The Abundance of Life

Elmen Lamprecht
Sep 23
6 min read

When we choose to see it, life's abundance is an ever-present reminder of the boundless opportunities and richness that surround us each day. But the concept of the abundance of life extends beyond the mere physical and material dimensions. It is deeply rooted in philosophical thought and speaks to the very essence of existence. This philosophy posits that life inherently provides us with everything we need to flourish, thrive, and fulfil our potential.

By cultivating an awareness of life's abundance, we can transcend limitations and foster a mindset that celebrates the endless possibilities inherent in our existence. This perspective not only enriches our individual journeys but also inspires us to contribute positively to the world, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and well-being for all.

In the age of mass media and the relentless wave of social media, where we are constantly confronted with pain, misery and scarcity, it is difficult to comprehend the abundance of life. Yet, through all the ages, despite all the challenges humankind has faced (and conquered), many traditions have identified the natural abundance of life. Let’s take a look at a few of these.

Hands holding seedlings in soil. Text reads, "Abundance is not merely a matter..." and "www.beresolute.life." Warm, hopeful mood.

Eastern Philosophies

In Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism and Buddhism, the concept of abundance is intrinsic to the natural order of the universe. The Taoist principle of "Wu Wei," or effortless action, suggests that by aligning ourselves with the natural flow of the Tao (the Way), we can achieve a state of harmony and abundance. Taoism teaches that the universe is inherently abundant, and by living in accordance with its principles, we can access this abundance without struggle or force. Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes the idea of abundance through the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path guide individuals to overcome suffering and realize the inherent abundance in life. By practicing mindfulness, we become aware of the present moment and the richness it holds, thus transcending the illusion of scarcity and embracing a life of contentment and fulfilment.

Western Philosophies

Several western philosophical traditions also provide valuable insights into the concept of abundance. Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus taught that true abundance comes from within. They believed that by cultivating inner virtues such as wisdom, courage, and self-discipline, individuals could achieve a state of eudaimonia, or flourishing. The Stoics emphasized that external circumstances do not determine our well-being; rather, it is our response to these circumstances that defines our experience of abundance. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Viktor Frankl explored the idea of finding meaning and purpose in life despite its inherent challenges. Frankl, in particular, emphasized that even in the most difficult situations, individuals have the power to choose their attitude and find meaning. This perspective aligns with the idea of abundance as an internal state, where meaning and fulfilment are derived from our conscious choices and attitudes.

The Daily Life of Resolute Beings

Life is the most wonderful gift. So freely given, we often take it for granted, seldom fully appreciating the marvel bestowed upon us. Instead, we lament our situations and criticize others for their roles in our circumstances, seeking elusive secrets to a better future through complex theories when everything we need has already been provided. Life, with its abundance, glory, and wonder, holds all we require for pure fulfilment, accomplishment, connectedness, and resilience.

Admittedly, this perspective may seem naïve, perhaps even detached from reality. As I write, millions people globally live in extreme poverty. Regional wars still threaten to boil into global conflict, and extreme weather such as wildfires, floods, droughts, and intense storms impact billions worldwide. While the current era seems particularly harsh, history shows that no epoch has provided universal comfort. In every age, only a small minority live in true luxury, and even they face threats to their way of living. Thriving under constant stress, threat, and pressure is challenging, and finding meaning in apparent randomness is difficult.

Yet, even under the most demanding conditions, life finds a way to thrive. Despite facing extinction several times, life on Earth always bounces back and flourishes. We discover bacteria in the harshest conditions, from salt marshes to volcanoes, with some even surviving on nuclear waste. Plants and animals inhabit every continent, from Africa's rainforests to Antarctica's frozen shores, adapting and evolving to overcome unique environmental challenges. For hundreds of thousands of years, humans have adapted and prospered despite serious threats, even contemplating colonizing the Moon and Mars.

With life, there is always hope. Regardless of circumstances, as long as we live, there remains a chance for change, growth, progress, and advancement. Life's inherent, all-consuming drive to grow, expand, and thrive fuels our desire to live happy, successful lives. We strive to achieve, impact those around us, fulfil an innate purpose, master our environment, be remembered, and leave a legacy. Therefore, despite the dangers, stress, fear, hate, pain, guilt, shame, and regret we inevitably experience, one undisputed truth has proven itself over billions of years: Life, in all its abundance, glory, and wonder, is all we need to thrive.

The Daily Life of Resolute Beings, as a contemporary interpretation of the philosophy of abundance, integrates ancient and modern insights into a cohesive framework for living.

If life is abundant, we are we all not flourishing?

While life can evolve to thrive under almost any condition, there are certain consistencies that must be in place for life to at least survive. Living a fulfilled, purpose driven life characterized by happiness, connection and achievement comes from cultivating the behaviour related to a fulfilling life. Experiencing the unencumbered energy resonating from life is a natural state achieved when you promote its principles in your daily life. These Principles are:

1st Principle: Live with Intent. “Intent is not a thought, or an object, or a wish. Intent is what can make a man succeed when his thoughts tell him he is defeated. Intent is what makes him invulnerable.” (Carlos Castaneda). Living with intent requires that we align the timeline of our existence; align our past, present and future into a single, laser-focused purpose. Learn to control how your past is affecting your present and future. Control your present through self-awareness and complete self-congruency. Control your future by discovering your Personal Intent and growing the awareness of the Intent behind everything.

2nd Principle: Be resourceful. “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” (Colin Powell). The 2nd Principle of the Daily Life of Resolute Beings is grounded in the belief that everyone, including you, always have enough resources to live a Resolute Lifestyle. But the 2nd Principle is called “Be Resourceful” for a reason. Having access to resources is only part of the story. You must learn to apply your resources optimally. You must accept and master the factual, clinical, scientific facts that govern our physical experience.

3rd Principle: Focus on others. “This is what our brains are wired for: reaching out to and interacting with others. These are design features, not flaws. These social adaptations are central to making us the most successful species on earth.” (Matthew D Lieberman). Due to the innate instinct of life, we cannot exist alone. It is in our nature to connect with others to ensure that life expands and evolves. We are born from a shared energy (Intent) and this energy’s basic impetus is to beget more life – physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. Our Being is saturated by the need to bond with other forms of life and to transform these bonds into powerful nodes of potential that expands energy and infuse the universe with more life

Integrating Abundance into Daily Life

In the book The Daily Life of Resolute Beings, we unpack the tools, techniques and approaches that unlock the abundance of life. In a world that seems increasingly unstable, where political and social differences are threatening to tear society apart, where millions are caught in a form of economic slavery, the message contained in this book is one that everyone needs to hear.

Last words

The philosophical concept of the abundance of life invites us to view existence through a lens of possibility, fulfilment, and interconnectedness. Drawing from both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, this concept emphasizes that true abundance is not merely a matter of material wealth, but a holistic state of well-being that encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of life.

If you found this blog valuable, please forward it to someone in your network who will also benefit from its message. Life is amazing but hard, and we all can benefit from sharing knowledge and wisdom that can help us life a Resolute Life.

-----------------

“The Daily Life of Resolute Beings” integrates philosophical insights with practical advice, encouraging readers to adopt a mindset of abundance, purposeful resource management and meaningful connectedness in pursuit of their goals. Order your book at any of the following sites: