Abundance: Living in a New State of Mind

a·bun·dance
–noun

1. an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: an abundance of grain.
2. overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart.
3. affluence; wealth: the enjoyment of abundance.
4. Physics, Chemistry. the number of atoms of one isotope of an element divided by the total number of atoms in a mixture of the isotopes

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

This week's Rainbow Dreams asks what abundance means to me.

It wasn't too long ago that I didn't give the word 'abundance' a second thought, however after the release of The Secret I hear that word on an almost daily basis.

As you learn The Secret, you will come to know how you can have, be, or
do anything you want. You will come to know who you really are. You will come to
know the true magnificence that awaits you in life."

~ Rhonda Byrne
From the introduction of the book The Secret

The Law of Attraction has taught me plenty. I have learnt that we can attract an abundance of positive, and negative ...

Its not about money for me (although I'm not going to knock it back). Its about having an abundance of love in my life: family, good friends, and happiness.

I found this great article by Katie Mattson on Kate Nowak's Live More Abundantly.com.

Abundance: Living in a New State of Mind

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.”

-Sue Patton Thoele

What a truth that statement is!

Living from a place of abundance is also a choice. Each day contains a choice about whether we wake up in control of our day, or dreading the path we have already set in motion. Having an abundance of favorable tasks, friends and love each day is our choice.

Abundance is such a tangible topic because it contains so many truths.

Abundance is a free gift to give. Abundance can be donated by means of time, love, energy, attention or even thanks. Having it allows you to share freely with others to increase their reserves.

Have you ever dealt with a particularly stressful day, feeling stretched far too thin? Of course you have. On these days we often find ourselves running into the perfect person at the most opportune time. It could be the person who smiled and held the door, an old friend sending a quick e-mail, or a family member with some good news. In turn, each of us have offered this gift to others as well. You may not recognize the moment when you give it, but be assured it is appreciated.

Creating emotional abundance allows each of us to be authentic, which invites more positive emotion each day.

Often, you have to give it to receive it. When you give of your own, you increase the abundance of others.

Call it karma, call it destiny, but whether you are giving monetarily or emotionally, it often comes back to you. Giving it out and witnessing when and how it comes back creates awareness around the pattern of abundant giving which breeds reciprocation. Sometimes, the only reciprocation you need is a ‘thank you.’

It has to do with gratitude.

We always have abundance, yet often we don’t recognize it. Our focus is often on what we want next, instead of what we have now.

I’m sure your fridge is pretty well stocked, your belly seldom empty, your hair often washed, your love tank often full and your next paycheck often expected.

Your life is already abundant. Remembering to be grateful for the abundance already in existence has become an afterthought.

What if we thought in terms of abundant gratefulness? What if we were grateful for the lack of traffic on the way into work? Or, grateful for the fact that our cars run well or our roofs are not leaky? What if we were grateful for the fact that our eye appointment was just a checkup instead of an emergency? How different would your attitude toward abundance be then?

Abundance can make our lives simpler.

Sure, having a large sum of money in our bank accounts creates an easier lifestyle.

Think smaller though. What if you had enough toilet paper for the next six months? Filling up on the little things can reduce the number of trips to the
store and increase the amount of time you have for the things you really want to
do.

Living in abundance is living more simply. Stock up on what you can now, so
you can enjoy more free time and give more freely of yourself. When you aren’t
stressed about all the “stuff” you have to do, it’s easier to be present in the
moment.

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.” -Sue Patton Thoele

Attitudes shift with perspective.

Rod Stryker, meditation teacher and founder of Pure Yoga, states: “You cannot attain what you already have.” Center yourself with this thought. Once your mind recognizes it is already abundant with love and peace, so then, is your life.

Now, that’s an abundant attitude!