Fritz Kreisler was a gifted violinist who had a lifelong dream to own a Stradivarius. When he came to America, he took his life savings to New York City's music district and searched many stores. After numerous inquiries, he found a shop with a Stradivarius for sale. The shopkeeper went to the back of the store, removed the violin from under lock and key, and showed it to Fritz.

Fritz's eyes lit up and his heart began to pound as he held the delicate instrument to his neck and began to play. Heavenly tones sang forth, and Fritz knew this was indeed the instrument he had dreamed of. When he asked the owner the price, Fritz was shocked to learn it was twice the amount he had saved.

Can we work out a payment plan? asked Fritz hopefully. Sorry, we don't do that, answered the shopkeeper. Then will you hold the violin for me until I can borrow more money to purchase it? I'm afraid I cannot do that either, sir, the shopkeeper responded. If someone comes in and offers the asking price, I will have to sell it to that customer.

Fritz went home and scurried to gather more money from friends and investors. He made slow progress, but within a month he found people to help him. Eagerly he returned to the music store and told the owner he was now able to make the purchase.

I'm sorry, sir, the shopkeeper apologized. You're just a little late. A few days ago a wealthy collector came in and purchased the Stradivarius.

Fritz was crestfallen. He had come so close to having his heart's desire! On his way out of the store, an idea occurred to him. He turned and asked the shopkeeper, Would you give me the name of that collector? I will contact him directly and ask if he would sell to me.

The shopkeeper gave Fritz the information and he made an appointment to meet the owner. It has been my lifelong dream to own this instrument, Fritz told the fellow. Would you consider selling it to me? I think I can get some more money to purchase it from you at a profit.

The owner shook his head and answered, I'd like to help you out, but I know the value of this violin. It is the jewel of my collection. I intend to keep it as an heirloom.

I understand, answered Fritz. Perhaps, then, you would let me play the violin for just a minute of two. It would mean a lot to me, and I will keep the memory for a lifetime.

The collector consented and handed Fritz the violin. Fritz took up the bow and, knowing he would never play this violin again, made the instrument sing with absolute passion. After a few minutes, he returned the violin to its owner, thanked the man, and made his way to the door.

As Kreisler touched the doorknob, the owner called him back. Don't go, he beseeched him. You made such beautiful music. I bought this violin as a collector's item. You will bring more music and happiness to the world with it than I will. The violin belongs to you. Here, please take it.

Society's rules of ownership are superseded by a profound principle: The Right of Consciousness. You own what you own not by money, paper, or force, but by your love for it and your connection to it. If something is deeply imbedded in your soul, it belongs to you. It comes to you and adheres to you by your appreciation and right use of it. While it appears that external rules govern who owns what, the prevailing law is the Right of Consciousness.

If you are trying to attract a job, living situation, or life partner, your thoughts and feelings must be a match to it. You must love it, know you deserve it, and hold a vision for healthy, joyful use of it. Then and only then will it come to you, and without struggle or strain. You don't have to fight for it, you just have to be one with it. If you are joined with something you truly deserve by your mental, emotional, and spiritual alignment with it, it is yours by universal law, and no one can interfere.

A Course in Miracles asks you to remember, I am under no laws but God's. Behind all the rules people create, eternal principles are operating flawlessly. Justice is always being accomplished by the power of intention. Found yourself in universal principle, and everything you want and deserve will come to you and stay with you by virtue of love.

The above article is an excerpt from Alan Cohen's extraordinary new prosperity book Relax into Wealth: How to Get More by Doing Less. To order the book, attend Alan's Life Mastery Training in Fiji this March, or to receive Alan's free daily inspirational quote and monthly newsletter, visit www.alancohen.com, email info@alancohen.com, or phone 1-800-568-3079.