Oh boy. Next week, I get to start investigating two of my favorite topics.
Money and Sex.
Wait. Did I say “favorite” topics?
It’s still kind of embarrassing to even mention them. Especially in spiritual work, or self-inquiry, or worlds that are far more important than these mundane arenas where people get crazy.
So, so, so….of this world.
Of this body. Desire. Grabby. Ridiculous.
Ewww. Please.
But before you delete this Grace Note today, let’s just say that these topics may be highly worthy of taking a look at, and that your thoughts about them may be related to your thoughts about love, God, life, yourself, and this universe.
If you wrote out all your stressful, troubling, disruptive beliefs about money and sex, what would they be?
- I don’t have enough
- those other people have too much
- those other people are gross
- it takes too much work, or compromise, to really enjoy it
- I can’t be free and have lots of it in my life
- if I had more, I would be free, happy, thrilled
- there are right and wrong ways to have it
- that person won’t give me what I want, withholds
- that other person wants too much, or demands too much
- I am left out
- I am incapable of getting it, there’s something wrong with me
Am I talking about money, or sex, with this list?
Well it could be either one or both, of course, you’re no dummy.
These are global beliefs, sometimes deeply painful and confusing. They show up when we make exchanges with other humans, or want to. With the ways we make trades.
If you notice you’re nervous or disappointed around either money, or sex, or both….you’re probably not alone.
Instead of trying to DO something about your “problem”…..how about doing The Work?
Let’s start with one of the most common beliefs about money or sex that I hear all the time in working with people: more is better, less is worse.
Is it true?
Well, it appears to be true in the movies. It seems like good feelings, ecstatic feelings, come from having more. And sad, empty, or frightened feelings come from having less.
Are you sure?
No.
How do you react when you believe the thought that more is better, less is worse?
So dang grabby, like a hunter stalking the planet. Restless, pushy, planning, hoarding, suspicious, sick stomach, hopeless, wretched, ugly, giving up, resigned.
Mad at other people who have the same ideas as me.
But who would you be without this belief even entering your mind that more is better, less is worse? What if you just couldn’t even see that, couldn’t even have that idea?
Present. Now.
Aware of the absurdity of more, or less. No comparison.
“We think that because Jesus and Buddha wore robes and owned nothing, that’s how freedom is supposed to look. But can you live a normal life and be free? Can you do it from here, right now? That’s what I want for you. We have the same desire: your freedom….Whenever you think that your needs are not being met, you’re telling the story of a future.” ~ Byron Katie
Turn your thoughts around about money and sex.
You may enjoy both without all the angst, conditions, demands, or grabbing. You don’t have to be against or for either one.
Now here’s the best part of all.
If you write down your stressful beliefs about money and/or sex, get them all out on paper, and then turn them all around, or insert “life” or “love” into your concepts instead of money or sex, you may get a big surprise about your relationship with life, the universe….with YOU.
Could it be that what you believe about money or sex is what you believe about yourself, or God? Check and see.
- I don’t have enough life, love…I am not enough
- those other people have too much…not me
- those other people are gross…not me
- it takes too much work, or compromise, to really enjoy life, to really enjoy this world, to really enjoy myself
- I can’t be free and have lots of love, or God, in my life
- if I had more love, God, life, I would be free, happy, thrilled (but it’s not here now, I’m sure of it)
- there are right and wrong ways to experience life
- God won’t give me what I want, withholds (or is it me not giving myself what I want)?
- I don’t want or demand enough
- I am never, ever left out
- I am capable, there’s something totally right with me
I’m facilitating a small group through an 8 week teleclass on Money starting on Monday at 9 am Pacific. Then Our Wonderful Sexuality begins on Wednesday at 9 am Pacific. Exercises will help you drill into what you’re thinking, if you feel conflict or worry, and free yourself from your own demands, rules, beliefs.
Your beliefs, your inquiry, your answers.
The insights you discover may shift your experience of not only money or sex, but of the world. You never know.
“Over time I began to see how delicate and challenging it was for most seekers to find the courage to question any and all ideas and beliefs about the true nature of themselves, the world, others, and even enlightenment itself. In almost every person, every religion, every group, every teaching and every teacher, there are ideas, beliefs, and assumptions that are overtly or covertly not open to question. Often these unquestioned beliefs hide superstitions which are protecting something which is untrue, contradictory, or being used as justification for behavior which is a less than enlightened.” ~ Adyashanti
“Something new for me, since exploring in this class is, my openness to new ideas. And the honest conversations I’ve been having with friends, outside of the class & the work. I’m so relaxed.” ~ Our Wonderful Sexuality class participant 2013
“I would like to thank you all. I’m learning too very much from this class. I’m “growing” everyday more and more.” ~ Money: I Love This Story class 2012
“I wanted to say that I have received so much depth, healing and growth from this class. I am grateful to everyone who is a part of it.” ~ Our Wonderful Sexualty class 2013
If you’re thinking about it, come on board, I’d love to have you. I’ll send you the information and you’ll be dialing in with us, either with your phone or skype (your choice) this coming week.
Time to inquire, and change your world?
Much love, Grace