Jon Marc Hammer

My Own Natural Energy Yield
or
M.O.N.E.Y.

Okay. I’ll start with a confession. This article is not about the tempting, frightening, and taboo edges of sexuality. But it is about something everyone who dares to announce they are on a spiritual path must come to terms with: the relationship of spirit and Money, and how to come into a “right” or appropriate relationship with them.

This issue is one rich in depth, complexity, and subtleties, and worthy of far more time than this brief article can share. Given this limited context, I would like to share with you what I have learned over the past twenty five years of my own commitment to discovering what a truly spiritual life is all about.

First, contrary to what many New Age teachers convey, Spirit and Money are symbols for two entirely different realities. Virtually every great Wisdom Tradition has echoed the simple words of Christ: “You cannot serve God and mammon (money) . . . for no man can serve two masters.”

As embodied beings, we are living in a duality of constant tension. As spiritual beings, we long to soar into the heavens beyond all physicality. Yet, we also long to have our feet planted firmly in the warm soil of this beloved earth; to taste, feel, see, and hear everything we can of this sensory realm, which requires what? You guessed it: a body!

St. Francis called the body “poor brother ass”, and my first guru/mentor lamented of it: “One must, alas, feed it, clothe it, protect it from sun and cold, and deal with its insatiable drive to be sexed.” The body is at once a rather amazing machine, the “temple of the living spirit”, and the anchor which keeps us both tied to this physical realm, and humble(especially as we age, discovering that none of the New Age magic for skirting the effects of time work).

Axiom #1: If you like having a body, you will need money. Spirit has no need for it all.

The Great Duality I alluded to earlier is directly experienced by anyone who decides they want to do “spiritual work”, and want that work to support them. In fact, the desire to create such a “seamless life” is a HUGE undertaking which, in fact, matures us in the very spirituality we are seeking to live and master.

But one of the early, more immature perceptions (especially in the New Age) is that somehow Spirit will magically support whatever we do, ostensibly because surely God knows how dedicated we are, and how “pure in heart” we are!

Axiom #2: The desire for God is “pure in heart”. The desire for money is also “pure in heart”,
only in a very different world, so be clear which world you are in, in the moment!

As one who has willingly explored both worlds as deeply and richly as possible(often scraping my knees in each), I have come to the conclusion that the Great Wisdom Traditions, again echoing the simple, direct teaching of Christ, know what they are talking about: “Lay not up treasures which moth corrupts, nor thieves break in and steal but, rather, lay up for yourselves treasures which are in heaven.”

Here is the bottom line, offered to you with great honesty from one who has made the journey, and lived through the childish hope that if I commit to awakening and serving in God/Spirit, then maybe I can also satisfy my material desires as well: The one truth that must be accepted by anyone on a spiritual path about the relationship of Spirit and Money is that there are no guarantees.

And I am glad the Universe designed it that way. You see, awakening, truly awakening in the Transfiguring Fire of God’s Love requires 100% desire, commitment, and, yes, another “S” word: submission. Submission to the purification of heart, mind, and soul, for Spirit’s goal is not that we be wealthy, or famous, or powerful, but free, peace-filled, and the rare human being who offers Love in and under all conditions, “for richer or poorer, in sickness, and in health.” If wealth comes, fine, if not, fine!

A thousand times I have had to ask honestly within what I am truly most committed to, and often had to feel the conflict within as opportunities to “cash in” have come and gone. And, I think those of us who dare say we walk a spiritual path, must ask this question often. Am I answering a call to serve, or do I secretly hope that somehow a spiritual path will be easier, and even wealthier?

My definition of money is “My Own Natural Energy Yield.” By natural energy, I mean that which flows innocently from our essence, from our passion. And now we draw nigh to the secret of a spiritual life:

The full living of one’s own unique life.
Drawing out talents, answering the call to the soul’s inner prompts,
in gratitude, integrity, and harmlessness to all beings, period.

The great mistake I see in so many is that they think a spiritual life of service must “look” spiritual! That is, one channels, does “healing work”, or at least teaches something!

One of the most spiritual beings I know spent his working life managing a company that made rubber tie-downs for the trucking industry! He dedicated himself to being dependable, trustworthy, respectful, and looked for every opportunity in each relationship to extend kindness, and to be helpful. He mastered this world of M.O.N.E.Y., and today enjoys his early retirement in his house on the slope above a quiet pond in Massachusetts, serving on non profit Boards, and representing “spiritual teachers” coming through his area.

And just this speaks to the point: being broke, but spiritual, isn’t helping anyone, especially you! Each of us must search within for our “Gold Tolerance Level”, and then consciously design our life, our spiritual path, and our service accordingly. Perhaps, like me, you are one truly willing to live penniless if that is how it goes. Perhaps, that thought scares the ?%#$ out of you!

Realize this:

You need do nothing.
Heaven is incomplete until you take up your place within it.
And can this be anything but your choice to
demonstrate that only Love is real,
right where you are, in the midst of creating and enjoying this great
mystery which IS Spirit revealing itself as you, in you, and for you?

The body, and all that arises in conjunction with it, is already on its way to passing away. Spirit, being Spirit, is present and available always, and in all ways. In our zeal for a spiritual life, let’s not make of the Path one more ego trip!

Look within, and decide:

1. What does money mean for me?

2. What do I actually do each day to create it for myself?

3. Where am I being untruthful in my relationship to it?

4. Am I willing to accept the fundamental tenet of the money world: (do what it takes)?

5. In what ways can I bring greater spiritual awareness to my relationship with Money?

By reading through this brief article several times, and spending time with what has most struck you, as well as these questions, you will begin to experience both insights, and changes in your experience of both Spirit and Money. Enjoy!

Jon Marc Hammer will be in Dallas & Houston from Nov. 16-21 conducting evening lectures and a weekend intensive workshop. See Calendar of Events or call Schieb Promotions, (281) 558-0242, kschieb@urjet.net, or 1-800-656-5767, Access Code: 01.

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