Are You Afraid to Be Rich? (Blog)

[Erin Pavlina]

Use this thread to discuss the following entry from Erin Pavlina's blog:

Are You Afraid to Be Rich?

[Ninja]

It's easy to despise what you believe you can't have. The story of the fox and the grapes comes to mind. I think a lot of people aren't rich not because 'the world is out to get them', but because they spend too much energy on complaining

[amixa]

GREAT blog entry.
i used to think that way.. not completely rid of the thoughts but i'm getting there. its true that you can't help people if you don't have the means to do so -- especially in the way that you want.
it really bothered me that people who bought overly priced paintings were just ridiculous in terms of what they were spending their money on and how they could be spending it on something better in this world. then i realized that if they bought my paintings i could use the money to get myself out of 'struggling' to survive and use their money and put it to better use.
there is so much truth in this blog entry. great stuff.

[amixa]

Originally Posted by Ninja

I think a lot of people aren't rich not because 'the world is out to get them', but because they spend too much energy on complaining

haha yup -- when they can be working and focusing on something positive!

[Anand Dhillon]

That was a ridiculously good post, Erin.

Could you add links to social bookmarking sites at the bottom of your RSS feed so it would be easier to share gems like this one.

[Erin Pavlina]

Anand, I think I have the links there. It's the link that says, "Share This" but if that doesn't get you where you want to go, please let me know so I can look into it further.

[david2885]

Wow...is this synchronicity or something?

Just today (maybe 4-5 hours before you made this post) I read a post on SladeRoberson.com's blog about bibliomancy/Bible dipping...divination through the use of books. You basically get a book, ask a question, close your eyes, then randomly open a page and point somewhere.

Now I'm at a point in my life where I'm soon going to be leaving the education system and going out into 'the real world'. I personally feel drawn towards learning how to become a professional intuitive/psychic or some kind of spiritual healer of some sort, but my family really wants me to get 'a real job' that would make some real money. My father doesn't even believe in feng shui, let alone spirit guides and psychics. So my dilemma was this...what kind of work should I do for money? Follow my gut, or do 'the right thing'? Walk the spiritual path or the material path?

Since I didn't have a Bible, I picked up my copy of Cyndi Dale's New Chakra Healing, closed my eyes, asked my guides and angels "How can I make more money?", then randomly opened a page and pointed where I felt my finger was drawn to.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that I was pointing at the word 'spiritual'. Turns out I was in the chapter in which Cyndi explains Your Twenty Spiritual Energy Centers, and I was looking at the explanation for Point 31: Faith.

This is the paragraph I randomly pointed to:

Function - To erase our revolving doors once we have forgiven. We eliminate the perceptions that there are differences and similarities, that there is separation between our material and spiritual selves, that material and spiritual energies are different. This energy point is the key to allowing all that we want (in Divine Source will) to simply manifest without effort.

After that, I'm looking through my downloads folder, when I come across a book I'd downloaded and forgotten about a long time ago called Attracting Abundance with EFT. And the negative phrase in there that caught my eye as I was glancing through it again was, I feel guilty because I have more than others. When I read that I thought, hey, I really do believe that don't I? That's not a belief that serves me at all...hmm...

And then I go out for dinner, and I come back, check my list of favorite blogs, and here is Erin's post staring at me.

Say...... you guys think my guides are trying to tell me something?

[Mew3692002]

Great post Erin, I was thinking about that the other day as well, isn't being wealthy great! Although, I did notice you spelled "to" wrong in this sentence, "If I had a ton of money I would just have eto...", just wanted to point that out. The weirdest thing about that post, for me at least, was that I realized I was already in perfect harmony of being rich (almost spelled harmony as harmoney just now), I also noticed that people in my family are saying things like, "when are you going to buy a ferrai" and things associated with wealth, it's like other people are picking up on my vibration! Is that possible?

[mncz]

Awesome, david, your post made me laugh
Keep up the good work and I am happy with you that you have the courage to follow your heart.
And this article is wonderful as well.

[Apollia]

Wonderful article, Erin. Thanks. You and Steve are two people I am genuinely happy to see are wealthy. I think you both really deserve your wealth. Your success shows that sometimes, life _is_ fair and good people really can and do get ahead.

Thanks for helping chip away at my inner resistance to achieving wealth, and also showing me that I'm well on my way to being inwardly at peace with/ready to be wealthy.

I already have nothing against rich people unless they actually are hurting people to make money. Even if they're "lazy", fine with me, I think everyone in a free society should have the right to not be coerced to be unlazy.

