In our transition theme this month, money plays a significant role, it is woven into all aspects of our life and most aspects of transition.

Maslow's Hierarchy of needs (depicted in a pyramid graphic) shows the stages of evolution to personal freedom in self-actualization. Money shows up powerfully in each stage and integral to a healthy transition. When you allow money to inform you, your bridge to meaning opens up.

At the base of the pyramid are the physiological needs of basic survival. Every human requires a foundation of money for food, water, sex, sleep, and body functions.  In the US, if you do not earn enough money to survive, we have created a survival net (albeit modest) with social programs that offer financial assistance. Once meeting basic survival, we look to  building safety. This is the bridge to the next phase of meaning.

Safety is the next stage of the pyramid and includes security of body, employment, resources, morality, family, health, and property. Financial stability (or safety) is often sought through material wealth. Most of us reading this article can easily attest that meaning rarely comes from external matter, or if it does, that meaning is fleeting.

Once fully experiencing the longing for material wealth (more and better) and realizing that material goods do not satisfy the longing that burns in our hearts, priorities begin to shift. The next stage of Love and Belonging becomes more than interesting; it becomes compelling and full of the mystery of being human. The money we enjoy in our life is directed to what matters most in our relationships and experiences with friends, family and loved ones. 

Often being in the place of love and belonging seems like it would be "enough", and while this can satisfy a life of plenty, there is more beyond self and loved ones that brings meaning to our lives. Esteem is the fourth stage on the pyramid; in this place we develop self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, and respect by others. These attributes are different than what is reflected under safety, where there is a strong sense of self. Decisions about where money flows (saved, invested, given) are directed from a place of purpose and alignment beyond self and loved ones.

When bridging to the final stage of Self-Actualization, attributes like morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of facts are elegantly woven into the thread of life. We recognize the impermanence of everything, particularly money. We recognize that money flows like energy toward meaning and what matters most. We translate a rich life that is well beyond money. This is the ultimate bridge to meaning and freedom.