Appreciation

Lynn Twist, in her presentation about her book called “The Soul of Money” said “that which you appreciate, appreciates.” When things are tough, like your bank account, or losing a job, or facing rising costs, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity, the idea that there’s simply not enough to go around. Lynn talks about how this mentality drives us into hoarding, competition, and fear.

I remember the times I had to audition for a show – and I never had a feeling of competition. It wasn’t because I didn’t care to succeed – it was simply because I knew that I would do my best, and if they picked me it was because I was right for the job. If they didn’t, then I knew my skills would be better in another project.

I thought this way because I didn’t know any better – for those of you who don’t know my background, I started acrobatics when I was 19, with zero knowledge of the performing circus world. In other words, I just went out there and had fun, and anything that came my way, I was grateful for. Ironically, I got everything I needed, though not everything I wanted (or thought I wanted).

Which brings me back Lynn’s words: that which you appreciate, appreciates. If you focus on what you are or have, she says, it will expand. Christmas is a funny time of year – a time of giving, sharing – but suddenly what happens when you don’t get that gift you wanted? What happens if plans change and the family doesn’t get together (or worse, gets together!)? The heavily accented mood of this holiday emphasizes everything you get and don’t get.

My suggestion to you in the next few days… find the simplest thing you can appreciate and spend a minute saying a prayer, meditating on your gratitude, or acknowledging it in your own way. It could be something you overlook daily, like the car you drive, the roof over your head, the computer you read this blog on… Here is one thing we all have to be grateful for absolutely: the fact that you breathe and can read this letter. Cheers to that!

Merry Christmas,

Alvin.