Worldwide Survey to Define “Abundance”
Abundance is a concept often debated in spiritual and entrepreneurial circles.
Entrepreneurs commonly use the catch-phrase “thinking BIG,” but they really mean the same thing. What I know most about the abundance mindset is that it is the polar opposite of the scarcity mindset.
The concept seems easier to define it by what it is not, rather than what it is.
I find it challenging to define abundance because it’s one of those unique words that must be experienced to really be understood, not just explained.
Self-esteem visionary Nathanial Branden once told me, “People want experiences, not explanations.” I believe that explanations are filtered through the mind whereas experiences are filtered and felt by the heart, which suggests that the abundance mindset is a process, even a daily practice and not just a moment in time.
The most encouraging part of adopting an abundance mindset is how it can connect you to people with totally different set of beliefs and values. It instantly sustains inclusivity even with people who are dramatically different.
POP QUIZ: What do Mother Teresa and Donald Trump have most in common? The answer is their abundance mindset.
Donald Trump says: “If you’re going to think anyway, you might as well think big.”
Mother Teresa said: “The more we discover the magnitude and abundance of God’s gifts, the more we will find ourselves.” Again, the abundance mindset creates connections.
Bucky Fuller had this to say about the abundance mindset:
“The condition of planet earth is abundance. Our belief in either scarcity or abundance determines how our financial, legal, political and military systems are set up or even exist at all.
Scarcity and abundance are foundational and contextual ideas. They each give rise to a distinct system of thought and a number of rules, characteristics and measures which only make sense within their own system.”
My sense of what Bucky meant is that the abundance mindset is a choice. In other words, you choose to look through the lens of scarcity, or through the lens of abundance. There is no in-between.
“Do … or do not. There is no try.” ~ Yoda
There are so many differing opinions about abundance, I decided to conduct a worldwide survey to get your opinion about this highly debated concept.
My strategic alliance partner, Scott Martineau and I are hosting the Virtual Abundance Expo next week, so I figured this a great opportunity to host a survey and attract the best single sentence that clearly defines abundance.
What to do now: Please use the comment box to write your definition of abundance. The survey ends at 5pm PDT on Monday, July 27th, right before Jack Canfield’s keynote speech for the Virtual Abundance Expo.
All the definitions will be gathered and tallied the next day and five finalists will be chosen for the final vote.
If you are one of the five finalists, your definition of abundance will be personally evaluated by our Virtual Abundance Expo faculty.
The top vote-getter with the clearest and most concise definition of abundance will be personally interviewed by Scott and me as a honorary faculty member for Virtual Abundance Expo.
So what do you say … are you game?
If you are game, then take a peek at 9 of my favorite abundance quotes to get your heart and mind moving…
Kevin Kelly: “The only factor becoming scarce in a world of abundance is human attention”
Jane Austen: “Nothing amuses me more than the easy manner with which everybody settles the abundance of those who have a great deal less than themselves”
Sue Patton Thoele: “Abundance is, in large part, an attitude”
Heraclitus: “Abundance of knowledge does not teach men to be wise”
Franklin D. Roosevelt : “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little”
Peter Ustinov: “Unfortunately, the balance of nature decrees that a super-abundance of dreams is paid for by a growing potential for nightmares”
Wayne Dyer : “Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into”
Eileen Caddy: “Expect your every need to be met. Expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level”
Epicurus: “Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance”
Now it’s your turn … type in what you feel abundance means to you. Go ahead – the simple act of thinking about it will instantly improve your day.
Tags: abundance, alex mandossian, Donald Trump, gandhi, Info Marketing, mother theresa, scott martineau
My definition of abundance is this:
“To know you have more potential and to admit you haven’t reached it yet.”
Now it’s your turn. Type-in your definition of abundance. You can post more than one post if you wish … that demonstrates abundance ;-)
~ Alex
“Dream up a vision, take action, commit to following through on execution, then enjoy the results … repeat often, and have fun while you’re doing it”
“Abundance is knowing that you are connected to every organism in this universe and in this knowing there is no separation or scarcity only abundance.”
ABUNDANCE:
Viewing life through the lens of “What can I give/contribute/share…” to make someone else’s day just a little brighter.
Abundance is saying you can have everything you want and more…and finally, actually, really believing it.
For me abundance is really simple, it’s an appreciation for all the good I have accompanied by a lack of longing for things I don’t have.
A few key measures:
Feeling comfortable making donations to worthy causes.
Reading catalogs and finding “I already have everything I need right now”.
Planning vacations and time off because I have the support I need to run my business.
Ruth
My definition…
“Abundance, our natural state, is the feeling of fulfillment, joy, and peace, lacking nothing, needing nothing, but complete.”
Abundance is having as much as I need, but not as much as I want, so I can continually strive to increase those things that I want, while having a feeling of contentment with what I already have.
Abundance is having more than enough for yourself–more time, energy, money, or tangible assets–that you might create an overflow of blessing for someone else.
“Abundance is the experience of being truly alive…and rich in the experience of it.”
Dr Ann
http://www.drhaiden.com/detox
Creating abundance must begin in one’s heart. It is true that thoughts create what we call ideas. Ideas take action when they are directed by the heart. I can create many good thoughts and plans (about abundance) with my thinking. Those that are derived from my heart win out.
Abundance starts with a way of thinking that is unfortunately not cultivated in our society, at least not in a positive way.
Abundance means to me, that one has more than enough, whether it is material, talent, relationships or what have you. More than you can use up, with plenty to go around for all.
Defined conventionally, abundance can be defined as a very large quantity of something – good or bad. However, most people these days think of abundance in a positive light – associating it with only good, such as “having an abundant life.”
“True abundance comes not from having, but from doing and being.”
Abundance is a state of being totally free of any kind of lacking.
In our ordinary lives, we learn to deal only with scarcity and its associated shames and guilt.
