A few weeks ago I read an article in a morning newspaper talking about the benefits of investing in something called the ‘vice fund’, a portfolio of companies in the tobacco, alcohol, casino, gaming and oil industries.

The article touted the ‘fantastic’ news that over the last few years this particular investment option has averaged a 17.5% annual increase outperforming more traditional vehicles by considerable amounts.

This got me thinking: outside of the ‘benefit’ of making more money, does anyone else see the moral implications involved with investing one’s money in areas that capitalize on other people’s addictions and shortcomings?

Furthermore, at what point in our societal evolution did making money trump health, happiness, and personal well-being? How long have greed and egoic desire for more, more, more been prominent over the natural human tendencies for peace, vitality, self-control and fulfillment?

From a loftier perspective I began thinking about the concept of money not just in the physical form but in the context of energy. Here’s my case:

Money Really IS Energy

People who invest their dollars and cents into the ‘vice fund’ must understand they are also contributing their energies into these vices, even if they are not personally afflicted by them.

They are actively perpetuating other people’s terrible addictions by helping to increase profits for these companies; allowing them to market themselves more, form stronger special interest groups and gain momentum in a myriad of ways.

But that’s the problem isn’t it: People are more concerned about their personal ROI than they are about the energy their investments and money circulates into the greater environment we live.

Ask yourself: do you view money as something completely separate from yourself or do you see it as an extension of the person you are. Most people view money as separate from them and have a host of strong emotions concerning the role it plays in their lives: power, jealousy, greed, scarcity, fear, etc…are all common emotions money generates.

The way I see it, money is just another form of energy, and that’s it. The way we choose to make it, spend it and invest it is a direct reflection of the people we are.

I believe we have a social responsibility NOT to view money as separate from ourselves, but start viewing it as part of the energetic vibration we contribute to the greater culture around us. And this is a BIG shift, believe me. What you invest in pushes energy in that direction.

Become Aware Of Your Spending, Earning and Investing As Personal Energy

The way I see it, money is not separate from who we are as people but an extension of our individual and collective energies. I am not trying to argue that I am ‘holier than thou’ or better than anyone else…just explaining my views concerning the importance of viewing money as part of our personal vibration.

For me, investing in some things does not sync with my philosophy concerning the environment…and adhering and honoring my intrinsic worldview by FAR outweighs the potential monetary benefit I might have gained.

I also know that other projects will come along (and have come along) that will resonate with me on all levels…and I choose to spend my time and money living and breathing these areas.

SO, be wise with your money. Become aware of what you spend it on, what you invest in, how you circulate this form of energy into the greater environment around you. Understand that the single minded desire to make money only for itself never leads to fulfillment and happiness. Spread it to good, sustainable causes. Contribute to peace and social justice. Enjoy yourself in a healthy and beneficial manner.

Doesn’t this just sound better!