78-Day Meditation Challenge: Day 49

Scarcity, Perspective, and Simple Abundance

Card of the Day: Ace of Pentacles (Reversed)

Throughout this journey, we’ve reflected on the tension between a scarcity mindset and a mindset of abundance. But what about when scarcity isn’t just a perception—when it is the reality? When money truly runs short. When the job doesn’t materialize. When stability and security begin to slip away.

I’ve sat with this for a while.

I recalled a conversation I had recently with a woman who emigrated from Nigeria twelve years ago. She shared how, at times, it is hard sometimes to connect with people here because what constitutes a problem can feel so different. Before she left her community, no one had running water. Each day, someone from every household walked a mile to fill a container at a well—and the water was not always clean. Here, clean water flows from the tap in every kitchen. What we see as a problem depends, in part, on what we take for granted. Running water. Transportation. Supermarkets. Housing.

Perspective shapes reality. Two people witnessing the same circumstance can have vastly different experiences. One sees scarcity. The other sees abundance.

How do we engage with scarcity when we have less than we desire? Because that was the heart of my friend’s reflection: much of what we call scarcity is simply having less than we want.

How am I doing in this moment? Do I have what I need to get through this moment? Can I find joy in a single breath? In my ability to look skyward? Can I indulge a wealth of kindness even when I have little money?

Perhaps in carrying that energy—gratitude, perspective, presence—I become more able to notice the opportunities that would remain hidden when I fixate only on what is lacking.

How can I apply this today?

• I will take an inventory of what I have—not only what I lack.

• I will pause to honor the simple gifts of this moment.

• I will allow gratitude to soften my perception of scarcity.

• I will offer kindness freely, trusting that it costs nothing and enriches everything.

I welcome all parts of myself—known and unknown, shining and shadowed.

I honor my past for what it has taught me.

I trust my intuition to lead me.

I release what no longer serves me.

I walk forward with steadiness, guided by the light within me.

Be well, be present, be at peace.