That is all we know – scarcity – and boy, how much faith do we put on it !!
We must learn how to deal with abundance. For beginners, learning to release that persistent feeling that “we have to do anything, anytime… all the time… or else we’ll become some second class type of human beings !!”
Being in abundance state is allowing life to take its course… ’cause life knows where it should go, if we let it be…
Changing an habit is not throwing it away through an open window… it´s taking its hand down the stairs and out of your house and your life.
I believe abundance is having faith that there is plenty to go around for everyone: enough clients, successes, money, joy ect. Having faith in abundance keeps you out of the me vs you cut throat world and into a more centered place of trust and faith that your options are endless and cannot be limited by the successes of others.
Limitless resources to accomplish anything imaginable.
“Everything originates from thought, and there is no limit to what the mind can conceive.”
Abundance is living in the present moment free of worry about the future.
Abundance is the fruit of gratitude. Being thankful for everything you have without fear of going without.
True abundance is knowing in your heart there is more than enough of everything you want and need. Money. Time. Power. Resources. Relationships. All of it.
Contrary to longstanding Western beliefs (head, not heart) there is not one pie we divide up into slices, & if you get more I get less. No, instead we can just create our own pie!
Abundance is not a state of doing–it’s a state of being. When you ARE abundance, you will experience it for the first time.
For this reason, I am releasing new CD’s “Be a Money Magnet” which literally put people into the vibration of money. Stay tuned, they’ll be out next week.
Pam Ragland
http://www.AskPamRagland.com
http://www.5MoneySecrets.com
Believing you can have as much as you want of something and knowing that there will always be more.
Abundance: The gifts that increase exponentially as they are given away.
The Abundance Mindset is to believe in “more than enough”. It is a way of thinking that leads to experiencing true Abundance. It starts on the inside with the understanding and belief that “I have everything I need to be the person I was created to be”. More than enough love, more than enough compassion, more than enough wisdom, more than enough resources, more than enough finances, etc. Belief systems are what drive us. We create our lives based on what we believe. If we believe that abundance is all around us and we have “more than enough” it will eventually become the norm for us. HOWEVER, if we choose to believe in the scarcity of life….not enough, not enough, not enough…..then that is the tone of our lives and that is how we live. An Abundance mindset is a CHOICE that must be chosen every day until it becomes part of who you are. And this is only the tip of the iceberg!!!!
Love thought provokers, Thank you Alex!
Abundance to me is a state of being and when we choose to actively be aware of the abundance we have in in our current everyday lives – more of that shows up.
Abundance is the knowingness within the whisper of your heart that says “go for it” when your mind has no idea of how to make it happen!
We live in a world of abundance. If you don’t believe me, next time you are outside; see if you can count the blades of grass there are just in your yard alone?
We only have to “see” it to have it in our own lives.
Abundance is not just ‘having tons of stuff & money” lying around…
It’s KNOWING – in your knower – that whatEVER you need will BE PRO-vided for you the instant you need it.
This requires years in the spiritual gym of life building up the F* Muscle…
F-A-I-T-H.
(and a vision of something greater than yourself reallllly helps)
You will NEVER EVER be ‘filled up’ by ‘getting’ everything YOU think you want.
The only way to EVER ‘have’ everything you want,…
…is to RIGHT NOW want everything you HAVE.
M*
When I surrender to the undeniable truth of abundance, I feel my soul quiver with peace, love, and joy.
It is the acceptance of abundance that will unleash the infinite potential of love on our planet. The real question that remains is am I courageous enough to give up what no longer works in order to receive this gift?
Abundance is like a seed when it is time for it to burst forth. Your life is full of joy, benefits, blessings and boundless gifts……and you have the proper attitude of Gratitude. You have given of yourself or you would not have received.
“A great or plentiful amount.” Period.
The word in of its self has nothing to do with faith, being alive, amassing anything or the ability to accomplish anything . It just means ‘alot’.
Abundance is realizing and acting on what truly is, not on what isn’t yet.
Paul
Abundance is the measure of the universe
Abundance could be a word just like any other…At times I could believe in it, feel it or live it…but to really reach it, I know one can’t do alone. To make abundance real, I know, I must bring many others along for the ride. I must also be ready to make some short term sacrifice (Instant Gratification:)) for what may be a life long path of Abundance and ‘Constant Gratification’.
Hi Alex,
What an abundant opportunity you lay before us. I enjoyed reading today’s blog post. Abundance is something I meditate on almost daily. How can one not? Abundance is around us in everything.
I liked your comparison of explanations vs experiences. “I believe that explanations are filtered through the mind whereas experiences are filtered and felt by the heart, which suggests that the abundance-mindset is a process, even a daily practice and not just a moment in time.”
This is an insightful observation. Why? Because something that is felt creates a memory in the body; all the senses unite to create the memory which gets stored. Daily practice creates a repeated process that embeds that memory even deeper into the subelemental level, eventually determining how our cells respond to those memories. This is vibrational attraction at the submolecular level.
I am also a big fan of Buckminster Fuller (Bucky by his friends). “The condition of planet earth is abundance,” sums it all up.
Think about this for a moment. Are there a limited number of grains of sand on the beach? Or a countable number of stars in the heavens? Or even a countable number of universes? (Scientists tell us they are innumerable.) Or how about an ear of corn? How many kernels can you count – an abundance. Or a kiwi fruit – ever tried to count the seeds in a kiwi fruit? Or how about the grass? I don’t know about you but I haven’t counted the abundance of blades of grass in my yard yet.
The universe teaches us that all that exists is abundance. Yet it does boil down to mindset. How we choose to perceive the situation around us determines our outlook on whether we perceive abundance or scarcity. I posted about this topic too. You can read more here http://metatranspiration.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/mystery-of-star-tetrahedron-connection-to-life-revealed/
To sum up, my definition of what abundance is in one sentence is:
Abundance simply IS. It is the sum of all that exists.
