The Contingency of More
In this Thursday's discusson on the "Illusion of Not Enough", we got into conversation about the need for more and what drives us wanting more of everything:
- time
- money
- planning
- evidence
- love
- tools
- energy
- details
- explanations
- options
- talent
- confirmation
In and of themselves, each of these things is not bad. It is not bad to pursue learning, knowledge, new skills, or prosperity. But within each of the illusions there is a tipping point - the point at which the illusion keeps you from doing the thing that you can do.
At the base of wanting more is the perception or belief that you are lacking something. This is the definitition of scarcity -- the belief that there isn't enough to go around . . .a void . . .a lack.
Have you ever caught yourself saying one of these:
If I have more money, then I'll be able to drive that car I want.
When I get that second degree, I'll know what I'm doing.
When I meet my soulmate, then I'll be happy.
The Illusion of Not Enough is based on a life of contingency plans. Your greatness, your happiness, your success is all contingent upon something else. Something outside of you. And nothing that you have any control over. This operating system of contingency keeps you stuck, because you're focused on everything but the thing you can control.
What is your particular "more"? What drives you to look outside of yourself for answers?
Comments
HI,
My "today" answer is: more outside affirmation on my talent and ability will give me enough "x-y-z" to achieve and create "A-B-C". So when is enough affirmation enough? Where is the tipping point in my favor?
When I choose to do and that I will ask for affirmation, AS I am moving forward with whatever
"A-B-C" is.
Remembering that I can use the "Tipping Point" in my favor is really useful as well as accepting that I am a product of an over saturated market/message system that says "You always need more" I say to them: Kiss my butt. Think they need to hear "more" of that? LOL!
"We stood at the turning point" is one of the tools from 12-step life that I use. I can turn toward old attitudes, behaviors and operating systems which will keep giving me the same old-same old or with acceptance, awareness, consistent action and authenticity (Kim's 4-step action plan) I can turn towards new or restored attitudes which will bring new or at least different things into my life-stagnation is not motion.
Awareness is the result that comes from creating the time to investigate where I am each morning (scarcity or abundance-flourishing or floundering) before I step into my day. An amazing realization for me today is my attitudes and "systems" are a choice not a forced way to be anymore.
"Tipping Point" works really well with "Turning Point"!
Posted by: Elizabeth Tull | April 25, 2005 11:41 AM