The abundance of the present
It is easy to be ensnared by the desire for more. More rooms, more money to buy more things to fill those rooms and more recognition for having said ‘things’. Sometimes this ‘more’ is thought of as abundant and to have less than this feels meagre.
It feels right to think of abundance at this time of year. A veritable glut of produce as well as high holiday consumption of a sort, mingling with holiday thinking time. There is nothing like hot weather to make you do nothing but think deeply.
A very good friend is bringing me damsons from her garden. She has so much more than she needs. Damsons are my favourite fruit so already this is a gift of true abundance and generosity. My stepdaughter and I will turn them into jam and so the goodness continues. I am always thankful for the relationship that she and I have. And then we will enjoy this jam on bread, that she makes as an exceptionally good pastry chef. When is a damson more than a damson? I already know that even if the jam fails to set or we burn it (imagine), we will think of this largess of time, fruit and friendship more than any object that I could buy.
I try but sometimes still fail to live inside a generous mindset. I also try to instil these and Stoic principles in how I run my business. I’ve found both immeasurably helpful when times are testing. I proffer that they are at the root of why our business is good and healthy.
The Stoics were indifferent to wealth. They understood that living a good life was separate to possessions and wealth. It didn’t mean that they rejected wealth, often many were very wealthy. But they understood that this way of living was a preferred indifference rather than the point of existence. They believed that wealth was a great enabler rather than just something to show their position or place. I often wonder how Stoics would have tussled with social media… I feel that with this mindset, beauty and abundance tenders many more meanings. And so while I am grateful for the abundance that I have – damsons, dogs, a home and business that I own, I am very aware of not wanting more or placing a higher value on the possessions over the intangibles of a good life. Unless more brings more for others. Serving the underserved is a story for another good day.
Thinking abundant I think is a wonderful way to live. It sits apart from having abundant, but feels more like eating the best tomato/ice cream/hot grapes from the vine of your life.
There really is enough joy, cushions and success for all and I believe being optimistic and generous does not take away from what I have, instead it generally brings more for all. Believing in growth and goodness – limitless goodness helps me when things are difficult. It isn’t easy when you have someone being what we like to think of as ‘naughty’, but it also keeps its impact succinct.
Mostly I hope that thinking abundant roots us all back to the present. The conversation with your colleague this morning, the walk to work, the so-delicious-cinnamon-bun from our friends at Landrace. Rooting in and really enjoying the beauty of today and the opportunities and sensorial experiences you are having right now can only be wonderful.
I am very much looking forward to the future damson jam on toast moment, but I am promising myself that I will revel and rejoice in every step towards it.
I also hope that you enjoy our new journal ‘Paths’. Chapter 1 is all about abundance – and I am sure that jam and bread and butter will feature heavily.
Cassandra x
Photography by Ellen Christina Hancock