Breathe it. Drink it. Consume it. See it. Hear it. Feel it on every level of your BEing. There is nothing but abundance.
Thank you for the thought provoking and inspiring blog post today! Namaste
Abundance is living in a state of joy and being open to receive the gifts of life with deep gratitude.
Ed Osworth
Author of “Unstoppable Joy! A Happier You in 12 Simple Steps”
I think that abundance is that “ah ha” moment as Oprah calls it, or the en Valeo (which means the moment you realize all these attributes were around you and within you) and you make a shift to what is possible and never look back at what wasn’t working and only allow in possibilities.
Thank you, Alex for creating such a spectacular event. I am looking forward to learning from the top abundance experts in the world.
Best,
Bonnie Bruderer
“Abundance, in its most ultimate sense, is the enthusiastic and continuous synergistic utilization of imaginations without limitations.”
Abundance is being completely disabled, but being able to earn your own living and pay all your own bills anyway. And – the icing on the cake – enjoying your work while you do it.
It’s realizing how lucky you are to still live in your own little house in the forest, so that the trees whisper through the window while you’re at “work”.
Abundance is having people to love, and being loved back.
It’s waking up with excitement every morning, still thinking that life is an Adventure.
And occasionally being taken for a drive in the country.
Hi Alex,
Matthew 12:34 says that “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This verse says it all for me, as it points out that one’s sense of abundance comes from deep within ourselves, within our very hearts. This sense of interior abundance and fulfillment then determines what we say and how we live, rather than the other way around.
So often, we look first to wealth in terms of material goods in order to define abundance, when in reality, abundance is ours if we would only stop to look within.
My opinion of what abundance means is that any abundance of pie is larger than the demand. It’s up to each of us to decide if we will have an abundance of good things in our lives or an abundance of adversity or scarcity. Whatever it is we pick; we ultimately choose it to come to us, by our thoughts and actions.
Abundance is knowing that the Universe doesn’t give you one lick of an ice creme cone, without wanting you to have the whole cone!
- a rephrasing of something I heard Marshall Thurber say..
“Abundance” is, simply, having more than you (as an individual) need, or more than we (referring to any community, including families, cities and towns, countries, and the planet as a whole) needs.
Needs. Not wants.
Since the “Green Revolution,” we have had an abundance of food – enough to feed every mouth in the world. In the U.S., we even pay farmers subsidies to NOT grow food, while people in our own country go to bed hungry, or even starve. The obstacle is not in the amount of food available. It’s in the communal and political will to distribute this abundant wealth equitably, so that everyone benefits by it.
We do NOT have an abundance of natural resources. Clean water, clean air, forests, prairies, wetlands, etc. are limited resources that once denuded or poisoned cannot just be made once again out of thin air. No manner of “abundance thinking” will replace a species or rebuild an ecosystem that has been made extinct by a bulldozer (At least not overnight, yet, although abundance thinking led to the concept of a “Genesis” device in the Star Trek movies…)
It would be counter-productive to think – or act as if – we have an abundance of water or trees or clean air, when we don’t.
But it would be highly productive to think – and act as if – we have an abundance of talent and wealth (of all sorts, not limited just to money) to apply to creating a world that works in ways that conserves more of and uses less of these resources.
We have an abundance of money. Money is just an idea – an arbitrary representation of what one group of people defines as wealth in terms of currency. Government treasuries create money out of thin air, just by deciding to print or mint more of it. So while it may be illegal for individuals to print legal currency, individuals CAN, indeed, create money out of thin air, simply by creating anything of value that someone else is willing to trade their money for.
Money is not the problem. The problem lies in the individual, communal and political will to distribute that wealth for the good of all. I”m not advocating that every individual should have as much money as everyone else. But I AM suggesting that there is an abundance of money, globally – enough to address all the world’s, and every individual planetary citizen’s, current problems if it was put to use to that end.
When Bucky wrote that “the condition of planet Earth is abundance,” we had not yet done the damage – some irreparable, and some which may take generations to repair or reverse – that we have done now, these many years later. Yes, the condition of the Earth IS abundance, if we treat it with respect. But we haven’t been.
Like you, Alex, I strongly believe that in each one of us lies the seed for unlimited thinking, and nearly unlimited potential (bounded only by our human limitations). It’s in that potential that we can, individually, and in groups large and small – make a difference in our own lives, in the lives of our communities, and even our planet as a whole.
And I believe that each one of us can create wealth – even financial wealth – in our own lives and in our communities, even during these difficult financial times, simply by applying our abundance thinking.
The question is: Will you continue to create financial wealth solely for your own good and at the expense of others, or will you use your abundance thinking and your ability to generate wealth to your own advantage in the context of the larger picture, and also add wealth and value to the world at large?
In order to subsist and then thrive as individuals and communities, each of us must take a good, hard look at what we actually need for our physical sustenance and put our abundance thinking to work managing our precious natural resources, re-distributing the abundance of food that already exists, providing clean water, solving health and health care problems, and taking care of each other.
We must use our abundance thinking to ensure that planet Earth is able to sustain future generations, so that they, too, can use their abundance thinking.
Thanks, Alex, for providing this forum for me and others to explore this concept of abundance. It’s a critical conversation at a critical time.
Jay Aaron
Strategic Visionary / Visionary Strategist
http://JayAaron.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/newthoughts
“Abundance is the truth that makes us to feel that EVERYTHING is going to be alright because we can quantify that there is more than enough ways for EVERYONE to get EVERYTHING that they desire”
Abundance is about sufficiency. I am enough, I have enough, my friends are enough. the world is enough. It ends the wanting, living in the future “game” and puts me in the present, appreciating what i have now reality. Thanks alex, love your work!
