What's Up With That?

After years of initiatives and having to deal with charging fees for workshops and lectures, I have come to the painful conclusion that Filipinos need to come into a healthier relationship with money. Our view is one of scarcity and fear. Mind you, I understand that, because I also have that in me, but I am conscious of it and try to work towards an attitude of abundance.

In the last two lectures we organized, we pegged the price at P500 and then P200 for teachers and students. We used to have a "pay what you can" policy but always ended up with too many people not paying at all, or paying so little, even if they could clearly afford to put their money towards the extras like t-shirts and snacks. So, enough of that. We all know by now that Pinoys need boundaries, so it's better to set the fee.

Well, it's funny the things you learn about people and their attitude towards money. Even those who can afford the fee, will try to pay the lower fee. Others sneak in and evade paying completely. And I know every one of them. There were those I told point blank, and they nodded and pretended to be called away and never came back. Others just came in, sat, and just left. Quickly. Well, some I let go because I couldn't keep track and also I just believe in karma anyway, but those I could keep track of got a text message today. I have yet to receive evidence that I have not been ignored. A dear lady gave extra and told me not to give her change as she wanted to donate it. She also received a message of profound gratitude for that gesture of consciousness and uprightness.

They came to hear someone share his life's work. There is value to that and clearly everyone took from it. Well, the money you pay to hear him is recognition and support of his work, from which you take and that is just. You pay what you can. By contributing financially to this lecture that YOU decided to partake of, at the level you can truly afford, you are acknowledging the speaker's hard work, his wisdom, and everything that you are receiving from it. You are also putting value on what you are receiving from his sharing.

As for me, the gloves are off. I find that I also have difficulty being forthright in asking, face to face, for what is due. So I acknowledge that I have a part in enabling this abhorrent and selfish behavior. I'm getting better at it, but I still need to be able to do it for those who keep trying to escape. The bottom line is, if you do not want to give, then please do not take.

Money is energy and what will return to you will be equal to what you put out. I find solace in that. Those who refuse to put out, even though they can, will also be on the receiving end of stinginess and contraction. Never expansion. Yup, there is much solace in that.