Wealth and the Science of Getting Rich

Wealth can be represented in many forms.
Although we are most accustomed to associating wealth with money, we can also become rich in other arguably more important realms like Health, Happiness, Love, Friends, Gratitude…

Here’s a great summary of one persons philosophy for achieving wealth.
His book, written in 1910, has been inspiration for many well recieved subsequents like The Secret and The Attractor Factor.
The whole book can be read at
It is an easy read in a couple of sittings.

The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattle

There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, and which, in its original state, permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe.

A thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought.

A person can form things in his thought, and by impressing his thought upon formless substance can cause the thing he thinks about to be created.

In order to do this, a person must pass from the competitive to the creative mind. Otherwise he cannot be in harmony with formless intelligence, which is always creative and never competitive in spirit.

A person may come into full harmony with the formless substance by entertaining a lively and sincere gratitude for the blessings it bestows upon him. Gratitude unifies the mind of man with the intelligence of substance, so that man’s thoughts are received by the formless. A person can remain upon the creative plane only by uniting himself with the formless intelligence through a deep and continuous feeling of gratitude.

A person must form a clear and definite mental image of the things he wishes to have, to do, or to become, and he must hold this mental image in his thoughts, while being deeply grateful to the supreme that all his desires are granted to him. The person who wishes to get rich must spend his leisure hours in contemplating his vision, and in earnest thanksgiving that the reality is being given to him. Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of frequent contemplation of the mental image, coupled with unwavering faith and devout g ratitude. This is the process by which the impression is given to the formless and the creative forces set in motion.

The creative energy works through the established channels of natural growth, and of the industrial and social order. All that is included in his mental image will surely be brought to the person who follows the instructions given above, and whose faith does not waver. What he wants will come to him through the ways of established trade and commerce.

In order to receive his own when it is ready to come to him, a person must be in action in a way that causes him to more than fill his present place. He must keep in mind the purpose to get rich through realization of his mental image. And he must do, every day, all that can be done that day, taking care to do each act in a successful manner. He must give to every person a use value in excess of the cash value he receives, so that each transaction makes for more life, and he must hold the advancing thought so that the impression of increase will be communicated to all with whom he comes into contact.

The men and women who practice the foregoing instructions will certainly get rich, and the riches they receive will be in exact proportion to the definiteness of their vision, the fixity of their purpose, the steadiness of their faith, and the depth of their gratitude.

 

All I want for Christmas is… (you know the song)

The holidays are here as is the the inevitable time for reflection. Like you, I’m busy trying to suppress my obligatory urges to buy gifts for people while making sure all the important people in my life are recognized and appreciated.

I have to tell you, the best gifts to offer someone or receive from another is the gift of inspiration. Does this sound cheesy? Sure. But think about it. The people and experiences in my life that really mean something to me are those that inspired me.

People chasing their dreams, people offering random acts of kindness, positivity, passion and enthusiasm for life. Those ‘traits’ if you will, are really gifts to the rest of us.

So thanks to all of you who are stoked on life and spreading your energy near and far.

And yes, I would still appreciate a new wetsuit for the Christmas in case you MUST buy something!

peace

David

 

The Story of Stuff

Story of Stuff

This 20 minute clip is worth watching! We are all struggling to not get sucked into the vortex of consumption this holiday season, and this informative movie will put everything in perspective and make you think about the product in your hands before you decide to purchase it….it only takes those few seconds to make a decision about whether it is a need or a want…and you will be surprised how your perspective will shift and you will free yourself from the holiday boogaloo….

If you really are feeling the need to purchase something…hit up the thrift stores! They are bursting with amazing gifts ready to be regifted and your wallet will thank you

Namaste…
Jenn

 

Book Review: Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

Small Giants: Companies that Choose to be Great instead of Big

I had a chance to read this book a little while back and I’ve been singing its praises since.