I think my main obstacles now are learning to tolerate the IRS, and the fact that I might feel guilty about having to say no to at least some of the people who might ask me for money if I were wealthy (since there would probably be so many that I wouldn't be wealthy anymore if I gave a lot all at once to every worthy recipient who asked).

But, I can see that if I were wealthy, I would probably be in a much better position to help change the laws and public opinion about income taxes.

And, while I might feel a little guilty about not being able to immediately give huge amounts of money to every worthy recipient who asked, I shouldn't, because I would feel far more guilty if I did something as stupid as giving away all my power and amassed resources (which I could use to make even more money to give away) by giving away so much wealth that it would make me poor again.

Thanks to Steve too. I love this quote:

“How can you save someone who is drowning if you can’t swim yourself? How can you rescue someone else when you’re not on safe ground? How does you being poor help a poor person? Do you think poor people want you to pat them on the back and tell them you feel sorry for them, or do you think poor people want you to give them money and/or help? If you don’t have any money, how can you give any away?”

Thanks again.

Best wishes,
Apollia

[supertom]

im afraid of being rich without making a positive contribution

[Erin Pavlina]

What would stop you from making a positive contribution if you were rich? Just contribute

Hire people, set up a non-profit organization, set up a scholarship fund, be a mentor, etc.

[moriez]

Nice share Erin. Sure I want to be rich, but how is what I ask myself.

[KeithHandy]

1. Poor people can be greedy too. Look at Lotto addicts... if you've ever worked the cash register in a convenience store, you know exactly what I'm talking about... they may not be succeeding, but they certainly don't appear to be motivated by the desire to contribute something to society.

2. Corporations are apparently an ethically-neutral construct that can enable a mass of people to do serious damage just by showing up... I think that has more to do with laws in need of reform than with the ethical purity of the big wigs on top, since even a big wig with a sudden urge to "do the right thing" can be forced out of his position by pitchfork-wielding shareholders. (You can tell I'm a big fan of the stock market. )

3. I would spend it all on shoes. I mean, what else is there??

[Jesann]

What a great blog post!! And yeah, I agree with David2885, it must be synchronicity. The past couple of days have been spent realizing that while the richer people in my circle have some "issues," they're totally those people's issues, that they'd have them no matter how much or how little money they had. I've realized that maybe subconsciously I believed that if I became rich, I'd somehow be equated with those people, that their issues would become mine or that others would assume I'd become like them.

Thank you!

[Sam988]

Good article!

[Mizan]

I am not afraid to be rich.
But I am not afraid to be poor neither.

And do we really have to be rich before we can help others?

How rich were/are these people?
Mother Teresa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jeanne Devos
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Or are we all thinking that these people never ever really helped someone?

If money is that important well than I guess this website is about "the American dream" stage 2. Stage one is going for classic career. Stage one is for more creative career, but money, being rich and wealthy is still in the center your lives.

Your very own husband says that money doesn't give you power....so the power comes from a person not from the money a person has.
The most powerful people don't need to be rich to make a huge difference to make a contribution to the poor.

Just take a look at the "open source" community. Their contribution to the world is larger than the crap that Bill gates is selling. Now Bill just like you truly believes that he is making the difference as he does some charity.
Most programmers that work on open source things are not rich at all, but they contribute anyway.

And when I look to your "reading prices" yes you contribute to people, mainly rich people. As the poor could not afford a reading at your rates.
When people live at a certain wealth level and with the idea that they need that wealth to make a difference....they don't make a difference at all anymore...it is a sort of stagnation in your growth. You will still grow richer and maintain your wealth, but the contribution to the poor will only decrease.
Your price settings says it all.

And of course you have all these free articles. Articles that you just write to convince yourself that you are doing the right thing.
Now what value is there in reading a text that one wrote to convince himself or herself?

There is no need to grow rich to be able to help others.
Ask your guides if you are not sure, but your husband is your husband, not your guide.

[dream23]

mizan i think you make a good point, one that i have been feeling for a long time. I put no emphasis on money what so ever and yet i seem to have more than all my friends striving for it.

I have been a little troubled by the messages on the forums, the focus on money not being evil... and the idea of abundance and manifesting.

but how much is enough? if there are spiritual laws for example Loa. Isnt trying to manifest money abusing that law for the use of the ego. Surely it is better to look to manifest love and compassion.. not sit at home trying to manifest $10000.

I maybe in a lonely naive club but money to me is not the best way to contribute. Before mother teresa and Ghandi there was this guy called Buddha and also a man called Jesus Christ who had different ideas about money than steve Pavlina..... somehow i cant imagine Buddha meditating to manifest $10000.

