• From Alton Brown to Pema Chodren: my quest for abundance

    Posted on January 9th, 2010 Saver Queen 18 comments

    The focus of my blog for a while now has been on abundance - how to rejoice in the abundance all around us, even if, or especially if, we’re living on a limited income.  Today I wondered just how related abundance is to income.  In one way, we can be drowned by our stuff, by feelings of want, of insatiability, of feelings of worthlessness, of focus on material goods instead of cultivating and nurturing meaning in our lives.  So perhaps the quest for true abundance is one that we all need, whether or rich or poor.  On the flip side, maybe it’s more challenging for people who are focused on having their basic needs met, who are consumed by stress and fear, to take a breath and relax into a moment of peace and simplicity.  When I began writing on abundance, I had assumed that without the ability to satisfy every fleeting impulse, one would need to look for sources of inspiration and satisfaction that already exist - to be mindful of simple pleasures and the exquisite beauty in everyday life.  But now, it is occurring to me, that this is a practice that can benefit anyone.

    I find exercising the discipline to meditate regularly difficult.  Yet I do find it exceedingly easy and pleasurable to turn off sources of distraction - music, tv - and just enjoy quiet moments.  I adore the quietness of weekends, drinking that first cup of coffee and watching my cat play with her toys and then take a nap; I watch from a distance the smoke billow out of two homes with fireplaces from my balcony, and enjoy how it provides a backdrop to the beautiful church across the street.  I love waking up and seeing sunlight pour in to my living room, and seeing a bright, snow-covered winter day.   But like most people, I am still asleep and unaware of most fleeting moments of beauty. The weekend mornings are but few moments of refuge from hours upon hours that are clouded by the endless thoughts and worries of a busy mind.

    My quest for abundance, and my journey on this blog, has been partly about wanting to connect on a deeper level with what it means to be human.  It is so fascinating to be an observer on our own planet.  It’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved Star Trek, as Data and Spock both represented a humorous inquest into what it means to be human.  It’s a brilliant feeling to step back for a moment, and be less judgemental on the circumstances of our lives and press the button pause on the relentless analysis of our own behaviour and feelings, and just observe.  To allow all the feelings of being human to exist in our bodies and minds without such rigorous internal comment.

    Perhaps that’s why I wrote in my last entry that I don’t have so many expectations for the year ahead.  I simply want to feel more of what I already have.  I just want to be more awake. I want to deepen my appreciation and awareness to my daily experiences and my own life.  To some degree, it would be easy to question the choices I am making, to live simply and quietly, but it’s just want I want to do right now.

    There are two quotes I want to share with you - two quotes that are from very different people, but that funnily enough bear a similar message.  The first one is from Alton Brown:

    Remember, flavor is a noun, taste is a verb, and it’s one we often forget to bother with.  We’ll spend hours preparing food that we gulp down in minutes as if we’re afraid a band of hyenas might pass through and wrestle it away from us.  So chew your food and taste it.  If you’re with other people, stop talking for a minute and just taste.  If you’re by yourself, turn off the TV, put down the book, and enjoy your interface with planet Earth.  And I’m not just talking about fancy fare here. I’m talking about that ballpark frank, that cup of coffee, that Milky Way bar.

    I always have a distraction when I eat.  I take so much time preparing lovely food with lovely ingredients and then I eat my meal while watching a show on my computer or, less often, while reading a book or magazine.  The only meal I eat quietly are my breakfasts on weekend mornings, which is my sacred time, and even then I may have a book open. Why is letting more silence into our lives so difficult?

    Here’s the other quote from Pema Chodren, which sums up my point here:

    Even the simplest of things can be the basis of practice - a beautiful morning, a good meal, a shower.  Although there are many such fleeting ordinary moments in our days, we usually speed right past them.  We forget what joy they can bring. So the first step is to stop, notice, and appreciate what is happening.  Even if this is all we do, it’s revolutionary.

    I realize that my focus on the blog has slowly changed from its inception to focus less on money and more on mindfulness, and it won’t suit everyone. Thank you for those who are sticking with me and who also want to join me in the quest for a truly abundant life.

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    18 responses to “From Alton Brown to Pema Chodren: my quest for abundance”

    1. psychsarah January 9th, 2010 at 13:56

      These quotes are illuminating-thank you for sharing them. Personally, I’m thrilled to see the shift in focus on this blog-can’t wait to see more of your thoughtful insights.

    2. Saver Queen January 9th, 2010 at 14:00

      Thank you so much, psychsarah! That is such an uplifting comment. Wonderful to hear. Thanks again!

    3. Amber January 9th, 2010 at 14:57

      I’m here, and I’m with you. And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your evolution. :)

    4. E January 9th, 2010 at 15:28

      People change as perspectives change. That is the developing nature of a person’s journey through life. As an observer, it is interesting to note the…maturity…as you’ve progressed onwards with your blog.

      “On the flip side, maybe it’s more challenging for people who are focused on having their basic needs met, who are consumed by stress and fear, to take a breath and relax into a moment of peace and simplicity”
      Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. While a person can always try to take in those small moments, no doubt there is a challenge when you’re lacking the roof over your head, or the food in your belly.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs

      **actually, it was good that I brought that up. A good refresher course for my own journey**

    5. NMPatricia January 9th, 2010 at 15:39

      I think this is a natural evolution from frugality and saving money to figuring the place money has in one’s life - what does it represent. After getting “pretty frugal”, the satisfaction still wasn’t there. It takes having what I need and needing what I have. Wanting more or figuring how to get more with less money is not necessary the end. It is the journey and the happiness in it. I applaud your journey and look forward to more like this posting. I need to be reminded too.