Bo’s book follow the path of a handful of highly successful companies (eg. Righteous Babe Records, Clif Bar, Anchor Steam Brewery etc.) and illustrates how these companies had the potential to go ‘big’ and rake in more cash yet made intentional decisions to be great, model companies from a more holistic viewpoint.

These companies chose to plow money into their communities, into their employees, into environmentally friendly practices and into supporting a lifestyle of their choice.   They kept their quirkiness, their spirit, and their integrity while still remaining highly successful.

This was an inspiring read for me.

This book helped make something very clear to me that is affecting my choices now.  I want to be part of business that supports my lifestyle, not just my bank account.  For instance, my top priority is to be able to spend my time as wisely as possible. Time with my family, time by myself, time surrounded by inspirational people, time to play, and time to work my butt off are are central to my happiness.

For that matter, I achieve to earn a healthy income and become financially independent.  I have no desire to stop ‘working’ until I am physically unable but I do have an acute aversion to wasting time.

As someone who spent many years advocating for social justice, environmental protection and good government, I found it refreshing to find models in Small Giants that would allow you to use the power of the dollar for GOOD!  Models that allowed for financially successful business that promoted loyal customers, employees and community members because the businesses cared about the big picture, not just the small (bottom line).

To be honest, ‘progressive’ businesses like these are the future as far as I’m concerned.  Focusing the entrepreneurial spirit on business models that make environmental protection, a just society and exciting human advances possible is where our business schools and leaders should focus their time.

Speaking from experience with my effort to launch two businesses, I can speak that this isn’t easy, but it is required.  The old model where Wall Street and government aid, abet and reward traditional business models has been an ongoing disaster in so many ways.

The rise of intentional, sustainable business models is long overdue and one of the more exciting trends the future holds.

Please do take some time to check out this book, it is an inspirational read.

 

Guest Commentary: Educate, Inspire and…plant a garden!

 

(LoaTree Note: Guner Tautrim is a leader in the natural building and permaculture movement in Santa Barbara County.  He’s also a fantastic woodworker, father, husband and inspiring member of the LoaTree Family.  Please feel free to ask Guner any questions!)

 

There is no doubt we are living in exciting times.  These times will forever shape the outcome of our children’s children’s future.   Even though headlines of the day are wrought with news of scandal exploitation and war, there seems to be an ever-increasing sense of hope and awakening amongst more and more folks.  Like the invisible mycelium growing throughout the forest floor we too are bound to blossom and fruit one day.  That day is getting nearer and nearer. 

Everywhere you look there are signs of a more informed and conscience population. During my college days I can’t help but remember that one bumper sticker that resonated so well with me: “If your not OUTRAGED your not paying attention”.   How could so much evil, immorality and distrust go on day in and day out while the world turned the other way?  Well it’s still a good question but outrage only gets you so far.

 I am a firm believer that a conscience well informed population will always make the right decision.  So it’s about education right?  Well yes, but to coin another bumper sticker, one that resonates with me in this day and age is “No matter what our attempts to inform, it is our ability to INSPIRE that will turn the tides”.  Not only must we educate others and ourselves, we must inspire each other.  This inspiration is the key to unlocking the future we envision for our selves and all those around us. 

This synergy of education and inspiration go hand and hand.  We must care about what is going on; educate ourselves and inspire change through constructive means.  Often times it is asked, “what is broken?” a great question to analyze any situation.  Let’s take modern agriculture for example.  Chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are the backbone of modern industrial agriculture.  This type of land treatment has been the norm for the last 5 decades.  If we look back on this we can analyze what is “broken” with this system.  For one we have managed to devoid our soil of all beneficial life.  In a natural system soil fertility should increase as succession proceeds.  Our current agricultural practices deplete our soil of nutrients through erosion, run off, leaching and compaction. 

What is miss-understood is this relationship between nutrients and nutrient uptake.  Currently we treat our soil as a petri dish.  We exterminate the soil then add inorganic chemical fertilizers (all petroleum based).  The miss understanding is that it has not been a lack of nutrients but a lack of proper biology to make those nutrients available to the plants. 

