You may be thinking that mindfulness and money don’t really go together—how could a practice focused on non-materialism apply to the source of materialism? But in fact, the practice of mindfulness can be applied to your daily money management practices.

First, be aware that money is not intrinsically “good” or “bad”—it just is. Money is a tool for helping us get things that we need and want. You may have been brought up in a family where money was an issue—either there was never enough, or you may have had the experience where it almost seemed like there was too much. We all have different relationships with money, or the thought of money. Use the practice of mindfulness to focus on the fact that money is just that: money. Bits of paper, numbers—but it is neither good nor bad. Being aware of this fact can free you from your past ideas of money that may be hindering your progress right now. Let go, and watch your money grow.

Second, use your mindfulness practice to forgive yourself of any past money issues. Remember, focus on the here and now. In the past, you were just doing the best that you could at the time. This is the first day of your new financial outlook. Enjoy it, and set yourself free.

Third, while it is important to pay attention to your money and where it is going, also realize it is just that: money. Sometimes if you have had difficulty managing your money in the past, you may wind up going the opposite direction and become compulsive in monitoring it. Let your money work for you: use it as a tool, and don’t let it control you. Be aware when you are letting your money control you, by either compulsively checking your stocks online, or saving money to the point where you are actually hoarding it. When practicing mindfulness, focus on the here and now. Trust in the nature of the Universe: money flows out, money flows in.

Part of mindfulness is becoming aware of your connection to the Universe. We are all together in this thing called Life, so let your money become an extension of the good you put out to your community and to the world. Donate your time and your money to charitable causes. Remember, what you put out to the Universe (and to your community) comes back to you.

Money and mindfulness can go together, in order to free yourself from the thoughts you have had in the past about your finances. By separating out your emotions from money, you may find you are now bringing in more money than you thought possible.

Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, Ph.D., is the author of three books: 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD: How to Overcome Chronic Distraction & Accomplish Your Goals, Making the Grade with ADD: A Student's Guide to Succeeding in College with Attention Deficit Disorder; and ADD and Your Money: A Guide to Personal Finance for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. Her website is stephaniesarkis.com.