Most of us have a desire for abundance in our lives. Expressed financially, abundance and wealth can free up our time to devote to the things our bodies, minds and spirits yearn for: inner peace and harmony, whatever that means to us.

Many of us on a spiritual path have become tired of just making money, barely paying the bills, being in debt, and never really getting ahead. We have been told to "follow your passion and the money will come". Trust your intuition, trust the universe, trust that the Higher Power will provide for you.

Did that. Nothing happened. Still broke and floundering under financial pressure. Why? Don't know.

Here's the reason why "follow your passion and the money will come" alone doesn't work.

Intuition is a great guide to us, pointing us in the direction we need to go. If we are in tune with the divine flow, it can offer us uncanny wisdom when faced with choices. However, without tools and resources to actually move in that direction, we get nowhere and are left wondering why.

The clarity of the problem hits like a cosmic two by four: we don't know how to create financial abundance. We've never learned the steps to take. How obvious! We've been missing a piece of the puzzle.

The seed is planted. We can now begin moving toward our goal of spiritual and financial abundance any time we wish - just learn how, and then DO IT. Simple.

The first step is to look at our beliefs about abundance.

Belief #1: Success and abundance seem to be a pipe dream to so many of us, like an insurmountable mountain in our own minds. We've bought into the illusion that those who are wealthy belong on a pedestal, inaccessible, and worthy of envy and jealousy. Jealousy and envy are rooted in the belief that we don't deserve that kind of success or abundance.

Belief #2: There's a looming idea that blocks out any chance of getting any closer to success: Being wealthy is a result of one of two things: luck or evil. We're convinced that the only way we'll be wealthy is to win the lottery or rob a bank.

Belief #3: Another fear and inhibition about money can be summed up into one simplified sentence: We don't believe that we can be spiritual and still make money.

Wow, those are powerful statements! No wonder we keep ourselves poor!

These beliefs, and countless others, can sabotage any steps we try to take toward financial success. However, all of these beliefs are self-imposed limitations. We don't have to fall for the illusion that wealth is beyond our reach for any reason; we have a choice.

Along with beliefs, self-talk is a powerful influence on our choice to experience abundance. When used efficiently, affirmations can be a wonderful tool for change.

If someone tells you that you're stupid every day of your life, you will believe it after awhile. If you hear it from yourself, it has the same effect. Conversely, if you affirm that you are deserving and capable, and that challenges are not roadblocks but strengthening exercises, then you will soon begin to believe that.

Self-talk is an important part of change. Speak words of abundance and prosperity to yourself.

Speaking of self-talk, have you ever said to yourself, or asked your Creator, "I just want to make enough to make ends meet." or "As long as I can just pay my bills, that's all I need."? Be careful what you ask for!

Okay, we're bringing our beliefs and self-talk in alignment with an abundant way of living, so now what? The next step is getting down to practicality - learning how to physically create wealth.

Is wealth and abundance a passion of yours? If not, then information about it likely won't impact you much when you find it. Here's where the statement "follow your passion and the money will come" is most important. Make abundance a passion of yours!

As spiritual travellers, our focus needs to be on creating wealth in a holistic, natural way. There are countless resources for being involved in 'get rich quick' schemes, or making money just for the sake of making money. However, that's not what abundance is about.

We are merely keepers of money - a tool that allows us to continue on our spiritual journey. Financial freedom no longer means just being able to buy things. It means we are more available to go wherever intuition next points us, with the freedom to share of ourselves however we're needed in the greater scheme of things.

Honour your heart's desire to bring peace to yourself and the world around you, and all will benefit from your ventures. Your motives for making money have everything to do with how it will come into your life.

There are as many ways to create sources of income as there are people in this world. Here's where you start to do your own homework, find your passion, and begin welcoming abundance into your life!

Begin seeking out your own resources, online and offline, to help in these two areas: challenging your beliefs that money is undesirable and unattainable, and learning the tools to create wealth and abundance in your own life.

I've come across several books which have been instrumental in my own changes toward abundance and wealth. One of the most significant and poignant resources I've found for creating abundance in a spiritually aware, healthy way is a book called, "The One Minute Millionaire" by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen. T. Harv Ecker's helpful free newsletter is "Secret Psychology of Wealth". When you sign up, you'll also receive a free ebook called "Speedwealth".

If you're a business owner, you'll likely find this e-book helpful: "How to Market Your Holistic Health Care or New Age Business Like a Pro (Even If You're Not)". I know, I know, it sounds gimmicky, but it's been an excellent resource in my own journey as a spirit-based business owner.

There are countless free online e-groups and lists which offer practical, important wisdom in becoming wealthy as well. Do a search in your local library, bookstore or on the Internet for other resources. We're in the information age - everything you need is within your grasp!

Listen to your intuition and you'll have all the guidance you need. See if "coincidences" don't start popping up in your life, pointing you toward abundance and wealth. See if you don't begin to experience small movements toward a life of financial freedom. The process begins to happen and you feel more in control of your own wealth than you ever thought possible!

Once you've overcome your challenges and gained the practical knowledge of how to create wealth, the last step in the process of living an abundant life is having the wisdom to take all you've learned and put it into action. Make a plan and stick to it, not with uncertainty or self-sabotage, but with the confidence that you have great ideas, services and/or products that will be of great benefit to others.

Create a network of others who are on the same path. Find mentors. Find other people who are excited about changing their financial path. Get excited about the fact that you have everything you need right now in this moment to turn things around for yourself. You are capable of finding the resources you need. Reach out and ask, and they will come!

The fact that you're questioning your financial position is the beginning of the journey! Intuition will tell you which direction to go, and the Universe will show you the paths to take.

You are intelligent, capable, and talented. Wealth is available to you at any time! It is so easy and simple, once you have the knowledge and wisdom to create a different life for yourself.

Do it now!

Renée Deakin has been assisting holistic businesses in bringing their soul online in a professional, unique way for several years now. She gently encourages creativity, and uses the process of website development as a healing tool for her clients. http://www.wholisticwebdesign.ca