Secondly what is “broken” is our decreasing access to clean water.  Why is water coming from conventional agricultural fields and near by aquifers laden with excess inorganic Nitrogen, Potassium Sodium and other minerals?  It is because an unhealthy soil can no longer hold nutrients.  These additions of strictly inorganic, soluble, plant available nutrients have resulted in an enormous water quality problem.   Clean water comes out of healthy soil.  Without it you get excessive run off and environmental pollution.  If we want clean water we have to get the biology back in our soils.

And the biggest “sign” of a broken system is the health of us.  The general health of the American consumer is pretty scary.

 

So how can you and I help inspire positive change?

 

 First off, pay attention to what you are buying and eating.  Read the ingredients and when you’re not sure about something look it up.  The information age is upon us so it is only a keyboard away.  Secondly, vote with your dollar.  Buying locally grown organic produce and goods is a great place to start.  If you shop somewhere that doesn’t offer this then have a talk with management and let them know this is an important issue to you.   Note as well that all “organic” is not the same.  We live in deceptive times so do your due diligence and decide for your self.

http://www.mindfully.org/Food/Organic-Industrial-Complex.htm

 

Lastly plant a garden.  Just getting your hands dirty gives you an added appreciation for food and where it comes from.  Most importantly though, smile and be the change we wish to see.  Peace and health to you all this holiday season. 

 

Guner Tautrim, Orella Ranch.

 

Natural building…

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been spending time and energy in the world of natural building. I helped build a gorgeous cob house (you’ll see pictures later on), have met with natural building experts and seen the revolutionary nature of this building practice as a means of a more inspirational and healthful living.

Why Natural Building and What is it?

Natural Building has been defined: “Natural Building is any building system which places the highest value on social and environmental sustainability. It assumes the need to minimize the environmental impact of our housing and other supporting systems while providing healthy, beautiful, comfortable and spiritually uplifting homes for everyone.” (thanks Michael Smith!)

Not to be confused with ‘Green’ Building that focuses on flourescent lights, recycled products and double paned windows, natural building takes it to another level.

Natural buildings are often created almost completely by hand, with various combinations of mud, straw, water, sand, wood and other naturally found materials…often times from the site of the building itself. The shapes of the buildings are organic and flow. They are quirky, soothing, and fit into landscapes like the rocks and trees. They are designed and built in the context of the sun, the weather patterns, the view, the uses and the natural environment.

Natural building often suffers under poorly informed stereotypes and industry written building codes….yet natural building is flourishing all over the world as it has for eons.

We’ll take some time on the LoaTree blog to make sure you have a good idea about the world of natural building.

I thought this house would be a fun one for you all to check out. INSPIRING!

If you want to jump in and learn more, check out our good friends at the Natural Building Network!

 

Inspiring Lives Project: We need your help

We need your help with something we are calling the “Inspiring Lives Project.”

Given LoaTree’s goal of inspiring lives, I figured that we could create our own list based on inspiration. Even better, this could be a really fun group project. So, here we go…

Here’s the plan, we are asking each of you to submit a list of actions, beliefs, thoughts or ideas that lead you to live an inspiring life.

In turn, we will narrow down the selection to a 20 or 30 that will be listed on a professionally designed postcard (and a poster in the future) that you can send to your friends, family or associates.

Participants in this exercise will be sent 5 free postcards from LoaTree.

Some example ideas from a few people who have already submitted their thoughts:

• “Give thanks daily for your health”
• “Eat local and organic whenever possible”
• “Surround yourself with inspirational people”
• “Build a business around your passions”
• “Figure out a way to spend time in the ocean”

Take this as an opportunity to think about yourself, the inspirational life you lead and tell us about it!

Please submit your ideas to:

roots@loatree.com or post them here.