Comics are skilled at injecting hilarity into sometimes difficult or depressing areas. One area that you don’t see as much joking is in the money zone. Maybe there is material to be found in the global or national debt crises, or the financial follies handed from one political administration to the next. But generally speaking, money isn’t as popular on the Last Comic Standing show.
I was reminded of this when talking with a past client last week. Luanne has come a long way with our work, but she will not “whitewash” the fact that this was NOT fun for her. Money is one of her spots, she says – it’s painful to deal with. Even with the levity I did at times bring to the work, I could not change the “crushing-ness” of facing their money woes. Our coaching may have made it “less miserable” – but it’s still far from a joy zone, or something that would make Luanne throw the covers off gleefully in the morning as she’s facing the day.
The big money pains for Luanne were, well big – a large debt load, less than conscious spending, and the toughest – bad money communication with her husband, the love of her life in all other areas. Yes, it really did suck at the time. I’m happy to report things are better, communication is fine, and they’ve been able to make some hard decisions which enabled huge momentum. And they now have weekly money meetings, an excellent practice for money and marriage.
While their money challenges haven’t disappeared completely, there’s been a massive perspective shift. Wouldn’t it be great if you can manage that perspective in the midst of money challenges? With any desired change you want to create, even a teensy shift of mind, and a baby step of action, can make a huge difference …
PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING
Martial artists talk about their physical center of gravity being the tan tien, an area three fingers width below the belly button. This is the anchor of their power and strength as they practice and duel. Lose that center, and boof! They fall down and go boom.
In the martial art of making peace with money, your center of gravity is just as important. It’s so easy to get heavily “anchored” into the angst and the woes of money challenges. That “crushing-ness” Luanne speaks of is a big energy, and it’s hard to hold with balance. It’s hard to remember your truest center when money is too tight, and those worries are constantly rising.
Perhaps this is where the bigger spiritual picture can lend a hand. When you connect to spiritual reality, you can remember you are not ONLY this human having a bad money experience. Yes, you are certainly an apprentice in money martial arts land, getting exposed to all types of potential discipline and mind control training. You can take the course for metaphysical practices, as well as checkbook balancing. So many options!
In the bigger reality, we are spirits in a material world. What happens to your perspective when you look at your money scene with spiritually-wise eyes, or listen to the woes with your heart’s ears?
If these were money lemons in your lap, what would the lemonade recipe instructions be?
For Luanne, the yuck of last spring’s money work ended up being an opportunity to heal some past money baggage that had originated in both of their previous marriages. They can breathe a lot easier now that they are more aware of these patterns as they rise. Oh, it’s you! Get along now…
And for this great couple, money has become another life area that can be a healthy ingredient in their delicious intimacy – rather than something that causes stomach aches.
Soul Savvy Bottom Line:
No matter how negative your money situation feels, you can hold compassionate awareness for your situation. Remember the larger spiritual perspective, and wonder about the flavor of soul lemonade you are creating from your money martial arts training.
Talk back: Perspective shifts when challenged are incredibly hard to manage. What works or doesn’t work for you?