Wealth School: Lessons in Trust and Truth

How can I trust something I cannot see or touch, but nevertheless sense? The key word is "trust". Trust in the process of life can be cultivated.
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Does having money in the bank help to make you feel secure? Then, the question might be how much money do you need to feel secure? What is "enough" for you?

What if having enough of anything does not make you feel secure? What, then, does?

On the American dollar bill are the words: In God We Trust. What does that mean for the atheist or the Buddhist? Who can you trust in order to feel secure and safe?

It is harder these days to pull the wool over the eyes of the ordinary person. Information has become more available and transparent. I recall when Tony Blair, then prime minister, was standing in Parliament, saying there were riots happening in Hull, where at the time, oil refinery workers were on strike. Television cameras turned to Hull where nothing was going on.

The inclination now is to not trust our politicians, financial institutions, corporate leaders or almost anyone who assumes authority over us. It is actually no bad thing in some ways. Because rather than be led like sheep, we must learn to think for ourselves and to follow what is true for us, even if that means standing alone.

What does trust and truth have to do with our experience of wealth? I would say a great deal. You are the only one that determines how you experience wealth. Each one of us might have a slight variation on what is true for us. For you, it might be having a certain cushion of money in the bank. For another, working in a team with people whose company you enjoy. For yet another, your experiences of wealth may come through your close family relationships, celebrating occasions like birthdays or other special gatherings, or fulfilling a heartfelt vocation with your unique talents, gifts and skills.

For others, it is a knowing that something greater is present and available to help guide the affairs of us ordinary human beings. This something greater is benevolent, unreachable by our basic human senses, connects us and has a certain power that we are unable to replicate but can draw from.

I see it as an immense energy field of which I am a small part, to which I contribute and from which I receive. In a certain sense, I have an ultimate relationship with it because it goes beyond the field of the more tangible relationships I have. I experience this wealth of energy as all-embracing and benign. I trust it.

Practically speaking, how does this work? How can I trust something I cannot see or touch, but nevertheless sense? The key word is "trust". Trust in the process of life can be cultivated.

Keeping the agreements you make is one way to build trust, inner strength and a connection with that which is greater and good. Any agreement you make is first of all with yourself. If you cannot trust yourself, how can you trust anyone else? So, only make those agreements that you fully intend to keep. There is a power in keeping your word. Your relationships with others will be rewarded by it.

Renegotiate the agreements you cannot for some reason complete. You may make a commitment based on what is true for you at that time -- arranging a meeting, seeing friends for dinner, filing a report -- for example. Circumstances may change and you are no longer able to fulfill it as agreed. Communicate and let the other party know. Forgive yourself for any misunderstandings that may arise.

In our changing world, we know well that nothing seems to stay the same for long. Our ability to be flexible, and move with the changes, does not undermine our capacity to trust. We need to be able to move with what is true for us, so that we can stand firm on our truth. This is not against anyone else. It is for us. My experience has been that when I am true to myself, it is amazing how life seems to line up for me in ways I could not imagine or predict.

Dave Logan's research into tribal leadership shows a way in which organizations can both enhance productivity, while they serve employee well-being. I was impressed by an interview with Dave Logan I heard, introducing his new book, "Tribal Leadership." It has been shown that as people organize themselves in groups of three, their accountability, transparency and integrity -- the foundations for corporate governance -- are self-regulating. I see this as a culture of trusting.

Tribal Leadership:

Love yourself. Be true to yourself. Have compassion for yourself and others. You will find that your experiences of wealth will grow. The truth will set you free and give you the strength to challenge the falsehoods you may encounter. Your truth will enable you to live your life on a more solid footing, even while changes are going on around you.

Who are the leaders, past or present, who most inspire you with trust, hope and confidence?

For tips and hints on creating a wealthy life, go to "The Wealth Book -- Winning With Spirit"

Wishing you health, wealth and happiness -- in all of the many ways it can come to you!

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