”ABUNDANCE” is the realization that within us lies the richness wich we acquire through life experiences, either good or bad, that make us grow…It is that part that no one will be able to steal away from us… and that has the value of fulfilling our lives a day at a time.
NB: Excuse my English as I am a French speaker ;-)
If you do The Twist or you Shake Your Booty, you’re doing abundance.
Hi Alex, Steve Hinkey here, been teaching abundance seminars with my partner for several years, and I have yet to see our take on it duplicated. The comments we get are beyond phenomenal, and most people feel that the versions of praying, affirming, begging, etc to be quite the opposite of true abundance.
Abundance is not measured in things, or the ability to add to one’s quarry, intelligence, or spirit on demand. Abundance is one of the most esoteric dynamics in life, and were I to spell it out here as clear as a bell, the next reader will debauch it, trivialize it, and have a seminar and book on it in 5 days, and be the new self-professed guru on it.
Abundance is not what people think. It is what people are. When ready, contact us for a seat at the abundance fest of a lifetime…
love Steve
Abundance occurs by choice, not chance!
I love your definition Alex, and I would tweak it a bit.
“To know that we all have unlimited potential and therefore we can never reach the end of our potential.”
The abundance mindset allows that those who chose wisely to know that everything they want and need will be provided when they are ready to receive it.
Dear Alex, Much gratitude for sharing such a thought provoking AND uplifting topic of Abundance! Abundance is one of my favorite words, which really stems from a favorite feeling. I Always use the word ABUNDANCE in ALL of my Daily Affirmations!
This stems from listening to Jack Canfield and his many years of profound teachings.
So everytime I use the Word ‘Abundance’, I am really using the word, ‘Blessings’-ABUNDANCE=Blessings;Yes! in all it’s simplicity-’Unbelievable Blessings’!That’s it!-
‘Unbelelievable Blessings’!
With Gratitude & Joy,
Catherine Ross Blair
Abundance is the result of believing enough in the universe and your connection to it that you get out of your own way so you can receive the riches that are freely available to all of us.
Abundance is having more than you need. You can hoard the excess or share it, your choice defines you as a person.
Abundance is the state of mind which allows an unlimited energetic flow of opportunity, relationship, connection and prosperity in a synchronistic fashion.
Thank you, Alex, for inviting us today to share our definitions with you!
I so agree with the idea that for many people, our universal similarities are revealed by our mutual views of abundance – no matter how different we may seem to one another at first glance.
Abundance is to me: The reflection of how we ‘nurture the connection at the heart of our existence’ with a residing state of gratitude and an abiding faith in all things possible.
With love – I am, my deliberate creative intentions, that I am, Michele Anderson
I agree with Steve Hinkey. “Abundance is not what people think, it is what we are.”
We are abundant beings by nature. It is our birthright. No matter what the circumstances are, the truth is we are abundance and live in an infinitely abundant universe. No one is excluded from this abundance.
One’s mind may see otherwise and experience perceived lack, debt, limitations, but that does not change the spiritual principle and truth that they are abundant.
Nature demonstrates this priniciple of abundance with blades of grass, grains of sand, stars, planets, universes. We are all one with this same abundant demonstration that is evident in the Universe.
To be so well-balanced and at peace in the four quadrants of life (spiritual, physical, emotional and social) that you are able to enjoy in the present moment laser focus, an altruistic sense of purpose beyond yourself, and a child-like excitement about both the present and future.
Great question Alex!
My definition of abundance would be ..
“the courage to believe that everything you’re able to dream is available to you .. and the awareness that you need only to get clear on what it is you want in order to have it.”
Regards,
Greg
Abundance isn’t created it already exists. We get to choose what abundance looks like for us and lean into that vision through our actions.
Alex, thanks for challenging me to define abundance.
Abundance is a state of being in which you know and understand at the core level that the Universe is limitless and all things are possible and that you are connected to the Source of all that is and is yet to be, and that you are now and have always been and always will be enough. You appreciate this and express gratitude, you know it to be true so you radiate the essence of abundance in all that you think and do, and you experience abundance as you consciously choose, create and attract from this mindset or state of being. Abundance is our natural state… simple but not necessarily easy to attain and maintain in our human reality.
Abundance is an attitude or emotional milleau in which we are accept and are thankful for the provision of our TRUE needs, not wishes, dreams or even ambitions. It is personal abundance not based or even colored by gifts given to others.
Just as a tree sheds leaves and scatters seeds, so abundance exists all around us. It’s partner is generosity; it takes a generous nature to share and it takes trust that more will come, when needed. Abundance is state of mind plus action.
Abundance is the sparkle in your eyes, and the spring in your step, when you wake up and realize that you get to play here, in this wondrous place, for another day!
Here’s what I believe are the components necessary to achieve an Abudance Mindset:
An abundance mindset is achieved once you establish a congruent, energetic frequency between the goals of your mind, the desires of your heart,
and your beliefs about ‘deserving.’ Then these energies are interwoven with self-love and a deep abiding trust that The Universe will deliver unto you a life more abundant than your mind can conceive.
Keeping your mind, heart and eyes open to possibilities at all times and know that there is always enough for everyone.
To me, abundance is a state of mind that is wonderfully (re)created by using a blend of therapeutic- grade essential oils.
Abundance™ is created to enhance the frequency of the harmonic magnetic energy field that surrounds us. This higher frequency creates what is called “the law of attraction,” which refers to the things we attract to ourselves. Abundance opens us to a wealth of possibilities (www.youngliving.com- enter distributor# 1009840)
It contains the following ingredients:
Orange (Citrus sinesis), frankincense (Boswellia carteri), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and spruce (Picea mariana).
It smells great! (it can even be added to house paint or worn as perfume)
When you open your heart with a resounding YES! you are instantly abundant.
