Spirituality and the "M" Word

Dudley Moore:
“I’ve always been rich, and I’ve never been happy.”

Liza Minelli:
“I’ve always been poor, and I’ve usually been happy.”

Geraldine Fitzgerald:
“Rubbish! I’ve ALWAYS been rich, and I’ve ALWAYS been happy.”
-- A frank exchange from the classic film “Arthur”


When we are young, our relationship with money is quite ndirect, as our parents provide for our needs and desires. As we get older and become increasingly self-sufficient, we engage directly with money and learn its impact on our life. Usually it is then that the question arises in us, about money in relationship to happiness -- a question that is at its core one of spirituality.

Like anything else in life – body, soul, love, sunlight, food – money is energy. It cna be used to get by, to build, to bring together, or too often, to divide. The spiritual sticking point is not the actual currency, but our relationship with money: how we perceive it, seek it, hoard it, utilize it, honor it, or abuse it. Money is a powerful energy. The ways we use it today can entrap us. We can also create miracles from even small gifts of charity.

Our financial health -- like our physical, emotional and psychological health -- must be aligned to our beliefs if we are to enjoy peace of mind and live out a holistic spirituality. Financial health is not only about prosperity or security; it is about right relationship with money. Ultimately, it is about honesty.

For example, avoid debt. Over time, debt can trap a person into a cycle of frustration and shame, cutting into self-esteem so that a person's eyes are taken off the true prizes of life -- supporting family, realizing aspirations, and giving charitably.

Remember that money is a tool in this world. Even though a powerful one, it does not in itself bring happiness or fulfillment or peace. That will come from the choices you make in life, the fruit of your experiences, and the lessons you are able to learn.

The mark of success is in your learning.

That will make you rich.