What is Abundance?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
The recognition that the universe is infinitely rich and that supply is unlimited.
Understanding Abundance in New Thought
A foundational New Thought concept rooted in the premise that the universe is infinitely rich and that limitation is a product of thought, not of reality. "The recognition of abundance inevitably produces abundance," as the principle is often stated. Haanel writes that "the Universal Mind is the source of all supply" and that there is no shortage in the infinite. Holmes teaches that "there is no limit to the law" and that the only limitation is in our own thinking. Wattles builds his entire Science of Getting Rich on the premise that there is a "Formless Substance" from which all things are made, and this substance is inexhaustible. Abundance in New Thought is not merely material wealth; it encompasses health, love, wisdom, creativity, and every form of good. The practice of abundance thinking involves replacing thoughts of lack, limitation, and competition with thoughts of infinite supply, generosity, and creative increase.
A foundational New Thought concept rooted in the premise that the universe is infinitely rich and that limitation is a product of thought, not of reality. "The recognition of abundance inevitably produces abundance," as the principle is often stated. Haanel writes that "the Universal Mind is the source of all supply" and that there is no shortage in the infinite. Holmes teaches that "there is no limit to the law" and that the only limitation is in our own thinking. Wattles builds his entire Science of Getting Rich on the premise that there is a "Formless Substance" from which all things are made, and this substance is inexhaustible. Abundance in New Thought is not merely material wealth; it encompasses health, love, wisdom, creativity, and every form of good. The practice of abundance thinking involves replacing thoughts of lack, limitation, and competition with thoughts of infinite supply, generosity, and creative increase.
What the Teachers Say
Abundance vs. Scarcity
Abundance and scarcity represent opposing consciousness states in New Thought philosophy. While abundance recognizes infinite supply, scarcity believes in limitation and lack.
| Aspect | Abundance | Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| Source Perspective | Universe as infinitely rich and generous | Universe as limited with finite resources |
| Mental Attitude | Thoughts of plenty, increase, and expansion | Thoughts of lack, limitation, and competition |
| Manifestation Result | Attracts wealth, health, and opportunities | Attracts poverty, illness, and obstacles |
| Emotional State | Gratitude, generosity, and confidence | Fear, hoarding, and anxiety |
| Relationship to Others | Others' success increases possibilities for all | Others' success diminishes available resources |
Etymology
The term "abundance" originates from the Latin "abundantia," meaning "fullness" or "overflow." It combines "ab," signifying "from," and "undare," meaning "to wave" or "to surge," akin to a flowing tide. This etymological root highlights a sense of overflowing plenty, which aligns with its spiritual interpretation as an inexhaustible universal supply.
How to Practice This
Practitioners apply the principle of Abundance through affirmative prayer and visualization, consciously directing their thoughts toward desired outcomes. They engage in gratitude practices, acknowledging existing blessings to cultivate a mindset of plenty. Additionally, they often practice giving and tithing, believing that such actions reinforce the flow of abundance in their lives and demonstrate their faith in universal supply.
Connection to Manifestation
Abundance consciousness serves as the foundation for all successful manifestation in New Thought practice. When practitioners cultivate genuine awareness of infinite supply, they align with the creative principle that responds to mental acceptance rather than need or desire. The law of attraction operates more effectively from abundance thinking because it eliminates the resistance created by thoughts of lack and limitation. This consciousness shift transforms the entire manifestation process from struggling to acquire what is missing to recognizing and accepting what is already available in the infinite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin by regularly affirming the infinite nature of supply and consciously replacing thoughts of lack with thoughts of plenty. Practice gratitude for what you already have while expanding your mental acceptance of greater good. Visualization exercises and studying abundance principles help reprogram scarcity-based thinking patterns.
No, abundance in New Thought encompasses all forms of good including health, love, wisdom, creativity, and opportunities. While material wealth is included, the principle applies to every area of life where increase and improvement are possible. True abundance consciousness recognizes unlimited supply in all dimensions of experience.
Abundance thinking fails when underlying beliefs in limitation remain stronger than surface positive thoughts. Many people affirm abundance while deeply believing in scarcity, creating internal conflict that blocks results. Success requires genuine mental acceptance of infinite supply, not just intellectual agreement with the concept.
New Thought teaches that abundance is everyone's natural birthright because all individuals are connected to the same infinite source. Apparent differences in prosperity result from differences in consciousness and mental acceptance, not from external limitations or destiny. Anyone can develop abundance consciousness through proper understanding and practice.
Results vary based on how completely one shifts from scarcity to abundance consciousness and how deeply limiting beliefs are entrenched. Some experience immediate improvements in opportunities and circumstances, while others require weeks or months of consistent practice. The key is maintaining abundance consciousness regardless of temporary appearances.
In the Source Texts (5)
There is abundance of opportunity for the man who will go with the tide, instead of trying to swim against it.…
…ed, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.…
…pply, let all that is mine by divine right now reach me, in great avalanches of abundance.” Then she added: “Give me a definite lead, let me know if there is anything for me to do.”…
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Used by: Haanel, Holmes, Wattles