One has abundance when one is grateful for everything and anything from morning till night.
The way a happy child enjoys all, abundantly
A happy child fully enjoying the moment, abundantly
Abundance is living in all the fullness God has provided for us! :-)
My definition for abundance:
Visualize, Acknowledge you have it, Share with someone, then rinse and repeat!
Kevin
“The Conversion General”
http://www.conversiongeneral.com/km/register2.htm
Abundance is a frequency, human graciousness its manifest essence.
Abundance can encompass many things, both tangible and intangible. It engages the spiritual, emotional and intellectual elements of our being – an out pouring from within. Yet it is all around us. A paradox exists. Whether I were to be in Calcutta with Mother Theresa or sitting with Donald Trump in luxury, is irrelevant.
It is a state of completeness, needing nothing.
To me, abundance means ‘more than enough’. A state of serenity. Applying this to every area of my life is something I choose, perceive (mind set) and experience.
A powerful and empowering thing that rises above all else.
…..Cheryl
Abundance is a state of being. It’s how you feel. It’s taking notice and appreciating what you have, instead of what you don’t have.
The abiltity to believe and then create what ever you desire
Abundance is,
The abiltity to believe and then create what ever you desire
Hi Alex
Thank you for the abundance writeup, it is a great article to ponder on
Thank you
You reap what you GROW. This IS abundance. And this law is found EVERYWHERE in nature.
Abundance is being blessed by God and having the grace to accept it and increase it.
A beautiful question, Alex, thank you.
Abundance is embracing the presence of God. When He shows up, everything changes and we become something greater than we were.
Blessings to you and your readers!
Dwight
Pat’s – Being six feet above ground.
Lorna’s – Abundance is an attitude… A connection with joy, appreciation and the endless possibilities the universe provide us.
–Pat & Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
Abundance is feeling LOVE and the lack of FEAR. It is not allowing the FEARMONGERS to change your mindset. Live in an abundance mindset with true gratitude.
Dolan and Alex,
Often we can understand a concept even more deeply when we contrast it with its opposite.
If Abundance is at one end of the continuum, Envy (One of the Seven Deadly Sins) is at the other.
Envy is based on a scarcity viewpoint. An Envious person see’s another person’s attainment of wealth
as leaving less for “me”. The stronger one feels envy the more one desires the death of a successful person.
Envy is the basis for Marxist Thinking. Envy drives the belief that wealth is “taken from” While Abundance drives
the belief that wealth is “created”.
Envy believes in “depletion of resources”; Abundance believes in “unlimited resources”
Envy looks to the earth as being used up; Abundance looks to the heavens as rain pouring down.
Envy teaches that dreaming is a waste of time; Abundance teaches that ideas are things to bring to life.
J Michael Webber “Mike”
[...] was just challenged by Alex Mandossian, an incredibly gifted mind and fellow marketing pro I met about 5 years ago, to define what “abundance” truly means to [...]
Abundance is the understanding that what you have is always more powerful than what you don’t.
Abundance is – Never wanting for anything always having an unlimited supply.
Having everything that YOUR soul desires – having the things that are important to YOU. (Everyones desires may differ greatly- so what might make one feel abundant in, wont necessarily make another feel abundant)
Hi Alex,
My definition of Abundance:
To have more than what is required of something.
Ricardo
Abundance to me is my family. My son and my granddaughter’s love and support. It is also a thought that you can feed and creat or strangle with negative thoughts. It is being happy with what you have, not what you dont have.
Abundance is pretty simple:
“Abundance is the constant recognition and acknowledgment that everything you already have is more than enough for you to attain what you don’t have.”
Abundance is the enough that we have to much of.
Abundance is experienced through perceiving it, it exists in everything from the macrocosmic and universal to the infinite, and it is constantly giving and receiving itself to itself through each individual self and the collective Self–making each living being abundance incarnate, with an unlimited potential and with infinite possibilities–all by free will chosing to experience whatever degree of pleasure or pain imagined, yet still always evolving beyond limits to the ever-increasing consciousness of the Oneness of all Life and the self-realization of the I AM which pervades everything in this choice-point eternal Now moment of ‘existence’–abundantly manifesting as the present reality we all share in, as we individually awaken from our delusion of separation, and with loving gratitude embrace our Self as all there is.
Thanks,
Neriah
Hello Alex! Thanks for this opportunity to share our take on “abundance” – you’re right, just thinking about it makes you feel more abundant!
I was thinking about a challenge this morning when I realized I could look @ it differently. My thinking went like this…
“Yes! Passion, purpose and excitement is something you live every day – no matter what you’re doing!
…and I want to add another thought in support of “how” that thought came about – no matter what you’re doing in support of your dreams > your goals > and the actions you’re taking (or even not taking) – this is “the time” it’s important to remember that thought ^
It’s what puts me in “good energy”…or, : ) “abundance”
Abundance is a state of mind that allows us to see that the weeds in our life are just native plants in need of pruning.
A-bun-dance: A bunch of naked people shaking their buns.
Abundance to me is simply, complete peace of mind. Limitless possibilities in every imaginable aspect of life and beyond.
A-bun-dance: A bunch of naked people shaking their buns in full celebration of living fully alive and meaningfull purpose filled lives.
Abundance is a state of being rooted in Spirit (the heart), directed by the soul to transform the mind, body and emotions sourced by the Laws of Prosperity in the process and practice to direct thoughts, feelings, attitude, words, and behavior to create and manifest abundance in a reality – free to be – giving and receiving – loving life.
A state of being is: I am. I am what I believe, think, feel and say I am. Therefore, I stand in power and intention to observe my thoughts, change my thinking, adjust my attitude, calm my emotions and chose my words. I have the courage to create my state of being from my heart and manifest the life I want. My Spirit is the master of my thoughts, feelings, words and behavior. I instruct my thoughts to serve me, direct my feelings to inspire me, discipline my behavior to create abundance in every facet of my reality. I am intentional in the process and practice to awaken my soul and set my Spirit free. Free to be. Free to love. Free to give and receive – gratefully loving my life.
