Thinking Outloud

In her iconic book The Soul of Money, Lynn Twist outlines 3 myths about scarcity & 3 truths about sufficiency.  As you may have guessed these 6 tenants are about so much more than money. 

Let’s first take a look at the toxic myths of scarcity. Myth #1: There is not enough. Enough of what, money, time, love, fun, sleep, chocolate? Or is it that I am not enough? I do not do enough. I do not have enough.

Lynn Twist describes it this way: “In the mind-set of scarcity, our relationship with money is an expression of fear; a fear that drives us in an endless and unfulfilling chase for more. “Eventually we believe “that’s just the way it is and there is no way out”. How hopeless, helpless & depressing is that!

My teacher and mentor Martha Beck describes these as lack & attack fears that emanate from the basal ganglia often referred to as the reptilian or lizard brain. This structure is in control of our innate and automatic self-preserving behavior patterns, which have ensured our survival and that of our species.

That hard-wired lack & attack response can be a part of our everyday existence that is constantly moving us away from our connection to fearlessness and the infinite benevolent power that can guide us in these challenging times.  When what we really need, in dealing with the day-to-day stress & uncertainty, is a way to remain calm and make reasoned & strategic choices. 

Here are some ways that the lizard brain attaches to our fears and spreads its message of lack & attack. Leading us to believe in scarcity: [from Steering by Starlight by Martha Beck]

Oh, no! I don’t have enough _________________________

If I don’t watch out, someone will _________________________

People want to take my _________________________

I can’t be perfectly happy until I get _________________________

Everybody pressures me to _________________________

You can’t trust _________________________

People will hurt me unless _________________________

If I only had _________________________

Someone’s always out to _________________________

I must hang on to _________________________

Complete the above exercise. Then ask yourself if your answers are true or a lizard fiction. Examine the ways these limiting beliefs may be keeping you stuck in what is toxic.

Next, let’s look at The 3 Truths of Sufficiency from the Soul of Money by Lynn Twist

• Truth #1: Money Is Like Water……It Flows
• Truth #2: What you Appreciate, Appreciates.
• Truth #3: Collaboration Creates Prosperity

Truth #1: Money Is Like Water……It Flows

Here is what Lynn Twist says about the flow of money and all other types of energy. 

“Just as blood in the body must flow to all parts of the body for health to be maintained, money is useful when it is moving and flowing, contributed and shared, directed and invested in that which is life affirming.”

Truth #2: What You Appreciate, Appreciates.

Where is your attention? If your mind and heart are filled with lack and attack fears as listed above, all manner of negative consequences seem just over the horizon. Can you turn your attention and intention to what you have and what is possible? Building upon a foundation of gratitude and possibilities will carry you forward step by step.  

Truth #3: Collaboration Creates Prosperity

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that isolation is not a winning formula in life or in business. One of my favorite business gurus, Patrick Lencioni describes teamwork in this way.

“Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” 

Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Even for Solopreneurs a circle of mutual support, partnerships and a referral network are crucial. Think about with whom you can mutually collaborate and put attention as well as intention to that effort.

In my coaching practice I create a collaboration with clients. I join them on a journey of discovery to their own best life. If you are looking for ways to let go of the toxic myths and to realize the truth of sufficiency, please reach out and book a free introductory consultation at https://barbaragallen.com/contact/ . It would be a pleasure to talk with you.