The dictionary definition of the word “prosperity” is, a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in financial respects; good fortune. While our foremost and most common understanding of prosperity typically relates to the areas of money, finances, material possessions such as land, gold, cars, luxurious homes, expensive holidays etc., there is a broader concept of prosperity across other areas of our lives as well.
Our conditioning over the years teaches us to value social standing in terms of accumulation of wealth which is then translated to being labelled a successful and prosperous individual or not. Of course, having money makes life so much easier, but prosperity means so much more.
At its root, prosperity is about happiness and a sense of fulfillment broadly across 8 spheres of our life. So,what are these 8 spheres of prosperity? Let’s take a look:
1. Money/Finances
Of course – this is covered by the basic definition of prosperity. Itrefers to the more traditional definition of being in a state of economic well-being and thriving materialistically.
But we go further and say that true prosperity in this area is whenthere are no questions, problems or fear of money or finances. Even the so called well-to-do may not be “strong “ in this area if they are living in fear of losing what they have, for example. Or some may feel it is “mercenary” to make money. Its really surprising how many people do NOT want be rich. There is fear of wealth. Which again is all our mind’s conditioning. Strength towards money& finances is very important for a good quality of life. Weaknesses here can have negative effects on our health or relationships. It is an important aspect of life and one needs to be open and receptive to it without any hang-ups or fears.
2. Job/Career
Closely following on the footsteps of financial prosperity is our quest to do well in our chosen spheres of work. When we’re young, we dream of doing what we love, rising to the very top of the career ladder, making a name and a comfortable living. As time passes, many become aware of being in a rut and often wonder where the joy disappeared. We begin to wonder what is missing.
Prosperity in work space refers to this often elusive feeling of fulfillment and purpose in what we do. We would like to feel that we make a difference; someone or something is better off because we add value to it. It doesn’t come from just doing what society regards as the latest best thing or from the highest paying jobs. Many times we choose careers based on socio-economic factors.
It could be any job but if there is sense of growth and value addition for oneself as well as others it is very fulfilling- Prosperity of Career & Purpose.
3. Relationships
Human beings are social animals. We want to belong to the tribe and left to ourselves in the pure state, we naturally help and support each other.
To have a strong connection to self, family, friends or colleagues is a very important aspect of our lives. We get weakened at a fundamental level if connections are lost or come under stress.
Prosperity in relationships comes from a strong connection to self, strong boundaries and an empathy and unconditional acceptance. So it is rarely, if not never, about the other person. It is a state of our inner being which brings about this prosperity.
4. Health Prosperity
There is a popular saying that talks about how at first, we trade our health for our material and financial aspirations and then later, we use all that money we have accumulated to buy back our health. Good health, as often said, is truly our real wealth because if we are physically and mentally in a good space, all else follows from there.
But as with everything else, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.
To be prosperous in health, we need to be able to function optimally within the physical and mental spaces. For example, whether it be doing our daily chores with enthusiasm, or pursuing our hobbies with gusto or then dealing with challengesin a calm way, it all contributes to abundance in health.
Though much fuss is made about health of late, prosperity in health is a GIVEN actually, if we don’t mess it up with our attitudes!
5. Time Prosperity
Of all the different prosperities, as a human population we have become most poverty stricken in this area.
“I don’t have the time”, is one of the most common phrases heard and used today. It seems like life has become more complex than before and there are more and more demands on what we can accomplish in the 24 hours. Mass conditioning about “seizing the day” or achieving the maximum in a day without the right environment framework within us which can genuinely sense and discern priorities, has led us to simply chase our days every day. It’s like the proverbial hamster running on a wheel, cannot stop but cannot go on either.
So, what kind of relationship do we want with “time”? The concept of time can affect different people in different ways. Some feel that there is never enough time, others may feel they have wasted time and some may equate the passage of time with the process of aging or leaving behind good times and feel despair instead.
No matter how we feel, it is so important for us to put things into perspective and gain mastery over time. It is here that we take a look at the “quality” aspect of time. When we do the right things in the right order with the right attitude, suddenly it seems like we have more time! This is why different individuals can achieve different results within same amount of time. As the celebrated American author, educator and businessman, Stephen Covey said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it”.
6. Space Prosperity
This is a subtle sense and not really related to the material prosperity of land and home mentioned earlier. We can have a sprawling castle and still feel space deprived. Like “I can’t have my own spot where I can relax and be myself”.Being one’s own essence that is the building block for every individual, is that subtle, distinct quality that nourishes, nurtures and fulfills an individual. Prosperity in space is the ability to be your authentic self.Free of judgement, criticism, evaluation, or observation from others.
With the population growing as well, there is mental grieving for lack of space which we can tap into and start feeling that way even if we do have a lot of physical space.
When we are abundant in this aspect, it allows us to be who we are, be at peace with ourselves without anyone or anything encroaching our space.
7. Prosperity of Freedom of Choice
As humans, we are often influenced by years of conditioning, limited beliefs or old patterns of doing things in a certain way. In reality, all of these beliefs are based on people’s perceptions or specific situations both of which are ever changing. Living life by someone else’s outlook, experience or understanding often results in a lack of fulfilment and happiness in what we do. It is often the perfect recipe for a life full of regrets and “what-ifs” or “if-onlys”.
True freedom comes in realising we have a choice, that how we respond to life is up to us. Of course, we take into account the consequences of our choices but the choiceitself is ours to make.
It would be a poor life indeed if we have all the material gifts and yet are slave to opinions and viewpoints of another era, a community or even a neighbour…
As a popular quote says, “Everything in your life is a reflection of choices you have made. If you want a different life, make a different choice”.
8.Inner Growth Prosperity
American poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau said, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals”.
Ultimately, all the above aspects of prosperity are linked and inter-dependant. They all combine to transform individuals so that they may have the specific experiences that are perfect for their personal inner growth. Growth may often be messy, uncomfortable or full of events we may not be expecting. However, when we allow ourselves to follow our inner wisdom and make life choices with an innate simplicity that rings true for us, it changes our reality and our perception of what a prosperous life should look like. When we align ourselves to our innate guide within, our life is purposeful with a deep sense of connection to self and the universe. Things start to automatically happen in a manner that benefits us,and there is a flow to life that balances every dimension for us.
In the end, prosperity in an attitude towards life, a mindset of abundance, where we truly believe that we deserve love, freedom, happiness and success in all areas of our life. And its possible. To have it all.
Geetha has been consulting people of all ages for various life situations of pain and stress , whether physical or otherwise since 2012. She uses energetic modalities, predominantly the Yuen Method, tospot and resolve any tendencies or blocks, and opens one up to receive better experiences in life. For more information visit www.synergies.me.