Thanks, Alex.
Your blogpost made me awake!
I mean, the Chinese character you picked pu for Abundance.
As a Japanese, I can write my name in Chinese characters. However, I’ve never related my first name to abundance in my life. Well, the combination of two chinese characters for Yuko simply means A Child of Abundance, which I’ve never thought about.
It seems to me, abundance is such continuous discoveries of the unknown gifts in the universe.
Abundance is attuning your personality with your soul and spirit
Abundance is not so much the presence of something as it is the absence of something. True abundance can only exist to its fullest when all forms of selfishness are done away with completely. This is not a mindset that changes as one’s views change. This is a state of existence itself. If I seem foolish, please bear with my folly for a few moments.
Contrary to popular beliefs, human beings are born with a selfish nature. This nature is not just self preservation..it is pure selfishness. No matter what one has, it’s not enough. One simply must have more to be different and better than other more common people. This nature affects every single facet of human beings throughout their entire life. This very nature is what keeps abundance from being recognized, defined, experienced, and appreciated in our lives. Don’t believe me?
Which students are chosen for college with scholarships? Academia recognizes outstanding academic accomplishment. Above average and ordinary efforts are not considered as worthy to receive such recognition. What about the athletes? The all star athlete, the trophy winner, the one with the best statistics, that athlete is the one considered for scholarship to help “the school” win a title, a trophy, or an award so “the school” has something to leverage the alumni with for higher contributions. The rest are on their own. The same things apply to artists of various kinds. It applies to all of us whether we realize it or not.
After school, people are faced with no better choices. People are evaluated by employers on the basis of education, athleticism, speaking ability, etc. to determine which will provide the greatest asset to the company for the least overall expense because profit is the main concern of the company. Employees are not even considered an investment. They are simply part of the operating cost of the business.
All through this, the “I” problem grows larger and larger. What “I” want, what “I” need, what “I” do, why am “I” not appreciated or paid more?, etc. bombard people every day of their lives. This is not a way of thinking. This is a way of life itself for far too many people. This way of living strives to choke out all abundance and perverts what abundance it cannot choke out. In the end, this selfishness causes destruction and death.
I will close with this observation. It is greater to receive a portion of bread and some water at the table of a humble man that is sharing all that he has and is with you than to receive a feast at the table of a king who is only looking at how to use you for his own selfish purpose.
Michael
Abundance:
“Somewhere out there, so many great opportunities are waiting to be explored”.
Abundance of my heart, share what you have and share your wealth with the needy. Thats the enjoyment of abundance..
Awesome post.
I’ve been reading all the posts since I offered my own definition of Abundance yesterday.
Wow, a tremendous wealth of insight is collecting! We can learn so much from each other…
This morning I just want to say, ‘Thank You’ to everyone making a contribution to this cause, our deeper understanding, and our collective abundance in the future. This IS how it’s done.
Hello Alex,
My interpretation of the term abundance would translate into
having more than an adequate supply or possibly fulfillment
of something. On the other hand; it also could mean too much of
something not desired either. A situation of this kind could be good
or bad.
Hi Alex,
Abundance to me is believing and acting like there is more than enough for everyone in the world. It involves sharing, contributing and having a positive connection with oneself and with others. Abundance leads to a life of joy and fulfillment.
Abundance to me is sharing with everyone what has worked for you in the hope that they will do better then you with it.
Abundance is a decision to believe in what’s possible and not live in the fear of losing what is.
Abundance is a sense of fulfillment based on a state of mind that transcends current reality.
In that state of mind, circumstances are not allowed to inform abundance and thereby affect abundance. Rather, abundance informs circumstances – whether good or bad – thereby controlling the effects those circumstances may have on us.
Abundance is knowing there is enough of everything for everyone in every moment and then BE-ing in that reality.
For example, BE-ing free to support the service of others as I am able, because I am not in competition with anyone for anything, because there is more than enough clients, money, love, etc for everyone.
The short definition: Abundance is accomplishing more for others, and for youself on an ongoing basis.
The longer explanation: I almost wrote, “Doing more for others and for yourself” but doing is not necessarily accomplishing. You can often accomplish a lot doing a little. There is no abundance in accomplishing for others, but not yourself, and no abundance in accomplishing for yourself, but not others.
And there is no abundance in standing still and accomplishing for yourself only what you’ve done in the past. Abundance is an ongoing basis of accomplishing more for yourself and for others.
I used to think that you had to make major investments. I’ve since learned that those major investments rarely pan out, but small, gradual ongoing improvements, often reach miraculous porportions.
Accomplishing more for yourself means better relationships, better control over your time, better health and better prosperity.
The implications are more extream than it might appear. If I am truly healthier every year than I shouldn’t be aging, but getting younger. If I am accomplishing more for others then my employees, my family and everyone should all find their own use of time to be better than it was.
It’s really not difficult to continually improve, to move a mountain. You can move a mountain one rock at a time. What is difficult to do is to get people to move the first rock, and in moving that rock to see that the mountain is moving.
Abundance is openness and expansion of every level and aspect of our being: mind (optimisitc, positive and visionary thought, belief and attitude), body (optimally functioning physiological, chemical, electrical, neuromuscular, vascular, cellular and energetic systems), emotion (optimistic, happy, content, grateful, appreciative, joyful and loving) and spirit (living and relaxing in realization of our connection to everyone and everything that exists).
“Abundance is always bountiful and in no way constrained, unless of course… it is feared!”
Abundance is the peace that resides in your heart because you know that you’ve always had and always will have, everything you need to live as you choose.
