Embracing Abundance

*originally posted on strongandmindful

Earlier this week, I led a small group discussion focused on Abundance. Disclaimer: no, I’ve never led a group discussion on abundance, unless you count the discussions I have in my own head (which feel a bit like a whole group is participating!). “You’ll have nothing to say!” “There’s too much to say!” “What if everyone already knows everything about abundance?” Scarcity. Gotta love it.

As much as I felt full of scarcity thoughts, I chose to simplify my mindset. At the very least, it was a good reason to refresh a few favorite books and ponder questions.

The discussion turned out fantastic! I left feeling full of ideas, more rooted in my understanding of abundance, and energized with new thoughts for our family focus this month.

In the interest of building a strong and mindful community, I wanted to share a few of the questions and insights discussed. And while I wish I’d taken actual notes and could give credit to each of the inspiring women who attended, I am completely paraphrasing briefly my personal takeaways from the discussion as a whole:

• We first defined (briefly) both abundance and scarcity:
  • Abundance: there is enough for everyone. No shortage of success, options or alternatives. Deepens self-worth.
  • Scarcity: if someone gets a piece of the pie, then there isn’t enough for me. If someone succeeds, I then must be failing. There is never enough. I am never enough.
• What are the driving characteristics of our culture? Scarcity and perfectionism. Internally focused – comparison, not being enough. Externally focused – consumerism (not having enough), media, etc.
• What does it mean to have an abundant mentality? Abundance focuses on choosing internal thoughts and actions and then extending outward, while scarcity/perfectionism roots on an external focus that directs thoughts/actions. We have both mindsets – and can swing from one to another like a pendulum. Learning to listen to our thoughts and label them for what they are can shift the pendulum from one end to the other.
• How do you teach abundance? As a mom, I’ve recognized an abundant mindset seems to come more naturally to some kids. Other kids seem to have a more natural mindset of scarcity. Listening to how I offer praise or what I offer praise about and adjusting as needed. Teaching through example – letting go of things, embracing change, and learning to go without and discussing what I am doing with my children. I’ve found focusing my mind on abundance and putting Christ at the center of abundance has helped me simplify and let go of expectations and judgements of others. It enables me to feel more abundance because I don’t feel like I am carrying burdens alone.
• Does abundance mean we ‘have it all’? Not at all. In referring to things – abundance centers on the belief that it is okay to let something go because someone has a need for it right now. And by choosing to let something go, their needs can be filled. Likewise, believing my needs can be met through someone or something. Instead of ‘having it all’ someday, it is learning to feel peace with what is here and now. 
• When feeling scarcity, how do you shift the pendulum toward abundance? Awareness is key. It seems like the more I am able to recognize thoughts of scarcity, the more I am able to practice changing those thoughts toward abundance and a growth mindset. Practicing yoga deepens abundant thinking. Mindful breathing is a tool I use to bring awareness to my thoughts.
• Other insights I loved:
  • Christ is at the center of abundance. He both lived and gave his life abundantly.
  • One gal shared a link to the talk Living the Abundant Life after we wrapped up, and I’ve since been breaking down the ABCs mentioned in conversations with our kiddos (I’ll share in another post). A quote I love, “you can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith” – Thomas S. Monson. What a beautiful way to describe a growth mindset!
  • I’m excited to read the book The Game of Life and How to Play It. It was mentioned briefly and sounds intriguing.

Overall, I learned gathering together to discuss abundance left me feeling…abundant. It was great to hear others who also feel the pendulum swing between scarcity and abundance and what they do to shift thoughts. It felt empowering to open up and discuss different approaches we use to ultimately feel more peace and joy.

What are your thoughts on an abundance mindset?