What ever happened to love being the greatest power?? thats all i plan on manifesting.

''all you need is love''. Lennon

[jawillie]

Originally Posted by dream23

mizan i think you make a good point, one that i have been feeling for a long time. I put no emphasis on money what so ever and yet i seem to have more than all my friends striving for it.

I have been a little troubled by the messages on the forums, the focus on money not being evil... and the idea of abundance and manifesting.

but how much is enough? if there are spiritual laws for example Loa. Isnt trying to manifest money abusing that law for the use of the ego. Surely it is better to look to manifest love and compassion.. not sit at home trying to manifest $10000.

I maybe in a lonely naive club but money to me is not the best way to contribute. Before mother teresa and Ghandi there was this guy called Buddha and also a man called Jesus Christ who had different ideas about money than steve Pavlina..... somehow i cant imagine Buddha meditating to manifest $10000.

What ever happened to love being the greatest power?? thats all i plan on manifesting.

''all you need is love''. Lennon

I agree with this to a point. For myself I am learning the best part is becoming the person I am becoming as I work on reaching that "next level." Is this bringing me boatloads of money? Not at the moment, but... I am also never without money, and opportunities are opening up for me that will bring me more money.

I think JUST focusing on the money can inhibit a person. What about focusing on the value you can offer society? If you truly give value, you will get money.

But, I also acknowledge there is not just one way to "be," so there is nothing "wrong" in desiring money just for money's sake.

[Erin Pavlina]

Dream23, are you saying you can't have money and love at the same time? Are you saying you can't possibly be compassionate, kind, and loving if you have "too much" money?

People aren't sitting around trying to manifest money, they're trying to manifest value for society. Society rewards value with money.

[dream23]

also the message in the blog is confusing you go from the wealthy rich to the poor? what about everyone in between?

I never heard about a rich man reaching enlightenment.

[dream23]

im not saying you cannot love and have money. But i am saying you cant control the power of money that it can have. The devil is right there in everyone.

like the stone roses song says

'' i dont have to sell my soul, hes already in me''.

All the great spiritual masters of the past knew about the lure of money, hence why they all warned about it.

I am not saying peole need to be poor and needy, i see us all as one. If we all set an example there would be no need for people to make millions to give to charity- as everyone would be on a level playing field.

[dream23]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

Society rewards value with money.

ok answer me this do you feel more satisfaction from the appreciation and love given from a client... or the paper debited into your account?

how much is buddha or jesus's services worth? how can you put a value on something that is priceless.

my empowering belief that has served me ok so far is

'' society rewards value with a deeper feeling of love and connectivity ''.

[daj]

found this quote that goes along quite well with what erin said above, "Society rewards value with money".

If you are not satisfied with how much society values your labor you shouldn’t blame the society, like most do. You should find innovative ways to give value to the society. You should find innovative ways to make your society a better place. After all, apart from making money, your goal as an entrepreneur is to improve others’ lives. As an online entrepreneur your goal remains the same — you’ll just achieve it through a website. from:How Much Money You Make Equals to Your Value to Society

[dream23]

in your eyes daj who is contributing more value a monk in Tibet or Bill Gates??
think about your answer.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by dream23

in your eyes daj who is contributing more value a monk in Tibet or Bill Gates??
think about your answer.

In terms of recognized social value, Bill Gates is the clear winner. On the whole, society values his contribution more than that of the monk, including the Dalai Lama. Given what I've paid to Microsoft over the years and given that I use their software every day, I also value Gates' contribution more highly than the monk's. Even though the monk may be aligned with truth and love, if he isn't aligned with power too, he won't deliver much social value. This shortcoming greatly dampens the monk's social impact.

Keep in mind that social value isn't the same thing as intrinsic value or personal value.

Now imagine what Bill Gates could do if he retained his alignment with power but also gained the monk's alignment with truth and love. Similarly, imagine what the monk could do if he brought himself into stronger alignment with power and focused on creating a massive, sustainable social contribution. The Dalai Lama is more aligned with power than most monks, but he could still learn a lot from Bill Gates in this area, especially in the area of creating a practical vision and taking decisive action. The Dalai Lama has been criticized by his own people for being too passive.

[daj]

I was just about to type a similar response Steve, thanks.

I feel Bill Gates has contributed much more to our society here in America.
Just think about all the doors he has opened for others to invent & create.

[dream23]

by ''social value'' i take it you mean material value, then yes Bill Gates definately contributes more on the physical plane.

But i see ''social value'' falling into the category of spiritual value. Therefore placing jesus and Buddha offering more social value than Bill Gates would you agree?