Waking up every day with a new client opportunity, market opportunity, profit opportunity learning opportunity, friendship opportunity, product opportunity, gratitude opportunity … I think you get the gist. Always having something new to pursue, chase after, and keep your interest.
Abundance is…..tipping your server more than required, going for two scoops instead of one, filing up a homeless cup, eating breakfast with the kids knowing work can wait, buying a shirt at retail not at the sale rack, and giving more love than asked for in return.
Thanks Alex!
Cletus Coffey
http://cletuscoffey.com
I experience abundance when I am at peace within, free from needing anything, totally content with everything that is.
Abundance is a mindset of believing that there is enough money, love, relationships, happiness, etc. for everyone. Most people operate from the mentality that there is not enough for everyone – which creates scarcity, recession and depression. The work is to create the right mindset to live a truly abundant life!
I feel abundance when I get into a paradise where everybody and everything seems to serve my pleasure, and reinforces the idea I’m important and blessed.. the only constraint is to learn a golden rule in the paradise : express my well-being and act my gratitude towards those who serve for the purpose of greatness
Hi Alex,
I think your great and doing fabulous work.
Abundance to me is concerned with the only state that ever matters and that is your state of being. Take care of that and see what happens ! !
Kind regards,
Andy
Abundance: Unlimited Access To God’s Limitless Supply.
Here’s a quick one: Abundance is faithful abandonment & trust.
An attitude especially exampled, when you are doing ‘a-bun-dance’… I like that!
So, Do a’bun’dance like no one is watching. :) I mean it, too.
I can’t take credit for that idea. It started with two posts from, Abundant ‘Dave’ above!
Thanks, Dave – Michele!
Experiencing abundace is the experience of knowing that each moment brings new opportunities to succeed, learn, change, decide, help, lead, follow, give and get. Experiencing scarcity is the experience of believing that you are lacking something and that you have no way of improving your own conditions. Abundance is always there. We create our own scarcity.
Hey Alex!
Great discussion question and topic. My definition of Abundance is this: the knowledge and believe that there’s an infinite amount of money, love, friends, life, etc to be uncovered and discovered then simply what your eye’s have seen and what your life experiences have thought you and lead you to believe.
I know it’s a bit long, but, it’s my interpretation of the true meaning of the word Abundance. I hope this helps.
~ Charles ~
abundance
is like rain, watering all, falling on the good, the bad, the living, the gone,
in rivers, overflowing to lakes, filling oceans, rising as clouds to do it all again
and again, with out end, a finger, or a thought of itself.
Never lacking.
Abundance means ‘more than enough’ and is God given.
I believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength Phil 4:13. Apart from Him I can do nothing and whatever I ask of Him that is in accordance with His will He will give to me more abundantly than anything I could imagine. He knows what I need and how much and I am to trust Him to give me the strength to accomplish His will to the glory of God through Christ Jesus His Son.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
ABUNDANCE: The belief (powered by choice and action) that there is an Unlimited Supply. Whatever you need is already present — love, power, creativity, energy, imagination, vision, dreams, wisdom, inspiration, determination, forgiveness, peace. To Live-in-Abundance means that you are continually standing under, drawing on, drinking in, diving into and activated by that Unlimited Supply to accomplish what is calling you in the moment.
Ok, I read your emails and watched your video on youtube, and you seem to be passionate about this topic of abundance, and also you do this “12 experts” event, so, I will give you my view on “abundance”. Right, I have a similar metaphor, different “views” of the universe. One says, there isn’t enough for everybody. That leads to everybody struggling and only a few winning over the many. That is the view of “scarcity”. And the other one says, that there is abundance, that everybody’s needs can be met. I adopted this view from Marshall B. Rosenberg, who is a mentor of mine. He is saying, that the determining factor here, the thing that decides about scarcity and abundance, or the “bottleneck” that is created for the underlying abundance of the universe, is the stubborn ignorance of opportunity for getting needs met, by insisting on “specific preferential strategies” for getting them met.
Hi Alex
Exellent move to take one unique ward and one can fly in sky unlimited without wings .
How can I fly without wings?
YES, with abundance, just IN.
ABUNDANCE, AND ONE WORD IS SUFFICENT TO CHANGE WHOLE THE WORLD PEOPLE INNER MIND THOUGHTS.
EXCELLENT SELECTION AND HERE ALPHABEAT TO JOIN AND DEVELOP THE WORD ABUNDANCE.
A-ADVANCE
B-BEYOND
U-UNIQUE
N-NOMBER
D-DETERMINATION
A-ADDICT
N-NECESSARY
C-COMMITMENT
E-EARNING
ONLY ABUNDANCE WORD FULLFIL ALL THE DESIRES OF MAN AND WOMAN AND GIVE MORE ENERGY TO GROW,BECAUSE SKY HAS NO END, AND AS ABUNDANCE HAS NO END .
GOPAL WELCOMES TO ALL OF YOU.
Hi ALEX AND DOLAN
WHY SELECT A UNIQUE WORD ABUNDANCE?
HOW IT COMES TO YOUR MIND DOLAN AND ALEX, IT IS A SIPRITUAL THOUGHTS WORD AND VERY STRONG WORD.
I APPERITIATE YOU BOTH TO SELECT A ABUNDANCE WORD.
THE ABUNDANCE ONE WORD MESSAGE IS MORE THAN SUFFICENT TO WHOLE THE WORLD.
AS WE CAN’T MEASURE THE HIGHT OF SKY AND CAN’T MEASURE THE DEPTH OF OCEAN AND SUN LIGHT CAN’T BE MEASURE AND ABUNDANCE WORD CAN’T BE DEFINE.
IT IS A SUPER SIPRITUAL WORD, ONE CAN GET THE FEELING OF IT. AS TILL DATE NO BODY HAS SEEN GOD AND NOT DEFINE ANY WHERE, BUT FELT THAT GOD IS WITH ME.
