You can probably find a better description of the game through the Abraham-Hicks link on my links page, as that is the original source of the idea, but I heard about it through a Manifestation board (also available on the links page).
Without going into the torturous story of my childhood, I'll just say that I was raised to think that wanting things was a form of moral depravity and it has been hard to shake the deep feelings of guilt I feel every time I buy something for myself. Actually, I am inclined to feel guilty for not being destitute or for having more of anything than anyone else. Over the past few years I have been moving closer and closer to moral purity on the basis of that particular belief system... and am trying to convert to something healthier and happier before I reach zero dollars in my bank account.
So what is the Abundance Game? Among the concepts which underlie this exercise are the beliefs that 1) thought creates reality, 2) the unconscious does not distinguish between the real and the imagined, 3) desire is an emotion which needs to be fostered and fed. I'm sure there are other things. These are the ones that have the most resonance with me.
So the basic idea of the game is to become comfortable with having and spending money and with exercising your desire muscles, so to speak. And here's how it works. You can play for as long as you are willing or able to. Each day you are given (imaginary) money and required to spend the entire amount. On day One you receive $1,000. You are to write checks (or make a clear record of some sort) and detail how you spend the money. You have to spend all of it. On Day Two, you receive $2,000 and again must spend it all. Day Three you get $3,000, Day Four $4,000 and so on.
It was amazing to me how quickly it became difficult for me to spend all the money without cheating and just giving it to charity or buying presents for other people. Not that those things are bad. I LOVE buying presents for my friends and family, but I think that kind of defeats the purpose of the exercise if it is all you do. When I sought advice from the person who told me about the Abundance Game, she suggested that abundance was about more than just money and things and that she had often spent her days cash on more esoteric things and even created companies (esoteric and other) to write her checks to. I probably do a bit too much of that, but I had a great time inventing imaginary companies and people on whom to spend my abundance. Below are some examples of my favorite companies.
Perfect Comfort Chairs: These chairs are not only beautiful, but the are a perfect fit for any body, giving just the right back support and they even offer massage and shiatsu for those who wish it.
Just How You Like It Decorators: This one is self-explanatory.
Sparkling Clean Company: This company supplies the world's most efficient and thorough house cleaners available. Everything is left in perfect order and is so clean that it almost glows in the dark.
Made in Heaven Partners: Best matchmakers available.
The Creative Flow Company: These folks are in the inspiration business. Every artist and writer should engage their services.
Healing Miracles Associates: What the name says.
We Love Your Work Publishers: These folks are to supply encouragement and inspiration but also the practical work of getting the writer's work published and on the best seller list. They also make sure the contract is iron-clad and in the best interests of the author.
Angela Perfecthands: The world's best masseuse. She has a cousin named Angelo who is in the same business.
The Good Habits Company: I have invested a small fortune with these folks and not seen much result yet, but then in some cases, the company is only as good as the client...
No End of Ideas Company: These folks are helpful to writers, inventors, and just about anyone stuck on any project or venture.
Shame Shedders: This company deals in healing toxic shame.
Dream Beds and Bedding, Inc.: Looking for the ideal mattress? Not only do these beauties foster deep and healing sleep, they enrich your dreams and make it easier to remember them.
You Can Have Your Feelings Company: For those who have grown up in severely disfunctional and alcoholic families, this company reprograms you effortlessly to be comfortable with any feelings which may arise and to handle them with grace and good outcome.
The You Can Do It Company: Moral support for all occasions and challenges.
You Can't Fail Marketing: Trying to get a business or other venture going? These folks will make sure it happens.
The Instant Company: I got this one from someone else, but I am quite fond of it. The Instant Company has numerous branches: Instant Health, Instant Happiness, Instant Pain Relief, Instant Promotion (or Job)...
Well, I could go on and on, but this should give you an idea. I think it's great fun to make them up. What I personally need to work on is really working with them after I come up with the idea. After all If I don't have a clear idea of what I want or need, how can they deliver the desired end results?
So, that's the basic idea of the Abundance Game. I have to admit that as I am finishing up this section, I have fallen off the Abundance Wagon, so to speak. Life got kind of complicated and I got behind on my spending. There have been some good changes in my life since I started this game, though. This past weekend, I held my first reiki workshop in quite a long time and some long due money has been repaid... Not a millionaire yet, but... One last story about the game and then I will leave it to you to take your own journey if you choose to do so. One of the very first things my friend Viviane did was to pay off an old debt. The very next day, the woman to whom she owed the money called and bought some of the clothing Viv sells, not only cancelling the debt, but bringing in some profit as well. Way cool.