    6. The Happy Domestic January 9th, 2010 at 17:34

      I’m still listening too. I suspect all mindful people are on the road to discovering these same things - frugality is just one aspect of a fully aware life.

    7. Nancy January 9th, 2010 at 18:16

      I’m definitely here with you too. I love reading about your new insights. You’ve expressed thoughts and revelations that are rarely realized at such a young age. You are a very old soul!
      It’s exciting to watch someone evolve deeper into their own true nature. So often we try to complicate our lives with all kinds of extraneous “stuff” (and I don’t mean just material stuff). You have a beautiful way of simplifying it all and bringing a profound message to the surface. You inspire me to live the abundant life too, in all it’s simple glory.
      Keep writing about what speaks to you as it is definitely worth sharing with others. Thank you, Saver Queen!

    8. Wendy January 9th, 2010 at 20:03

      Beautiful and inspirational post, thank you.

    9. Gail January 10th, 2010 at 10:10

      Hey there SQ: isn’t it interesting how as our life moves along it’s path, new and different things come into view. I think this is one of the things that makes me so excited about the future… I can’t wait to see what is around the bend.

      I wish you beautiful vistas, and the enthusiasm and joy that treading new paths brings. Here’s to a fabulous 2010!

    10. Melaniesd January 10th, 2010 at 11:05

      Happy to *see* you back blogging!

      I’m always interested in food for thought.
      I also am looking to simplify my life a bit this year and focus more on me. I am a giver. I am taking the next 6 months to work on my weight & fitness and if that means I need to be selfish - than so be it. I’m worth it.

      ***HUGS***

    11. The Witch January 10th, 2010 at 16:34

      Wow!!!
      I have always loved your posts and have watched you grow. Yes the ups and downs are always going to be a part of everyone’s life.
      If we didn’t grow from them where would we all be?
      Thanks for sharing.

    12. The Asian Pear January 11th, 2010 at 02:00

      I love the quotes. Especially Alton Brown’s. Thanks for sharing the quotes and your journey. :)

    13. Brenda January 11th, 2010 at 09:37

      Thanks for sharing, and continuing to share your views. I will still be reading your blogs, as I too understand that there is more to what we already have, without having to gain more. I look forward to your journey, and sharing it with you.

    14. PamelaMac January 11th, 2010 at 12:38

      It is because of your blog that I’ve have begun truly observing the life around me, the beauty nature has to offer, and remarking about the simple exquisiteness of the world surrounding my quest.

      It is because of your insights into the world that I try to observe a moment each day that has nothing to do with the stresses of everyday life, or money.

      After meeting you and beginning our Gail Club, I have silently read your blog to see how things are going with you, and to remind myself that the journey to Financial Abundance, begins with abundantly enjoying the Life I have. Thank you for your constant reminder tat abundance must be sought in all life, not just one aspect.

      By the way, it is snowing at the moment. I am looking forward to enjoying a hot chocolate this evening after work, and standing at my balcony window to see the town all covered in this white, pristine, blanket, a small fog in the air, turning everything into a Norman Rockwell painting of “Winter”.

      Peace and Joy to you this year. I can’t wait to see where your quest leads you!

    15. Catherine January 11th, 2010 at 20:36

      William Mather Lewis, (President of George Washington University from 1923-1927) said “The abundant life does not come to those who have had a lot of obstacles removed from their path by others. It develops from within and is rooted in strong mental and moral fiber”.
      Your path SQ has had and will again have a varying degree of obstacles. Each of have and will in future. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will overcome them with your usual dignity and grace and in the end find peace.
      I’m sending both you and your furbaby hugs!

    16. Saver Queen January 12th, 2010 at 10:53

      Wow. I’m just blown away by all the support. That’s the greatest thing about writing a blog. You let people in to your innermost thoughts, and they shower you with gratitude and kindness. I appreciate each and every one of you for writing such thoughtful words. It’s inspiring and uplifting.

      It’s great to see that so many of my readers concur that it’s important to address our lives in a holistic way - that working towards financial goals cannot be done in a vacuum, because really, as Pam wrote above, “the journey to Financial Abundance, begins with abundantly enjoying the Life I have.” So poignant!

      I have always wanted the blog to focus on living deliberately, and more and more I think that financial abundance will fall into place more easily if we are already living according to our values and as Nancy wrote, pursuing “our true nature.”

      I must confess that at times I’ve considered shutting down the blog, mostly because I’m sick of writing about money. It’s only one small part of my life, occupying a tiny fraction of my thoughts and interests. I’m working on filling my life with things that uplift me and excite me - science, art, yoga, etc. It’s great to know that my readers will support and encourage me as I drift into other areas. It’s also nice to see that those readers who are interested in financial matters still enjoy reading about other topics and how they relate to living frugally. I do believe that living mindfully, living “green” and living joyfully are absolutely connected to financial matters, albeit indirectly, so hopefully in the blog entries to come there will be something for everyone.

      In the meantime, thank you again for all your supportive comments. I feel very lucky!

    17. Saver Queen January 12th, 2010 at 11:01

      PS Gail - thank you so much for your comment. I wish the same to you.

      I think it’s great that on TDDUP and on the blog you emphasize that healthy relationships, having fun and the ability to be happy with what you have are all important parts of financial wellness.

      Thank you for all your support.

    18. Mommy Quit January 13th, 2010 at 00:18

      Thank you for this post. Although I am just starting my “living on less” journey I am trying to be aware of how abundant life is.

      I came across your blog from strocel.com and the both of you are amazing writers and so open and honest about your experiences.

      I’m looking forward to more posts about your quest for abundance.

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