A Message From Karyn Bradley

May, 2008

Prosperity and Abundance

When I selected prosperity and abundance for the subject of this article, I found myself playing a game with Google. I usually explore the definition of the subject with Mr. Webster, but this time I also "Googled" the subject.

When I discovered there were 25,300 entries for prosperity, I wondered about other terms that may be part of this article. I found abundance had 27,700 entries, happiness had 77,100, relationships had 186,000, wealth had 89,500, rich had 314,000 and health had 1,230,000.

An unscientific conclusion might be that we are most interested in health, followed by wealth.

Mr. Webster says prosperity is an advance or gain in anything good or desirable; successful progress toward or attainment of a desired object.

I like that simple explanation – for prosperity is not only about capital, it is also about health and relationships. We all want to be prosperous in all things.

As you can see, much has been said about prosperity, and I wondered what could I possibly tell you that you had not already heard.

The answer is probably "not much." But we all need to be reminded of things – do we ever outgrow this need? So you might say the subject of this article is "Your annual reminder of practicing prosperity."

As a spiritual being we know that in the Mind of God there is no thought of lack. If we truly know and believe that we are co-creators with God, then such a thought has no rightful place in our mind.

It is our birthright to be prosperous, regardless of who we are or where we may be.

Unity teaches us that if we hold prosperity thoughts, we will demonstrate prosperity.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking prosperity is wholly a matter of capital, for it is a condition brought about by certain ideas that have been allowed to rule in our consciousness. When these ideas in our consciousness are changed, the outward reality conditions change also.

We often read about people who come into riches suddenly and before you know it they are back to having no money. However, those who are born and bred to riches usually have plenty all their life even though they never have to make the effort to earn a dollar for themselves.

This is because the ideas of plenty are so interwoven into their thought atmosphere that they are a very part of themselves. They have a prosperity consciousness, in which there is no idea of any condition where the necessities of life could be lacking.

We have all known a friend who wants good health or the ideal relationship but doesn’t believe it is possible for them. You know what – they fulfill their own expectation.

It is neither a crime to be prosperous nor a virtue to be lacking

We know that it is not sufficient to sit down and hold thoughts of abundance or visualize the love of your life without further effort: that is limiting the law to thought alone and we want it to be fulfilled in manifestation as well. Cultivating ideas of abundance or visualizing that perfect relationship is only the first step. The second step is to be alert – the ideas that come to you must be acted on.

But first things first – To change your conscious thoughts you must remember that your core beliefs around abundance and prosperity are also important. They are the other side of the equation, because it is through your core beliefs that you create your reality. When you hold core beliefs that do not conflict with your desire, and you are in a state of allowing, you will begin to see your physical world change to conform to your core beliefs.

To examine your core beliefs sit down with a piece of paper and start listing all your beliefs about abundance or the perfect relationship. Include both "positive" and "negative" beliefs. Most likely you will see certain beliefs that are at odds with the prosperity that you desire whether the prosperity you seek is related to financial matters, health or relationships.

For example, you may believe that you’re not really worthy of financial abundance. Or there’s not really enough to go around. Or enjoying a great relationship is something that happens to other people, but you just don’t have what it takes. Or your health has not improved up until now so why should it improve now.

These are beliefs that will need to be changed. They conflict with your desire for abundance and it is through our core beliefs that we create our reality.

Final action points – it is not advisable to hold too specific a demand. You might visualize a hundred dollars and get it when a thousand was coming your way. Do not limit the substance to what you think you need or want; rather broaden your consciousness and give Infinite Mind freedom to work and every good and needful thing will be provided you. Make your statements broad and comprehensive so that your mind may expand to the Infinite rather than trying to cram the Infinite into your mind.

Use statements like:
 • Infinite wisdom guides me, divine love prospers me and I am successful in everything I undertake.
 • In quietness and confidence I affirm the drawing power of divine love as my magnet of constantly increasing supply.

Having a prosperous life,
Rev. Karyn Bradley
Senior Minister