ABUNDANCE WORD THOUGHTS OF A NOBLE MINDED PERSONS ARE WHO.
HERE ARE, JUST GO DOWN.
ALEX AND DOLAN
From the Abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…from Scripture.
The heart is overflowing with goodness that must be shared or communicated generously;
the sharing is overflowing like golden honey out of a jar into the mouths of hungry
children. Abundance is extreme vitality that multiplies and is generous to all that come in contact with it.. could be attitude, could be wealth, could be spiritual sensitivity, could be health.. and abundance is contagious!
Huh, now this is rather interesting. The time you posted this was the time I got the book Free: The Future of a Radical Price. I definitely have a new understanding of abundance vs scarcity now… :)
Abundance is the state of infinite sufficiency available to fulfill all desires. Gratitude allows it to be seen, felt, experienced, and manifested. Abundance is the constant, endless flow of “Divine Consciousness” to, and through, the Universe.
Hi Alex
Thank you for offering this opportunity. I so appreciate it.
My definition of Abundance is:
Abundance: A state of mind that creates, shapes and allows an overflowing presence of joy, love and bounty into my life.
Veronica Hay, Calgary, Alberta, Canada 403-245-6815
veronicahay@telus.net
Hi again Alex
Here is another definition for you and yours.
Abundance: Nature’s gift. Humanity’s Birthright. Divinity’s Dream For You.
Veronica Hay
veronicahay@telus.net
Hi again Alex
Here is another definition of Abundance. I think I am on a roll!
Abundance: A heart filled with love. A soul filled with peace. A life filled with Joy…
ever reaching, ever expanding, everlasting!
Veronica Hay
veronicahay@telus.net
Hi Alex
A word which can only be described through “experience”
Abundance – “A natural resource grown over time whereby life’s circumstances, accompanied by conflicts of the mind are bound by attitude that limit our pattern and belief towards our relationship with confidence, ambition and courage that determine prosperity”
“It is only our imagination that limits our knowledge, our experiences that initiate opportunities towards a happy and prosperous abundant life”
Thanks
Roy
To meet Richard Branson with the Brawn GP team woul definately be one of the best rocking chair moments of my life
Okay, Alex I’ll play!
First of all, I would not agree with the notion that “abundance” is the polar
opposite of “scarcity” as it seems this perspective lends the notion of
“scarcity” inappropriate power.
Similar to the introduction to “A Course in Miracles” (where it is written, “The
opposite of love is fear, but what is all-encompassing can have no opposite…”)
scarcity is a misperception – a myth, a lie.
Therefore, my preferred, concise definition of abundance would be:
Abundance =
The Truth of Unlimited Possibility
that lies hidden (temporarily)
as long as we’re plugged into
the illusion of scarcity.
Warmest,
Elyse Hope Killoran
http://www.choosingprosperity.com
Aloha Alex!
Thanks for the opportune time to share my fortune of abundance! While I love Dave’s booty-dance the most, and my own experience of chowing on the infinite fruit of the vine here on Maui…mangoes, bananas, papayas, avos, etc. I’ll share my definition of
Abundance: The absolute knowledge or faith in knowing ourSelves as The infinite, eternal Divine (Source Energy, Spirit, God, Goddess, Universe, whichever name in whatever language we choose) and all the power of expression on this Earth plane we are here to experience by engaging in our Unlimited Supply, that which is us, and feeds us every aspect of our Being.
Thanks so much for the awesome Virtual Abundance Expo, and I do, in fact, have a proposed S.A. idea for you for an extended experience of VAE!
Mahalo!
Christine Marya
ChristineMarya.com
Hello Alex,
Over 140+ comments (different) definition of Abundance….. for me is endless…..
Abundance, is having enough… love, peace , joy…..
When you have that…. all material things will follow .. you feel satisfied
with what you have.
Allways be in graditute…. mc/ kangen water….. :)
http://www.waterfullife.com
Abundance – Thanksgiving day
The Universe is Abundant therefore all you need to do is become conscious of that abundance. You don’t have to go far. Simply observe nature in all her glory, children running about, the love of your family and the blessings of life itself. You don’t have to believe anything except become present to existence. If you have to believe it as so many say then what that says is that you don’t already believe it. Usually any amount of “believing won’t be sufficient because the next time it doesn’t work for you doubt will arise once again.
What is required is trust and stillness. In my experience mediation is the pathway to the beyond where you have a direct experience of the infinate abundance that is available. As you engage in the process soon the transformation occurs then you simply know. Belief is no longer necessary.
Abundance isn’t about money unless you make it about money. That has more to do with what is important to you. Money was necessary for Mother Theresa, Colin Powell and Bucky Fuller in order to carry out their missions in service to others.
I remember what Bucky Fuller said during a lecture I attended regarding the necessity of money and how to acquire it. In essence he said: “Throughout my life I have taken on projects when I discovering a need or problem that needed a solution. Almost every time I tried to get the money before I began the project I failed to get the money however every time I simply began the project before I had the money -the money almost always showed up to support the project.” Now that is a demonstration of abundance.
First of all he knows the universe is abundant….he doesn’t have to believe it. Secondly he tried doing it both ways and he found out that when he trusted the process or if you will “trusted the Universe” it simply worked better. “The money showed up.” As you probably know, Bucky invented the Geodesic dome, among countless other inventions, by looking in the eye of a fly. The Houston Astrodome is just one such example of how a game becomes a “dynamic event” in that kind of structure.
Steven Cates
Hello Friends!
This is like my morning coffee, I mean your website, I’ve been an ignorant on so many topics but thanks to you I learned much. Funny how I believe something and then I discover that the reality is totally different. Your articles are great to say the least. I love, love, love your blog! I love the way you write your articles by the way, you’ve done an excellent job with your website!
Later!