As an economist, financial awareness guide, and practitioner of systemic constellations, I am keenly aware of the profound influence of our desire to belong in various aspects of our lives, including our financial decisions and personal well-being. In this blog, I emphasize the importance of awareness and illustrate how group instinct can impact our financial choices and personal growth.
The Group Instinct and Financial Decisions
It is an intrinsic human desire to belong, which can strongly influence our behaviour, particularly in financial decisions. Throughout history, people have relied on groups for protection, support, and survival, akin to the instinctive behaviour observed in animals that live in groups. Unsurprisingly, we often follow what the group does, even if it goes against our own (financial) interests. In earlier times, individuals faced condemnation, even death or expulsion from the group if they were no longer helpful or had debts. Wealthy people had better chances of survival, power, and control.
Fortunately, we are now evolving towards decentralization of power, where each individual's intrinsic strength and financial resources as a spiritual being form the foundation of our current civilization. For future generations, financial control, resources, and instances of abuse of power may seem medieval. Financially barbaric conditions will gradually disappear, and the speed of this transformation will depend on group dynamics and collective consciousness. For many of us, 'feeling' poses a challenge.voelen’ een uitdaging.
The Role of Upbringing and Environment
Our upbringing often influences our behaviour and financial beliefs, immediate learning environment, and the systems within which we live. We inherit financial habits and beliefs from our parents, grandparents, and the groups we operate, often without being consciously aware. Our beliefs can have both positive and negative consequences for our future. Discussing finances and emotions was taboo for a long time, and creating safe spaces in financial workplaces to feel, nurture, and love each other unconditionally was unheard of.
In Belgium, there are few psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists with the financial expertise to sense and few financial advisors who understand your mental health. However, this is changing.
The Importance of Awareness and Personal Growth
Recognizing group dynamics and the influence of the environment on our financial behaviour is a crucial first step towards developing (financial) awareness. By becoming aware of these influences, we can begin to observe them and make more informed decisions and actions that align with our deepest selves and our system. This can make the difference between a life of financial stress and uncertainty and financial freedom, peace, and security.
Systemic Constellations and Awareness
As a practitioner of systemic constellations, I see the value of acknowledging deep-seated patterns and dynamics within family and social systems. Through these insights, individuals can better place their behaviour and decision-making in the context of their background and the system they currently live in and pursue their goals and desires. Possible blocks and hindrances disappear as if by magic when we dare to go deep and feel.
What did our (grand)parents do? In what groups and environments did we grow up? How did they live, and what is our relationship with money?
Do we dare to authentically show ourselves in what we do financially? Do we dare to step into our light and shine, or are we shortchanging ourselves?
My training as an economist drives me to create awareness around group dynamics and the connection to our environment concerning our financial decisions, choices, and actions. My mission is to educate, train, connect and empower people to evaluate their financial habits and beliefs and adjust them where necessary. It will enable them to move financially in a direction that better aligns with their underlying desires, values, and what fundamentally nourishes them, rather than simply following the behaviour of the environment.
As a financial awareness guide, I witnessed how awareness can transform people's lives. It enables them to take more responsibility for their financial and mental well-being and to move towards a healthier and more balanced life.
In my work as a systemic constellations practitioner, I encourage people to feel deeper and observe the roots of their behaviour in a safe environment. Through this awareness, they can sometimes break hidden underlying patterns or reinforce them and develop new, healthier financial matters. Triggers are recognized and felt, and surviving in the workplace turns into living with joy, peace, and freedom – the very source of inspiration and creativity for everyone.
Awareness is the key to change. It took me years as an animal communicator to develop the narrative and come out with my story. By becoming aware of the underlying influences that drive our behaviour, we can detach ourselves from unconscious habits and limiting and divisive beliefs and subsequently make more conscious choices that align with who we are, what we want to do, and where we want to grow.
Look at your genogram, become aware of the destructive (and constructive) recurring money patterns, and recognize, above all, the growth opportunities. Talk about family traumas, sometimes break dominant money patterns, and launch new ones.
Transforming into a Win-Win
In many group dynamics, scarcity, shortages, competition, and rivalry can have dominant influences. These elements can lead to tensions, stress, and conflicts within a group, making it highly challenging to achieve positive results. Instead, we see a loss of energy and money.
However, it is essential to recognize that these dynamics also have the potential to transform and lead to win-win situations.
When a group becomes aware of the destructive effects of scarcity, competition, and rivalry, this awareness can catalyze change. The group can embrace a win-win mentality by working together to create a culture of abundance and collaboration. This means shifting the focus from thinking about winners and losers to striving for outcomes where everyone involved can win.
The healing power of a win-win approach within group dynamics is significant. By cultivating mutual support and understanding, a group can increase its resilience and strengthen the bonds among its members. This can lead to an atmosphere of trust and openness, making it easier to pursue common goals and find creative solutions to challenges.
Moreover, a win-win approach offers constructive and constructive possibilities. Instead of being hindered by intergroup rivalry, the group can transform this energy. Each member can contribute unique talents and perspectives, enriching collective creations and fostering innovations.
In conclusion, although scarcity, competition, and rivalry are sometimes dominant forces within group dynamics, it is possible to redirect these dynamics towards a win-win approach. By promoting a culture of abundance, collaboration, and mutual understanding, a group can benefit from the healing power and constructive possibilities that arise from a win-win mentality.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist or serve you in this regard.