You seem to me as you are trying to master the material world and the spiritual world- good luck with that. I see them as opposing forces.

[dream23]

[QUOTE=Steve Pavlina;225527]Even though the monk may be aligned with truth and love, if he isn't aligned with power too, he won't deliver much social value.QUOTE]

interesting, so does that mean jesus and Buddha would not be aligned with power as they were only aligned with truth and love? does this therefore mean they didnt offer much of this ''social value'' you speak about.

[Apollia]

Originally Posted by Mizan

I am not afraid to be rich.
But I am not afraid to be poor neither.

I'm not afraid to be poor, I just dislike it and am well-aware I could do a lot more if I had more resources at my disposal.

And do we really have to be rich before we can help others?

No, but, it greatly increases your ability to help.

How rich were/are these people?
Mother Teresa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jeanne Devos
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Or are we all thinking that these people never ever really helped someone?

They did plenty, but I'm guessing they probably could have done even more if they had been rich.

If money is that important well than I guess this website is about "the American dream" stage 2. Stage one is going for classic career. Stage one is for more creative career, but money, being rich and wealthy is still in the center your lives.

I see nothing wrong with that, especially if being rich and wealthy is seen as a means to an end - enacting social change.

so the power comes from a person not from the money a person has.

I should've used different wording in my previous post - giving away all my money wouldn't be the same as giving away _all_ my power. I have some power even now - just less of it.

Just take a look at the "open source" community.

Yay, open source! I've written some open source stuff myself. It's on my website. It's nothing special but it has been useful to me, and I have a variety of other, much better projects I hope to finish soon...

Their contribution to the world is larger than the crap that Bill gates is selling.

Thanks.

However, modesty compels me to say I haven't yet written anything that's even as beneficial to people as Windows. But many in the open source community certainly have.

Now Bill just like you truly believes that he is making the difference as he does some charity.

He probably is making _some_ difference. Probably not as positive a difference in the realm of software as he could be, but, perhaps in other fields? I haven't looked into this, so I don't know.

Also, I don't think Erin is asserting that rich people are the only ones making "the" difference - and I'm not asserting that either.

Most programmers that work on open source things are not rich at all, but they contribute anyway.

I try. Unfortunately, due to lack of money, it took me years longer to get a computer than it should have, so my programming skills aren't as developed as they might have been had my family been able to give me a good computer when I was a child or teenager.

And when I look to your "reading prices" yes you contribute to people, mainly rich people. As the poor could not afford a reading at your rates.

If her rates were low, she wouldn't be able to serve that many poor people anyhow - there would be too much demand and the waiting list would be huge, and she's just one person.

She also might end up with less time to write free articles and do other things which provide value to everyone, instead of just providing value to people one at a time through a reading.

When people live at a certain wealth level and with the idea that they need that wealth to make a difference....they don't make a difference at all anymore...it is a sort of stagnation in your growth.

That could even be true of poorer people who believe they can't do anything because they're poor. For instance, if I had felt too powerless I might not have even bothered starting a website, because I would have felt it wouldn't do that much good, so why bother.

You will still grow richer and maintain your wealth, but the contribution to the poor will only decrease.
Your price settings says it all.

I doubt it. The richer Erin gets, the more this will enable her to (for instance) contribute ever more vast amounts to charity, among many other possible ways to help which require money.

And of course you have all these free articles. Articles that you just write to convince yourself that you are doing the right thing.
Now what value is there in reading a text that one wrote to convince himself or herself?

I get a lot out of both Erin and Steve's articles. I believe their motivation for writing them is good - to benefit others as well as themselves. But in any case, they have value to me no matter why they wrote them.

There is no need to grow rich to be able to help others.

Of course. All I'm saying is, I or probably anyone else would be able to do a lot more good if we had more money.

Originally Posted by dream23

I have been a little troubled by the messages on the forums, the focus on money not being evil... and the idea of abundance and manifesting.

Money is a tool. Just like many dangerous tools, it can be used in either helpful ways or harmful ways.

but how much is enough?

However much it takes to meet people's needs or fulfill their desires.

if there are spiritual laws for example Loa. Isnt trying to manifest money abusing that law for the use of the ego. Surely it is better to look to manifest love and compassion.. not sit at home trying to manifest $10000.

So, should Jesus have manifested love and compassion _instead_ of fish and bread to feed people?

Jesus (if he existed) wasn't above helping people with their material needs, so, I see nothing wrong with wanting to help people on a material level using material things, including money.

Best wishes,
Apollia