Mo' Money Mo' Problems

If you're a fan of The Notorious B.I.G. (r.i.p.), you've probably heard of the hit track "Mo money Mo problems." In what could possibly be one of hip-hop's most memorable hooks, Kelly Price sings "I don't know what they want from me. It's like the more money we come across the more problems we see."

Whether you jive to hip-hop, rap, rock & roll, or mainstream tunes, you can agree that the message in this song represents the age-old notion of money and it's detrimental effects to a globalized society.

Lynn Twist, author of the bestselling book "The Soul of Money: Transforming your Relationship with Money and Life", developed and complied three toxic money myths of modern society:

1. There is not enough

2. More is better

3. That's just the way it is

We live in a world where the prevailing belief is in scarcity. We don't believe we have enough time, enough energy, enough sleep, enough love, and - without a doubt - enough money. The illusion of "lack" causes us to over-spend, over-eat, and over-consume because our "ego" is constantly telling us that we need more.

In 1987 we, as a human family, went into "global overshoot", or more simply put "ecological debt." It is in this year that scientists say we began to take more resources than Earth can ever possibly regenerate. Fast-forward to 2017, we are consuming more than 48% more resources than Earth can regenerate. In other words, we are living off an ecological credit card that we will never be able to pay back.

In the process of obtaining more of what we really don't need, we create the burden of excess. This monstrous load that we carry litters our thinking and causes us to become attached to our material possessions. Essentially, we end up defining who we are by what we have, instead of using what we have to enhance the lives of ourselves and those amongst which we live.

Our economy is rooted in our ecology. Every single thing we use comes from the Earth, so without her resources, it is impossible to maintain a functioning economy. Global warming, world hunger, poverty, etc. have all been created in the name of the "mighty dollar." If only we can give money its power, only we can take it away. Practicing sufficiency and experiencing money from a place of gratefulness (great-fullness) of life is our only hope at saving our planet and more importantly, ourselves.

Still don't understand Earth's fundamental importance? Try this fun exercise: Count all of your money (down to the penny) while holding your breath.

"Money is only useful when it is moving and flowing, contributed and shared, directed and invested in that which is life affirming." - Lynn Twist

For questions and inquiries email ms.communication507@gmail.com

#money #lifestyle #wealth #advice #economics #ecology