Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, & Peter Gabriel are three incredible men from very different disciplines. Yet something ties them together in more than just persistence, success and having big hearts. They all helped form a group called ‘The Elders’, independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.  Here’s the story (as it says on their website):

“The concept originates from a conversation between the entrepreneur Richard Branson and the musician Peter Gabriel. The idea they discussed was simple: many communities look to their elders for guidance, or to help resolve disputes. In an increasingly interdependent world – a ‘global village’ – could a small, dedicated group of individuals use their collective experience and influence to help tackle some of the most pressing problems facing the world today?”

They brought the idea to Nelson Mandela, the group was formed in 2007, and it’s chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Composed of former heads of state, revolutionaries, peacemakers & pioneering women, they believe strongly that we all have the power to make a difference in our own way.

So what do The Elders have to do with manifestation?  Well, lots!  Here are a few lessons that we can learn from the Elders:

1. The power of Masterminds.

The Elders meet twice a year in person to go over their activities, discuss their current priorities, and plan their upcoming work. This is exactly how masterminds work.  There is such power in getting together with a group of like-minded individuals all pursuing their dreams and supporting each other.  If you don’t have a mastermind, consider teaming up with a few of your friends who are also working on their own individual creative projects.  Choose people in your life who will be supportive and helpful.  Only people who will lift you up.

How To Take Action:

Write down a list of people who you would like to mastermind with. Then compose an email to all of them explaining about your mastermind, and ask them if they’d like to join.  Once you have your group, you can figure out how often you’d like to meet, and where.  If you’re just starting out, you can meet at each other’s homes.  Monthly is ideal, but even meeting just twice a year like the Elders do will move your business & creative projects forward. If you don’t know anyone directly who you want to work with, consider joining a group online.  I have a powerful program coming up called Manifestation Masters – with a built-in mastermind.  So if this interests you, make sure to sign up for my email list below and stayed tuned for my big announcement.

2. Finding a Mentor.

Have you ever felt completely lost as to how to move forward on your projects? You need guidance from someone who’s already been there and done what you want to do.  The whole concept of Elders working for change and meeting with the youth to discuss ideas seems obvious.  They are ‘Elders’ because of their experiences and wealth of knowledge.  We look up to Elders for advice because they’ve already been where we’re going.  They can help guide us to be the changemakers we want to be.  There’s no secret to it.  We all need to seek advice from experienced people in our field.  It may seem scary to reach out to someone you admire, but won’t it feel so good once you have someone you can call or email to ask for help?  Wouldn’t it be amazing to have one of the people you look up to on your side?

How To Take Action:

Take a moment to write down a list of potential mentors who you’d like to work with.  Then go through and compose a few emails telling them how much their work has influenced you, and invite them to coffee to discuss your current project.  You’d be surprised at how happy a lot of Elders will be to talk about their work and answer any questions you might have about how they got there.  Who knows, they may even be so interested in what you’re working on that they want to help!

3. The power of Giving.

The Elders are all volunteering their time to make a difference.  This is so key.  The more you can give to others, the more you will receive in return. This is the law of giving and receiving.

How To Take Action:

Write down a list of 5 causes that you feel strongly about.  Then go back and circle the one that resonates with you the most… Something that upsets you so much that it motivates you to help.  Ask yourself how you can give either your time or your money to the cause.  It should be a thing that you feel good about doing – whatever that is for you in whatever place you are in your business and life right now.  If you own your own business, perhaps it’s donating a portion of the proceeds from a certain product to an organization.  Or maybe you spend an afternoon volunteering somewhere.  There are infinite possibilities for giving.  And you don’t have to have much to give.  Even the smallest gestures have profound impact.

Here is a beautiful excerpt from The Chopra Center:

The Law of Giving and Receiving

The universe operates through dynamic exchange . . . giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.

I will put the Law of Giving and Receiving into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:

1. Wherever I go, and whomever I encounter, I will bring them a gift. The gift may be a compliment, a flower, or a prayer. Today, I will give something to everyone I come into contact with, and so I will begin the process of circulating joy, wealth and affluence in my life and in the lives of others.

2. Today I will gratefully receive all the gifts that life has to offer me. I will receive the gifts of nature: sunlight and the sound of birds singing, or spring showers or the first snow of winter. I will also be open to receiving from others, whether it be in the form of a material gift, money, a compliment or a prayer.

3. I will make a commitment to keep wealth circulating in my life by giving and receiving life’s most precious gifts: the gifts of caring, affection, appreciation and love. Each time I meet someone, I will silently wish them happiness, joy and laughter.

Feeling inspired? Leave a comment below with what takeaway you got from the Elders.  Do you have a special way that you incorporate giving into your life?  Did you come up with any other lessons from the Elders?  Tell me what action steps from above you are going to take now.  I would love to hear from you!