Understanding that we are always moving, the far more interesting exploration is: Are we circling or spiraling? The round movement for each of these paths only seems similar . . .

Circling means—as it sounds—following the same path over and over again without actually going anywhere. It looks like you are moving, and you are, but you are also staying in the same place and repeating the same situations and patterns; perhaps receiving the same results. This is not wrong or worse than spiraling—many times in our lives, circling is the most favorable way of moving. When you are getting the results you want in work, relationships, finances and creativity, yes, keep it up. Do the same thing and generally speaking, you will maintain status quo.

Spiraling means that the movement in our lives gets slightly adjusted based upon our current experiences. It means that there is attention to growth, experimentation, evolution and living fresh. Not all situations require spiraling (growth and experimentation). However, for those most interested in growth, spiraling is required practice. Spiraling is not a perfect cone that gracefully moves upward, outward to infinity and beyond (a Buzz Lightyear Toy Story moment). No, spiraling sometimes includes nosedives, quirky jagged turns, about-faces and kerplunk! Spiraling goes up and down and all around. But the general movement over time—even though the present conditions might look otherwise—is a spiral, moving toward something new.

Many financial issues are cleanly satisfied with the movement of a circle. Most of the practical exterior aspects of money require the same clear, clean, rules and processes to effectively maintain the same results. Practical protection in insurance for homeowners, liability, automobile, life, and health necessitate knowledgeable current reviews and simple actions. Financial flows are either flowing and saving, or flowing and spending. Being aware of the surpluses and deficits in your financial flow is an ingredient for healthy action. Purchasing a home, or renting, deploy similar questions to arrive at accurate results for the current goal. Legacy planning and investment integrity also follow solid circling processes to achieve desired outcomes. Circling satisfies many financial questions, for a while, and then, you are invited to choose to spiral when the circular pattern does not satisfy what matters most to you.

When does circling want to be a spiral? What is the benefit to spiraling? What is the harm to spiraling? How do I know it is time to spiral?

A curious inquiry about spiraling might be the signal that it is a choice that would serve you in present time. And, there may be more apparent signs, maybe not as friendly (stuck finances, career burnout, relationship drama) that dictate your benefit to spiral. Eventually, believe it or not, some of us choose to stay on the spiral, living an expanding and contracting flow to all movements in life. It’s the way of presence, spiraling in and spiraling out. But, don’t let me get too far ahead. Right now we are just talking about recognizing the circle patterns in life and the invitation to spiral. And more specifically, we are talking about circling finances and spiraling finances.

Moving to a spiral with your money means that what has worked before is not working so well now. Whatever nudges you to a spiral, here’s what happens when you open to this creative spacious movement. Life becomes more fun, rewarding, satisfying and engaging. Three aspects of your life – safety, connection and dignity – receive a bigger dose of nourishment. Safety, connection and dignity are recognized as essential nutrients for all humans in the work of Amanda Blake, scientist and somatic coach. (I will say more in future articles about the essential nutrients.) For now, give yourself a curious hmmmm. Hear and feel the vibration of your hmmmm.

Ask a wonder question: hmmm, I wonder how spiraling on behalf of my money relationship would support me in what matters most in my life today?

Feel your body sensations and recognize if the sensations draw you even closer to curiosity.

Spiraling, as compared to circling, means that possibilities for improvement abound. In your career, the raise you seek will be met with a powerful declaration and a microscopic truth conversation with your boss. It means that in your intimate relationship, you choose to allocate resources to a joint goal of getting healthier by working out together rather than eating out. It means that “tough love” with an adult child transforms to renewed vigor, creativity and joy for both you and your child. It means that the anxiety you carry and feel in your gut, shifts to the reality that investments spiral too—they do not circle—and with greater awareness there is more space for fear to be felt.

Here’s the bigger secret: Spiraling includes circles, and is limitless. Experiment by following the above suggestions. Don’t take these words as truth. I write from my experience and open the door for you to explore too.

Spiraling,

Gayle