In today's world there are a lot of choices people are having to make due to the current climate around politics and inflation. People everywhere are feeling the pinch and more and more people are having to make a choice on whether their own well being is being threatened by behaviors others put upon them.

Inflation is where the purchasing power of money diminishes over time and is a reality that affects every aspect of our material lives. Prices rise, savings lose value, and financial stability becomes a moving target. For many, the anxiety and uncertainty that accompany inflation can be overwhelming. However, in the face of such challenges, spirituality can offer a powerful framework for understanding and coping with these economic pressures. 

The Spiritual Perspective on Material Wealth

In many spiritual traditions, material wealth is seen as transient. Eastern philosophies like Buddhism teach the impermanence of all things, including money and possessions. Similarly, Christian teachings often emphasize the dangers of becoming too attached to material wealth, reminding followers that "you cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). This perspective can be particularly grounding during times of inflation, when the value of money is constantly shifting. By recognizing the transient nature of wealth, individuals can cultivate a sense of detachment from the anxiety that often accompanies financial instability. This doesn't mean ignoring practical financial matters, but rather approaching them with a sense of balance and perspective. 

Mindfulness and Financial Awareness

Mindfulness, a practice rooted in spiritual traditions but widely embraced in secular contexts, can be a powerful tool in managing the stress associated with inflation. By cultivating present-moment awareness, individuals can become more attuned to their financial habits and decisions. This heightened awareness can lead to more conscious spending, better financial planning, and a reduced tendency to make impulsive purchases driven by fear or anxiety. In addition, mindfulness can help individuals recognize and appreciate what they already have, fostering a sense of gratitude that can counterbalance the fear of loss or scarcity that often accompanies inflationary periods. By focusing on the present and what is within one's control, mindfulness can reduce the emotional toll of economic uncertainty. 

 The Role of Community and Compassion

Spirituality often emphasizes the importance of community and compassion. In times of economic hardship, these values become even more critical. Inflation can strain not only individual finances but also relationships and communities. By fostering a spirit of generosity and mutual support, individuals can help each other navigate these challenges. For example, some spiritual communities encourage practices like tithing or charity, even in times of personal financial strain. This act of giving can create a sense of abundance and interconnectedness, countering the fear and isolation that inflation can bring. Moreover, participating in community support networks—whether through religious organizations, local groups, or informal networks—can provide practical help and emotional support.

Faith and Trust in Uncertain Times

At the heart of spirituality is often a sense of faith—whether in a higher power, the universe, or the inherent goodness of life. In the context of inflation, faith can serve as a source of inner strength and resilience. Trusting that one will be provided for, even in times of scarcity, can alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with financial uncertainty. Faith does not imply passivity. Instead, it can inspire proactive steps taken with confidence and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s adjusting one’s lifestyle, seeking new opportunities, or simply maintaining a positive outlook, faith can be a guiding force. 

Reframing Prosperity

Finally, spirituality invites a broader understanding of prosperity. While inflation might reduce material wealth, it doesn't necessarily diminish overall well-being. Prosperity, from a spiritual perspective, includes health, relationships, personal growth, and inner peace. By cultivating these non-material forms of wealth, individuals can find fulfillment and stability, even when economic conditions are challenging.

 Inflation is an inevitable part of economic life, and its effects can be deeply unsettling. However, spirituality offers a path to navigate these challenges with grace and resilience. By embracing a spiritual perspective on material wealth, practicing mindfulness, fostering community and compassion, and nurturing faith, individuals can find balance and peace, even in the midst of financial uncertainty. In uncertain times, spirituality can be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that while inflation may affect our external circumstances, it need not define our inner experience.

This is the part, if you have read this far, you will understand why I wrote this article. I in the past six months have seen several areas connected to maintaining the website and well, putting food on my table and helping maintain a roof over our heads, that I have to make subtle but doable changes to pricing as of this newsletter.  I have always believed there are two sides to every coin. If you give, you receive and if you let people take advantage of you, they will. i have been told on several occasions, I am way under what I ask for my work compared to others. I only want to be able to continue to do my work, but I have not changed my prices for circles in more than 12 years and appointments have been virtually the same prices for at least 30 of the 40 years I have been working as a Psychic an Medium. i have been given nudges to make these changes. Those of you who continue to support my work and consider me as a source for your spiritual growth, I thank you for the opportunity to serve but I do have to consider a balance between these areas. This is spiritual even if some of you think it is not. I know I will lose some people, but I cannot control that. Thank You for staying as long as you have and I hope you find what you are looking for.

In all honestly and transparency, I am not a wealthy man, I actually live at poverty level according to the government qualifications. I pay taxes like you and have medical bills and an assortment of others just as you do. i am not asking for any handouts nor do I expect them. I maintain what I have because of the spiritual choices and practices, I make.  People will say, well why don't you advertise more?  Why don't you do Psychic Fairs and Travel. Why don't you do this or that?  While advice is great, you don't know who I am or how my life and finances are.  Also my spiritual conviction to not be one focused on material gain, do at times find peace in not having very much. I have always since following a spiritual path, focused on the works of Jesus, knowing that it does in some ways, have to be enough. If I take a week off, I don't get paid vacation. I don't have paid sick days and every day is planned around the subtle balance of making sure everything is taken care of.  If I travel someplace else, I have to pay for travel, expenses and food on top of trying to earn enough to make up for the time I have lost locally. If I only make a certain amount,  all the travel is not worth the investment and loss. 

Don't get me wrong, I am not whining or begging for some no existent need. I am simply stating a change to some pricing is need to balance out the cost I have of late incurred through the providers for my email service, website and other cost that help continue being able to communicate and have a way to do my work.

The following is what will change:

All circles will go for Lifetime members from $30 to $35, current non members from $45 to $50 without recording $55 with recording.

All appointments for Lifetime will go up as well. $125 to $130. Non-members $150-$155

Life Coaching $55 and Spiritual Counseling - non Psychic or Mediumship counseling, $60.

Also all Lifetime Members the following is stated in the disclaimer and was not being fulling enforced, but will be from now on.

Use of free appointments will be limited to the first two appointments scheduled on any day. A Lifetime member must attend and pay for one circle, one appointment or pre-recorded session to keep membership benefits. If not, you risk forfeiture of your benefits and deactivation of your account. Re-activation is $10 and a request must be emailed to stevenewoodsrise@earthlink.net.

I know that is is hard for everyone to see that changes like these are needed, but in order to be able to continue without having to get a second non spiritual job, these changes are a must.

Blessings and I hope you have a great September/October.

Steven