Why haven’t we been able to solve the following problems after spending billions over years devoted to them: poverty, prejudice, wars, crime, abuse, ignorance, famine, violence, theft, corruption, etc.? However, these may all be explained by understanding the nature of consciousness. Once we have a way to measure groups, individuals, societies, geographic areas, and countries on a map of consciousness, we are given an advantage when we look at tackling some of these perpetual problems. It was Einstein who said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In taking this precept, consider the level of consciousness that manifested the problem and then compare that to the level of consciousness of those trying to solve the problem; well, you begin to see why these problems persist. It’s no wonder we’ve not made headway trying to solve problems from our level of consciousness for those who are living at a much different one. (Each level is unique and of no lesser value than another.)
I saved an article I read a few years ago by a man who had spent his life traveling the world to solve humanity’s problems. He, with great sadness, looked back at his efforts and those of the organizations he worked with, and had to admit that those problems continue to persist. What is the answer? I suggest meeting these people we want to help where they are and showing them the next level. Sometimes, that is just helping them see the relationship between their thoughts, behaviors, and their lives. Sometimes it is just introducing the concept that hope is a good thing to have, without introducing complex machinery and our own values.
But I’m not writing to explore these problems, but to relate this field of study, that of consciousness, to our financial lives. We find people and their experience with money on all levels on our Map of Money Consciousness™. (You can find your own level on the map here) According to the map, as one ascends these levels, the overall theme of their lives increasingly becomes easier, more pleasant, comfortable, and rewarding. A high net worth doesn’t necessarily mean a high money consciousness, just as a lower net worth equals a low money consciousness. Some cultures are quite abundant and fulfilling without our current idea of prosperity. And we indeed can find wealthy people who’ve attained their riches through force, tenaciously holding onto it through deep, flawed thinking. These people are more prone to “losing it all” because they had gaps in their understanding of the big picture, and therefore, are operating in part on the lower levels. They were motivated by the idea of money instead of well-being. There are also those with a genuinely high money consciousness who, through inner growth, have found their innate power and may use it to find wealth and a deep sense of well-being. A high money consciousness makes it easier to be financially successful, better at anticipating a market for products, and good at intra and inter-personal relationships; understanding how and where they fit in society. They recognize that financial health is a vital component of a well-rounded, fulfilling life. They choose carefully what to throw their energy into to maintain enough good tension or stress to propel them forward, yet not too much stress to cause mistakes, poor choices, illnesses, and unease.
With the money map, we can see what the next step is. If we were to try to teach someone about retirement and estate planning who is just conquering holding a steady job, we would fail him, of course, because the next course of action, or topic to tackle, would be simple banking skills.
We all can get there. We have to be patient and kind to ourselves. Take baby steps. And do our inner work, finding out how we are placing obstacles in our own way, where we find limiting thinking, and telling ourselves we “can’t”.
Go for well-being. Financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Take the money quiz to see where you are now and what your next step is. Better yet, order the book, The Money Map, A Spiritual Guide for Financial Success.