like Homer Simpson going, “Doh!” Yes, elements of the LOA work, and it can be a great spiritual process to clarify and focus your work.

To your financial vibrance in 2010.

WALKING THE TALKING    

Though shy with the horn tooting, my business wanted you to know some “pay off” and progress made with the fertile finances-type work I babble on at you about. (Yes these businesses have a life and voice of their own. Never mind the outfits!)

 The progress is good to note, because sometimes that moneymonk path gets discouraging and takes so much patience. You might forget the reasons for this practical and core healing work. And you bet that you can get tired of the tracking, the discipline, the delayed gratification.

 Well, I’m so grateful to 2009, they year of the great shift for me. After years of work, I turned the corner in my work to befriend money. I find that – it is a neutral force you can harness for your own and the greater good. Really – I can say this now with conviction.

 Money feels benign – gentle, compassionate and wise to me these days – feminine even. I’ve watched it stand back and let me fashion my unique healing path toward walking the spiritual path – with cash.

 UH-OH, IT’S A MONEY GEEK

 Can you believe I actually consider the money planning/tracking time a fun activity? I actually reward myself with it lately. Does that make me some kind of money geek? Yikes.

 Yet, I did have to walk through that valley of death, to quote the phrase. Okay, death may be a bit strong. It was certainly dark and stressful for a long time with the money work.

 Now that I’ve scaled the ravine, I want to testify that there is higher ground. Plus, this spiritual path has many side benefits too. Say for example, having the discipline to cook a healthy meal when in the past I’d go out for a less healthy (and more costly) option.

 But beyond lovely side effects of this spiritual path, I have some huge news. As of last month – I am debt free. I took out my first student loan when I was 22 – and went on for my master’s degree – so this has taken decades to pay down. Big exhale.

 The silver lining to my student loan debt, if there is such a thing, is that I never felt I could take on any credit card debt. So I was spared that high interest ride.

 Yes, there were times I thought – wow – imagine what I could be doing with this money I’m using to pay off my debt. Damn! Yet, it was good to make good on the investment, and thank those who showed trust in me.

 Freedom from debt is a great feeling and well worth the work. I’m still getting used to it, and it will take some practice to shift gears. Now, outta my way – I’ve got a dusty credit card that wants some attention… Just kidding J

 Here are some thoughts about what it’s taken for me to get debt free. Let me know what is helping, or has helped, you with this.

 PAYING YOUR PROPERS TO MONEY ENERGY

 When Aretha wanted R*E*S*P*E*C*T, she asked to be paid her “propers” when her lover got home (chorus: just a just a just a just a just a just a just a just a – little respect, just a little bit, just a little bit). A little bit at a time is fine. Here are some propers I had to pay to become debt free. 

• Regular weekly money meetings and an easily trackable spending plan
• Regular check book balancing – weekly over the internet
• A new appreciation for delayed gratification – not many needs are urgent
• Celebrating progress of even small steps (I’ve more to learn here)
• Creating multiple income sources - incl. day jobs that use gifts and pay well
• Humility about both my strengths and the ways I’m still a cosmic youth
• Seeking and accepting help and support – including professional support
• Establishing money and decluttering practices at regular intervals
• Simple and clear ways to manage time
• Work play balance (I’ve more to learn here)

The final paradox is maybe one of the more challenging to master. It’s accepting the polarity that you are here, but want to get there. This moment and your current status is everything, is whole and perfect, though it may feel like crap when you’re climbing out of the ravine.

 Hold that paradoxical view of blessing the grit, and loving your presence and golden heart in the midst of the marathon. Feel abundance before the wallet shows the cash to back it up – visualize the goal already created. 

 There’s always so much to be grateful for, even in the bottom of that ravine.

 So trust yourself. No learning is lost. There are steps I’ve taken that money experts would say were so wrong, yet for me they worked out and ended up being perfectly timed.

 You have your own path to fashion. We all are being called to reinvent our personal and collective economy. We are in good company, we lightworkers trading in begging bowls.

 So a collective farewell to 2009. May the threshold of the yet to be known 2010 be filled with joy and appreciation for all that is. And may you live long and prosper on this soul savvy journey.