Does one have to choose between being spiritual and eschewing money or having money and being spiritually deficient? No. You can be both spiritual and wealthy.
In the post, Are Your Beliefs About Money Keeping You Poor?, I discussed how money is merely a tool we use to acquire what we need and desire. Money is neither good nor bad. Because of its neutrality, the having or not having of money does not dictate one’s spiritual validity. It is society that imposes values of “good and evil” that comes from acquisition of wealth or practicing asceticism.
How do you feel about your level of spirituality? Does it have any connection to your money—what you earn or spend or give?
Earning and Keeping Money
Are you subconsciously limiting the amount of money you make because you don’t feel it is in alignment with your spirituality? Or do you spend your money until you are left with “just enough”?
Having money is not a sin. How you spend or keep it is a personal choice. Creating a feeling of financial security in your life allows for a freedom of choice that benefits you others.
Think of this: You aren’t helping anyone by keeping your earnings at what you think is an acceptable/respectable level. You have the ability to create more of an impact—on your household, your community, your region, and the world—by earning to your full potential. Money can be used to support organizations you believe in, it can give you the support necessary to pursue your dreams, which in turn can help others. The more you earn the better equipped you are to take care of your needs and those important in your life. It allows you the freedom to express your spirituality.
Giving Money
For many people, it’s hard to give money when they feel they don’t have enough, or don’t think they will get it back. This can create inner tension if a person’s religion dictates that they tithe or if a person’s spiritual desires include giving money. When you give money, only give when you feel positively about it. If it feels comfortable or appropriate to you, enhance your monetary gift with energy from an open heart. Everything in the world is made of atoms, which have energy. Therefore, money also has and holds an energetic quality. Energy is exchanged when money is exchanged. Giving money is akin to completing a circle of energy. Set the intention that the money will bring benevolence to the recipient(s): You receive and you give, you give and you receive.
Having trouble parting with your money? Perhaps you might focus less on what money gives you (or costs you) and consider how your money helps others. Even if you are purchasing something, think of its effect after the transaction: Supporting business owners and jobs and therefore people’s families, and vitalizing your community as those business owners and employees and families in turn use that money.
While many of us were taught beliefs that intertwined spirituality and money with judgments, it is possible to shift those beliefs into ones that support us.