What does abundance look like to you? I recently taught a workshop in Japan that was focused on manifesting and abundance. One of the most important life lessons that we talked about is the realization that material abundance is only one life area where we can be fruitful. Working hard and having money is a wonderful thing, as long as it is not considered the end goal of life. I have counseled and coached extremely wealthy people, as well as people who live on very modest means. What I know for sure is that material abundance does not guarantee happiness. The best way to experience a truly happy life is to understand the different types of abundance, and to make sure that you focus energy on each of them.

Here are what I consider to be the four most important types of abundance:

1. Material Abundance: This is the area that most people focus on when it comes to manifesting. It starts with our basic financial needs, but extends through any number of professional and financial achievements. We might assume that having unlimited funds will surely lead to happiness. Being able to buy anything we want, whenever we want, sounds amazing right? And this kind of thinking is completely understandable. After all, it is very difficult to pursue any other kind of abundance if we don’t have a safe roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in, nourishing foods to eat, and clothes to keep us warm. But once we have these things taken care of, we will not become exponentially happier by having more of it. Please understand, being motivated to work hard and succeed are wonderful attributes that should be honored. But what tends to happen is that as soon as we achieve any level of financial success, we become accustomed to it and soon forget that it is a gift. We may then lose gratitude for what we have, and raise our material requirements above that level. Doing this means that we are often recreating the energy of not having enough money to pay for the things we want. A comfortable lifestyle is only worthwhile if you have the time to actually enjoy it.
2. Relationship Abundance: There are a variety of relationships that contribute to prosperity in this area. Community relationships are made up of people who share similar interests and encourage our best attributes. Our soul group is a much smaller circle of loved ones who we can rely on in any situation. They are the ones we can be truly honest with, to whom we can express our most vulnerable selves. A soul mate is someone who we share our most private moments with. They help us exchange a deep level of love and respect through emotional, physical, and soul-level affection.
3. Spiritual Abundance: This area of life begins with our connection to our higher self, which is usually attained through our spiritual and/or religious practice. Spiritual abundance also includes our destiny and purpose on the planet. Many people often confuse purpose and destiny with professional achievement. We assume that if we work hard and do great things in our career, then we will feel fulfilled and accomplished in all areas. This belief can cause spiritual and emotional pain later on in life. If we put all of our identity and faith in career, what will happen when that career ends? At some point in life, everyone retires (whether voluntarily or not). And once this happens, our career identity is taken away. Without this, it is not long before we start wondering what our identity is at all. Fostering spiritual abundance will help clarify your purpose on the planet, separate from your work identity.
4. Self-Care Abundance: This starts with our physical well being, such as treating our bodies with love and respect. Getting exercise to stay, through regular walks or something more vigorous, is vital to our health. Eating healthy foods, whether home cooked or purchased, are an excellent way to demonstrate that we love our selves. And personal enrichment, such as participating in activities or hobbies that we enjoy, all help us manifest healthy self-care. This does not have to cost a lot of money either. No matter your income, you can take the time for nourishing self-care.

Are there other types of abundance that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!