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A Different Kind of Rich: The Soul of Money.


Who is it for: Anyone who has enough (spoiler alert: most already have), but has yet to find sufficiency and wholeness in their experience.


What makes it special: Lynne Twist offers the knowledge in her book the same way she approaches money, as a gift. She presses on the importance of using money outwardly and towards others, yet focuses on the individual experience. She is careful not to ask for a handout and leaves the reader grateful.


Let's make some unnecessary labels: Philosophy, Moral Development, Wellness, Financial Literacy.


The message that Lynne Twist provides is one that only someone with a rich and introspective journey could articulate. In 'The Soul of Money,' the reader is taken on a journey that is as comforting as it is challenging of the common traps and limitations that we face in today's culture and environment. The book does not provide formulas on how to become wealthy. It has zero information over basic financial literacy, something everyone can benefit from. Yet, the author's powerful teachings can provide unmeasurable enrichment to anyone willing and ready to listen to them. The author both challenges and understands the current preconceptions we have about money. With careful insight, she questions our relationship with money. She provides a brand new understanding of the value, purpose, and importance we can have for financial resources. If acquired as an audio course 'Unleashing the soul of money,' Lynne approaches the work with a more practical objective. She includes exercises and meditations to cement her argument and provide the listener with an opportunity to feel the message she is trying to deliver. The work's strengths lay on its ability to reframe the individual's relationship with money without being critical of it. Often, authors of her background will argue for austerity and martyrdom. Celebrating scarcity and blaming abundance or inequality for the troubles of today's society. The soul of money offers a clear and structured path to challenge the beliefs that there are not enough resources for everyone. It provides the reader with the opportunity to question their relationship and understanding of money.

The author's work raising funds for the hunger project organization allowed her to gain a unique perspective on what money means in the most opulent and sparing of circumstances. She makes a clear point not to refer to anyone as rich or poor based on their financial standing. She understands that wealth and sufficiency are two completely different concepts and can be experienced in the most frugal of circumstances, and missed in their counterparts. One of the most valuable arguments in the book is the intersection between the money spent and our human need for belonging, purpose, and social engagement. It is generally the case that we perceive money as a personal and private resource. We don't discuss it with others, and sometimes we don't share it either. The common perception that we must accumulate money to achieve a -false- sense of security. Use it to acquire tangible goods and assets translates into viewing money as a possession. That understanding prevents us from using money as a vessel to create a connection. We can 'enrich' our lives in a way that is arguably more meaningful than the things we spend and invest money if we rework that understanding. The soul of money is perfect for anyone who has enough (spoiler alert: the majority of us already have) but has yet to find appreciation and wholeness in their reality. The book can teach someone a path to living a 'rich' life at any financial standing. Focusing on principles, and not formulas, the book can rework the reader's relationship with money and make for a more purposeful and fulfilling experience when earning and using financial resources.


Notable quotes from the book:


"We all have life sentences embedded in our beliefs and our worldview. It is possible to rewrite them and consciously rescript our responses to include the inspiration we need to ground ourselves around money”


"Money is like water. It can be a conduit for commitment, a currency of love.


"Money moving in the direction of our highest commitments nourishes our world and ourselves.


"What you appreciate appreciates.


"When you make a difference with what you have, it expands.


"Collaboration creates prosperity.


"True abundance flows from enough; never from more.


"Money carries our intention. If we use it with integrity, then it carries integrity forward.


"Know the flow-take responsibility for the way your money moves in the world.


"Let your soul inform your money and your money express your soul.


"Access your assets — not only money but also your own character and capabilities, your relationships, and other nonmoney resources.


"We each have the power to shift, change, and create the conversation that shapes our circumstances. The levers and dials of conversation are ours to use. When we listen, speak, and respond from the context of sufficiency, we access a new freedom and power in our relationship with money and life."

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