1. Money is the goal.
When money becomes the goal, as it has for so many people, it signals
the corruption and deep loss of self. Life becomes trivialized. No amount
of money or possessions can ever make you whole. Only living from your
center can do that. Money is a reward for services; it is a by-product of
excellence; it is a by-product of you passion.
2. Money can make you happy.
Joy and happiness are feelings that come from the inside. They cannot
be bought or possessed. These feelings come from a state of being, not of
having. You can feel unhappy if you do not have enough money to meet
your central needs, but money is not sufficient to give you happiness. “This
fascination of simply making money wears thin in time. The real fruits of
ones labors are seen in the planning of one’s gifts.”
3. Money is what makes the world go round.
Sometimes it seems that way! Love, not money, is the true world
currency.
4. Once you have enough money, then you can do what you want.
The having mode is very addictive. Your definition of what “enough” is
continually rises. Have you noticed that even before you get a salary
increase your lifestyle is out ahead of it?
5. Money equals success.
“Making money is a private affair, but success, so to speak, is by general
consent; we define it every day. We have a right to demand a real
accomplishment, a making of something better, before we give someone
our regard and our applause..” Money is a by-product of success
6. Money makes you powerful.
Money gives you options, not power. Real power comes from within. It is
an energy you share with others. Power that comes from outside can be
easily lost if others withdraw their support. Because of the addictiveness of
the having mode, it is easy to begin taking more than you give. When that
happens, the very people who put you in power can take you out of power.
Even well-to-do people can feel anxious and uneasy if they lack a center.
7. Money makes you free.
Money is usually spent on possessions. Think for a minute about what you
have done with your money. Are you surrounded by things that you need
to care for, keep clean, and keep safe? Consumption becomes a trap, not a
freedom.
Derek Bowler
