A (7)

75

july 201

yogajournal.com.au

Whenever you feel anxious about money or worried that you’re not doing enough
to take care of yourself and your family, breathe into your lower abdomen. It’s virtually
impossible to be fearful when you’re taking full breaths, says Kessel. Just relax, and let
gravity pull oxygen into your lower lungs.

If you find yourself relying on an “It’ll all work out” motto, or if you feel like you don’t
have a good grasp on where your money is going, seek help from someone with
expertise to create a plan that allows you to feel peace and abundance at your current level
of income, whatever that is.

Write down three different words or phrases to fill in the blank: “Money is __ .”
Then, get honest with yourself. How do these statements cause you to react? Are you
attracting or repelling money due to these beliefs, and are they serving your ultimate
creative, social, or spiritual ideals?

If you are nervous about spending, open a “play” account and automatically deposit
$1 a day, $100 a month, or whatever feels right given your financial and emotional situation.
Then, spend or donate at least half of it by the end of the month on things that bring you
or someone else joy right now.

Just once this week, resist your urge to buy a flashy item or give money away in order
to improve your image. Don’t try to respond to the thoughts that come up; just let them
wash through you. How long do your thoughts and feelings stay focused on that purchase
or gift you were considering?

When you notice that most of your energy and resources (financial and otherwise) are being
directed outward instead of inward, create a self-care action plan. Think of three simple ways
you might express compassion for yourself before leaping to show compassion for others.

Commit to one day each week in which you will not handle money in any way. Buy
groceries ahead of time, pay your bills another day, and avoid using credit. Then, find
other ways to enjoy yourself that don’t require financial transactions, such as getting
out in nature or reading a great book.

For the next three weeks, spend a little time every day imagining you have already
“arrived” in terms of meeting your business, personal, and financial goals. You probably
spend too much time focused on your goals and need reminders to enjoy what you’ve
already achieved.

“It’s okay to make a spontaneous purchase.

I can enjoy my money and still be responsible

when it comes to my finances.”

“I will look at my finances and aim for what’s

important to me, even if that means changing

my lifestyle to work within a budget.”

“I can value creativity, social justice, and

spiritual growth and keep my financial

wellbeing in mind at the same time.”

“I will spend some of my money even if it feels

uncomfortable, trusting that I have enough.”

“I am enough. I don’t have to spend money

to be recognised or increase my self-esteem.”

“I am just as deserving of love, care, and

financial support as the people and causes

I give to.”

“I can feed my senses and make myself happy

without using money.”

“I can go after my big goals while still enjoying

all that I have right here, right now.”

TRY THIS PRACTICE YOUR NEW MANTRA