I scrolled through many of your posts to come back and read later, but this post grabbed my attention. I had to stop and read it. What a powerful question! I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately – how come the good and ethical people come out on the short end of the stick financially? I look at the field I”m in – real estate investing, and you see a lot of sharks out there. It makes one scratch her head and wonder.

In the meantime, I have mucho to be grateful for, and part of answering your question has to do with how we each define wealth (outside of Madison Ave.’s definition!)

Thanks!

Deb Calls last blog post..Results Revisited

Duff – Welcome. I love your definition of authentic prosperity, especially listening to ones heart. I guess the difference is what we consider those self-actualized needs to be.

In my experience many will function much better with the emotional backup that a financial reserve seems to offer. The size of the reserve necessary depends on what makes one feel secure. I’m not saying that’s ideal, only what I have seen. Perhaps enough for basic needs is enough for you and that’s great!

I say authenticity and prosperity meet when you think about what authentic prosperity really is. Prosperity is roughly equivalent to happiness, and increased happiness is not correlated with increased income beyond meeting basic needs.

Authentic prosperity in my opinion is meeting basic needs with plenty of time to do the things you are meant to do (self-actualization needs). It’s doing things that are in line with your values, and continually moving towards wholeness and integrity by listening to the stirrings of your heart as you interact with others and the world.

J.D. – You actually bring up greate examples for two essential right livelihood components, values and environment. Can I assume form your comment that you’ve found an aligned workplace for yourself? If so I’m overjoyed for you. Lately I’ve realized that for the vast majority, it’s easier to create a perfectly aligned business than it is to find a pre-existing job that really fits.

Karl – I appreciate your vote in support of the authentic way. Sometimes it takes reflection and for some of us a major life wound is the catalyst. I’ve decided that Google adwords just may not be an effective route for authentic marketing.

Chris – I’m sure you’ll find it as well. We share this marketing challenge. Sometimes it works to speak to them in a more practical language but often they aren’t ready to hear the message. But the world’s shifting and coming into alignment with more spiritually evolved views.

Stacey – Regarding the Google searches, it may only be a reflection on how the majority in our culture is so focused on treating symptoms and searching for relief from pain. It’s up to us to spread the word that it works well to authentically go for what you want.

How sad that there were only 3 google searches for making money authentically.

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..This Too Shall Pass

Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coachings last blog post..Productivity From Within — New E-Book!

We are probably be looking at our goals from the wrong starting point. A little, well maybe a lot of self reflection will help reframe our true needs. This takes as much work as earning the money, so it’s a hard sell. I believe it’s the right way, just saying that it’s hard to place a successful Google ad using that angle.

Karl Staib – Work Happy Nows last blog post..Change Messes With Everyone