Because of recent and continuing global financial upheavals, people are more aware than ever of their need to feel that the ground beneath them won’t open up and swallow them whole. Even those who know they can count on friends, family, and community to support them in a time of crisis long to create security for themselves so that they don’t have to be a burden on others. What’s more, they want to feel that they have more than enough and can share their abundance with people they care about, and contribute to causes that matter to them.

Control Over Our Perception of Security

Knowing that Source supports you through bringing you people and circumstances that will help you—knowing that you’re an eternal being with marvelous gifts and the magic to co-create a better life for yourself—is the real security. Faith in the guidance of Spirit gives you the courage to take risks, because you’re assured that whatever happens, a Higher Power is on your side and you will survive. Spirit provides the allies and the magic wand, but it’s your job to let go of any illusions about controlling the world of your senses and climb into the seat of the Wizard of Awareness, where you can easily recognize genuine security.

The false symbols of safety are money and power. We often equate the two and think money will solve all our problems, and enough of it will allow us to live happily ever after. Determined to get to Easy Street, we find that the shortcuts actually take us to other lands, from the Raging River to the Storm Fields.

The Lottery Quick Fix: Fulfilling All Desires?

I met a lovely couple in Europe who had won millions in the lottery. He was an auto mechanic and she was a schoolteacher when they bought their ticket to “freedom.” Rather than launching them into a life of happiness, however, this turn of fate ended up separating them from their friends, who no longer shared their lifestyle. At the same time, the couple had a difficult time integrating socially with people who had earned their wealth. They were able to travel and buy a lot of what they called “toys,” but they were admittedly not satisfied. They were both searching for meaningful work. They were very unhappy, as they felt they no longer fit anywhere. Having it all didn’t seem to be “as advertised.”

We humans are hardwired to look for purpose and meaning, to create something rather than just park ourselves on Easy Street. We can remain there, content for a while, but then we get the urge to move forward. Having lots of “stuff” or never having to work again breeds boredom and restlessness.

Materialism as a Substitute for Security...

Fareed Zakaria, current-affairs commentator and author, points out that even as we in the West are waking up to the futility of pursuing happiness and security through ownership, people in developing countries in the East are beginning to embrace those values. It’s time for a different quest if we’re to survive as global citizens sharing the earth and its resources. All of us need to step back and ask ourselves: How much stuff do we need, and what is the real cost of materialism? How much satisfaction do we get from our possessions?

There’s nothing wrong with owning and enjoying beautiful objects, homes, and cars; but if you think these will give you power and security, you’re falling for an illusion. In fact, possessions can start to own you because you infuse them with so much power.

When my parents lost everything in a business deal, all their friends ignored them as if they had a communicable disease. The friendships clearly were never genuine, and that was a painful truth my mom and dad couldn’t face. They never recovered from the social rejection, and for the sake of emotional security, clung to the fading symbols of their wealth. They couldn’t imagine creating a new life for themselves, or finding peace and contentment without being well-off. From them, I learned that genuine security exists only at the center of your being, and that you have to wear the world as a loose garment.

Being Obsessed with Money and Possessions

Become obsessed with money and possessions and you’ll find yourself trapped in the Golden Palace of Wealth, which is perched precariously over a vast gulley and has its front door guarded by a snooty butler who doesn’t want to let you into the party inside. Ashamed and angry, you debase yourself by offering him greater and greater bribes that represent the sacrifice of all that has true meaning for you.

The lesson of this place is that the real wealth that never slips away lies in the garden out back, the Field of Dreams tended by a humble gardener whose ordinary appearance is deceiving. Turn your back on the butler and the glittering allure of the Golden Palace and discover the real riches that await you in the magical garden.

True Security: Planting Seeds of Gratitude

Keep in mind that real goodies are born out of the seeds of gratitude. Prosperity is an attitude and a perspective. Now more than ever, you and I and everyone else need to remember this. What you value, what thoughts you think and beliefs you hold, will determine the riches in your life.

The new shape of wealth is hidden in our intentions and the actions we take to manifest them. The seeds aren’t found in platinum bowls inside the Golden Palace, but in the rich, dark earth outside it that is waiting to be tilled with love and compassion.

Published by Hay House (January 2011) and available
at all bookstores or online at: www.hayhouse.com.

Article Source

The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life
by Colette Baron-Reid.

Intuitive counselor Colette Baron-Reid is renowned for helping people create the purposeful and authentic lives they desire. You don’t have to feel lost or disoriented in this time of global transformation, or be at the mercy of the winds of change. The Map invites you to boldly claim your power to direct your journey so that you may find meaning, purpose, and joy. Step into the magic, and harness the extraordinary power within you to shape your destiny.

Click here for more info and/or to order this book.

Watch the book trailer.

About the Author

Colette Baron-Reid is a popular intuitive counselor, psychic medium, seminar leader, radio personality, motivational speaker, best-selling author, and musical recording artist (with a top-selling meditation CD, Journey Through the Chakras ). She currently lives in Sedona, Arizona, with her husband and their two furry children. For information on seminars, intensives, and private sessions with Colette, as well as original meditation downloads to support your work with this book, visit: www.colettebaronreid.com.

Watch a video with Colette: Safety, Security and Authenticity