By Paul Yung
Heng Ah! Ong Ah! Huat Ah!
As the Lunar New Year approaches, millions around the globe eagerly prepare to welcome the auspicious occasion with open arms. One of my favourite times of the year, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of festivity, familial bonds, and of course, makan!
During this auspicious occasion, you will hear many of our Chinese friends greet each other with the saying “Gong Xi Fa Cai”, which roughly translates to “wishing you prosperity and good fortune”.
Each time I hear this greeting, I am reminded of the Law of Abundance, which teaches us to embrace abundance in all its forms, fostering a mindset of gratitude, generosity, and prosperity.
In a world often characterized by scarcity and competition, the concept of the Law of Abundance is rooted in the belief that the universe is infinitely abundant and capable of providing for all.
This law encourages individuals to shift their perspective from scarcity to abundance, recognizing and appreciating the wealth of blessings, opportunities, and resources already available in their lives.
Chinese New Year provides a perfect backdrop for embodying the principles of the Law of Abundance. From lavish feasts to intricate decorations symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, every aspect of the celebration reflects a belief in the abundance of blessings and the potential and hope for a brighter future.
During this festive season, take a moment to reflect on all the blessings that you have. The sumptuous meals, the company of people around you, the blessings you are giving and receiving and the time spent with family and friends.
When we shift our mindset from one of scarcity to abundance, our whole personality changes. We play to win-win because we know that the universe is abundant. We start to think of how we could help the other person benefit from the deal as well so that we can collaborate again in future and may be even long term. Personally, my corporate secretary, printing suppliers, travel agent and event company have worked with me for 10 years or more.
You may be thinking, Paul you must be insane, how can I possibly be thinking to benefit the other person more when I should be saving for my family? Here’s the thing, people know when you are playing win-win, just as we know when people are being generous with us. They also know when they are being given the shorter end of the stick, and will choose to bring their business, attention, or services elsewhere. This is the same in business as it is in personal relationships.
We want to be in a relationship with someone who is willing to give, and here’s the kicker, the more WE give, the more our partners will give in return!
Of course, not every business partner or partner will respond this way and it’s normal for us to feel the need to guard ourselves when we get taken advantage of. Obviously, we should stop working with people who take advantage of us. I take that as tuition fees, meaning we paid to learn from a bad relationship.
However, believe me, when we find the right person who practices the law of abundance with us, it is worth all the tuition fees we paid previously and so much more. Use the power or positivity to attract abundance.
One way to incorporate the Law of Abundance into Chinese New Year festivities is through the act of giving. Generosity lies at the heart of this tradition, as families and friends exchange gifts, blessings and angpows to symbolize wealth and good fortune.
By giving freely and joyfully, individuals not only express their love and appreciation but also affirm their belief in the abundance of resources to share with others.
Generosity is not merely expressed in terms of money or material. Expressing gratitude for family, friends, and the people around us, cultivates a sense of fulfilment and contentment, enriching the festive spirit.
During our annual team building in January, I asked my staff to go to one another and genuinely complement the other while maintaining eye contact. The room was in tears within minutes.
This festive season, give the people you meet a genuine complement or say something you’ve always wanted to say to that person. You will be pleasantly surprised at how this simple gesture can strengthen familial bonds, foster harmony in relationships, and nurture a sense of community.
Chinese New Year serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless wisdom embodied in the Law of Abundance. By embracing a mindset of abundance and applying its principles in our celebrations, we can enhance the joy and meaning of this auspicious occasion.
As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, may we invite more positivity into our lives and incorporate the law of abundance for boundless opportunities for growth, prosperity, and joy that lie ahead. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
