Greed

Greed has such a negative connotation and emits a very low vibe. We immediately associate greed with money, and from an early age, we are taught to treasure our money. Wealth is not necessarily a bad thing. Earning money to meet our basic needs and a few luxuries fuels our independence and also provides a sense of security.

When we fear a lack or have extreme financial insecurities, we tend to hoard our money and possessions. Those who have gone without, or grew up during the Depression Era, may have ingrained suffering equated with financial resources. The body remembers the feeling of scarcity or loss, and it is difficult to think in terms of abundance. Those concerned with social status may be preoccupied with materialism, which is a close relative to greed. Greed is not limited to money or to an individual person. We see greed in societies worldwide:

• Someone may take the credit for the work done by a group. 
• Someone may make false business expense claims. 
• Someone may take government subsidies or insurance funds when they are capable of working.
• Banks may give mortgages to people they know cannot afford, forcing a foreclosure on the home.
• Credit card companies may change a due date without notice, causing a default, then charge high-interest rates. 
• Companies may take government bailouts and give huge bonuses to highly paid executives.
• Founders may set up a pyramid scheme that steals money from investors. 

Some would argue that greed is responsible for the upsurge of society, claiming that greed is the driving force of economic development. The premise is that motivated people are never satisfied with their current possessions, so they engage in activities to maximize their interests, which benefits the whole society. The jury is still out if greed improves performance.

So here's the thing, greed is human nature, and in every religion, greed is a sin. The antidote is to challenge that part of our human nature.

Exercise & Journal:
1. Track and categorize your spending over the last few months.
What are your priorities? How can you cut superfluous spending?

2. Take a consumerism vacation. Avoid advertisements, shopping trips, online shopping, home improvement shows, cooking shows, anything that convinces you that you to make a purchase.
Am I in control of my finances? How have I allowed third parties to influence my spending?

3. Make a financial donation to a cause of your choice. Commit to making it a recurring donation.
4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, mentor a student, walk your neighbor's dog, deliver meals on wheels, share a meal with a family, offer to babysit for a single mom, adopt or foster a rescue dog, or donate food to an animal shelter.
How am I giving back to the world and making a difference?

When we do something for others in service, without the expectation of anything in return, we are creating a benevolent society.