subject: Chango And The Story Of Self Indulgence [print this page] It is amazing how we take so many things for granted. We fail to understand that everything in life is an exchange; from money, to relationships, even the air that we breathe. Plants provide us with oxygen and in return, we provide them with carbon dioxide. This is an exchange that is simple, easy, and very natural. We do it without thinking, and it is completely effortless. Can you imagine how life would be if all our relationships were like this? We make things complicated when we start to indulge, when we stop holding up to our end of the bargain.
There is a huge misconception about life. We believe that we make money, or that we give away money. When in truth, money is an exchange. Much like energy, money has to circulate in order to increase its value. In fact, money is the manifestation of energy, of ash. The attitudes that we have toward money are the same attitudes that we have toward life. We are either going to hold onto it too tightly, or we are going to blow it all in one day.
The exchange of money reflects the concept of give and take that is needed for growth. What would happen if the plants got an attitude every time we asked it for oxygen, or if we rationed our carbon dioxide? Only the strongest would thrive, and they would be the ones in charge. This concept works very much like a monetary system, it is rationed, and resources are distributed in such a way where those who follow the natural flow of energy will prosper.
Chango was a king who amassed knowledge, wealth, and nobility. He was able to climb up the social and spiritual ladder because he was one of the strongest. However, Chango started to indulge. Indulgence isn't just about being a glutton. It is about becoming complacent, greedy, selfish, and lacking consideration for other people's needs. This is what happens when there is no exchange, when people just take and don't give. It causes disparity and results in the creation of oppressive regimes that will do anything to gain and maintain power. We can see whole countries in South America and Africa that operate based on this premise, thus explaining the limited growth.
The concept of exchange is a natural law. It is best to always create exchanges that benefit both parties. If you decided to just take and not give, sooner or later you are going to suffer the consequences. You will start to take things and people for granted, you will neglect your relationships. People and things will leave you, and eventually you won't have anyone to take anything from.
