Cheap stake
People who are cheap are more trapped than any of those parrots on perches. Being cheap has nothing to do with how much money you have. You can be rich and cheap, or poor and generous. Cheap people guard their water glasses and hoard what they have, to make sure nothing flows out. New water always has to flow in to keep the water in the glass fresh and useful; otherwise it grows stagnant, like standing water in a pond. Peopie who are cheap are letting their money stagnate. What they are missing is the serenity that money handled responsibly, generously, and well can bring, and the pleasure.
Ask yourself this: Who is the most generous person you know? Someone who opens up her home to friends, her heart to those in trouble, her wallet judiciously and without resentment? How do you feel toward this person? Do you think this person can feel your love and appreciation coming back to replenish her?
Now ask yourself this question: Is there anyone in your life who you feel is cheap? How do you feel about this person? Do you think he or she can sense the way you feel?
And what about you? Do you think another person would describe you as cheap? Are you constantly worried that people are trying to take advantage of you and your money? Are you unwilling to let money go easily because you’re frightened of not having enough? If you have truthfully answered “No” to these questions, no doubt you already give freely, of yourself and your money, and already know freedom in your thoughts, your heart, your soul. If you’ve hesitated over any of these questions, or found yourself answering “Yes,” then by freeing up your money in this step, you will also free up your heart.
