Stewarding when the Pendulum Swings

What I love observing right now is the fact that we are in the process of learning about stewarding and having a fresh approach to the appreciation of resources.  I think it’s because when resources are seen as scarce (like money or food), we have a desire to access to them more abundantly.  So, we begin to change our actions around it— saving money (or liquidating assets) vs unconsciously spending, food production vs solely consumption, etc.  

I believe there has to be a healthy balance of both producing & consuming for society to thrive.

If you look at cultures without money as currency, for instance, they thrive because a symbiotic relationship between the people, the land, and the creatures — and Stewarding resources ( not hoarding resources) is incredibly important.  

So, what happens in society is there is a stress in a system?  That system becomes more egocentric, it operates from survival mode and leans more towards hoarding vs stewarding.  

We’ve seen this with toilet paper recently, tickle me Elmos back in 1997, we see it in nations where famine hits and people become hostile, etc.  The evidence is abundant that stress leads to ego centric behaviors, hoarding and hostility.  But, the opposite can also exist.

So, how do we get back to a stewarding mindset?  

First, is soulful connection.  Connection with yourself, connection with the land, connection with people.  This might look like journaling in the AM or meditation, taking a walk in nature, and having meaningful conversations (NOT conversations about people or complaining or gossip or emotionally charged topics).

Second, is service.  Ask when you wake up, “with the gifts I have, how can I serve the world today?”

Third, is giving.  Give out of abundance.  I heard a great quote that “when you take from abundance, abundance still remains.”  One of the greatest gifts my family and husband has given me is giving from a place of abundance and not withholding because of perceptions or concerns of lack. 

Because let’s think for a moment, if everyone began holding on to and hoarding resources, how differently would society look?  There wouldn’t be restaurants, there would be the need for banks or investment firms, and many other businesses.  

Steward your resources. Tend to them.  Nurture them. AND share them with purpose, intention, and love. 

Oh, and I was on a lovely podcast today!  Take a listen here