Introduction
The Law of Attraction has been widely quoted throughout the internet, largely on the basis of the release of "The Secret" and the books by Esther and Jerry Hicks. At the most extreme end of the Law of Attraction continuum, its advocates would have us believe that, in order to realize (or manifest) our hearts wildest desires, all we need to do is to visualize that desire and release it to the Universe in order for it to manifest into our lives.
I would argue that the other end of the continuum could be referred to as "The Protestant Work Ethic", or something similar ("Nose to the Grindstone", perhaps). I believe the "Law of Attraction" should, more properly, be referred to as the initial component to a "Plan of Action".
Law of Attraction
Defined
Arguably, the movie "The Secret" (and/or its companion book by the same name), is the best known source for the resurgence of interest in the "Law of Attraction", one of 11 man-made "Natural Laws" (as opposed to "Natural Laws" everywhere present, definable and testable in Nature).
In its simplest form, the following summarizes the four steps underlying the "Law of Attraction" (from Wiipedia):
"1. Know exactly what you want.
2. Ask the universe for it.
3. Feel, behave and know as if the object of your desire is already yours (visualize).
4. Be open to receive it and let go of (the attachment to) the outcome".
It has been further argued that "... thinking of what one does not have ... manifests itself in not having, while if one abides by these principles, and avoids "negative" thoughts, the universe will manifest a person's desires".
In its simplest form, the following summarizes the four steps underlying the "Law of Attraction" (from Wiipedia):
"1. Know exactly what you want.
2. Ask the universe for it.
3. Feel, behave and know as if the object of your desire is already yours (visualize).
4. Be open to receive it and let go of (the attachment to) the outcome".
It has been further argued that "... thinking of what one does not have ... manifests itself in not having, while if one abides by these principles, and avoids "negative" thoughts, the universe will manifest a person's desires".
Problems with this Definition
In contrast to Natural Laws
Natural Laws are those that are testable, repeatable and can be consistently relied upon (i.e. they are universal and unchangeable). Man-made laws, on the other hand, cannot be testable, must be taken on faith and are inconsistent (i..e they are dependent upon the local environment (the individual's mind) and are NOT universal). (Note: universal means applicable throughout the known Universe, as opposed to Universal meaning some Intelligence underlying the universe).
A review of the Wikipedia posting (under "Criticism") documents some of the criticisms surrounding the "Law of Attraction". In addition, a review of sites throughout the internet (particularly blogs) will reveal a widely diverse range of opinion, ranging from those strongly endorsing the "Law of Attraction" (and, typically, promoting some sort of "Law of Attraction" product) to those thoroughly disappointed and disillusioned with the law as a result of their failed attempts to utilize it.
For further commentary, please refer to the following articles on the subject:
Law of Attraction - A Contrary Opinion
Challenge to the Conventional Law of Attraction
Quantum Theory and the Law of Attraction
A review of the Wikipedia posting (under "Criticism") documents some of the criticisms surrounding the "Law of Attraction". In addition, a review of sites throughout the internet (particularly blogs) will reveal a widely diverse range of opinion, ranging from those strongly endorsing the "Law of Attraction" (and, typically, promoting some sort of "Law of Attraction" product) to those thoroughly disappointed and disillusioned with the law as a result of their failed attempts to utilize it.
For further commentary, please refer to the following articles on the subject:
Law of Attraction - A Contrary Opinion
Challenge to the Conventional Law of Attraction
Quantum Theory and the Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction as the first step in a Plan of Action
Visualizing a Goal
In my opinion, the "Law of Attraction" significantly benefits from people's experience to a point, then uses misinformation and pseudo-science to progress beyond the rational to the irrational. With reference to the above four steps, with any goal, we need to know what it is we want. The more accurately and thoroughly we can define our goal(s), the better our chances of realizing it.
For example, you would be more likely to "realize" (or "manifest") a vacation to a specific five star resort in Cancun, Mexico than simply a "vacation". Having specified a goal to Cancun, you will be looking for deals and opportunities, planning the best dates to go, booking time off work and so on. Simply desiring to take a vacation, it will remain an ambiguous goal, not likely to be achieved. In this context, "Know Exactly What you Want" is consistent with recommendations for "Goal-Setting"
The second step, however, "Ask the Universe For it", is the point at which the irrational departs from the rational. For believers in "Faith" (i.\e. religions), the Universe would be an alternate reference to "God" or other religious icon. For New Agers, however, it is an unspecified Intelligence underlying the Universe that allows believers to have the powers of a God, with none of the moral responsibility.
The idea espoused here is that the believer sends out his / her desire in the form of "mental vibrations", carrying their desire to the Universe in order to become manifest. The problem here is that the mental signal (electrical neural impulses) are so weak, it is difficult to rationalize how they might pass beyond the cranium, let alone out into the Universe. Every electrical current generates a corresponding magnetic field, however, it is difficult to rationalize how a magnetic field associated with a single thought impulse might even be detected. Finally, any electromagnetic signal decreases as a square of the distance from the source. Under the Inverse-square (a universal Natural Law), a weak electrical or magnetic signal originating in the brain would, in all likelihood, not even have enough energy to travel to the cranium, let alone through the cranium and out into the universe in order to become manifest.
"Feel, behave and know as if the object of your desire is already yours (visualize)". I agree with the proposal to "Feel" and "Know" your goal has been achieved, however, I suggest healthy caution with regard to behaving as if it is already yours. I wouldn't want to behave as though I had a million dollars before I was physically in possession of that sum of money. I have heard of stories (which we will generously regard as rumours) of people who had built businesses based on their visions of a client base, only to fail when the client base failed to materialize.
"Be open to receive it and let go of (the attachment to) the outcome". I heartily endorse the propose to receive an outcome for the heart's desire, however, I believe there to be a fundamental step missing in this four step plan - specifically, action.
For example, you would be more likely to "realize" (or "manifest") a vacation to a specific five star resort in Cancun, Mexico than simply a "vacation". Having specified a goal to Cancun, you will be looking for deals and opportunities, planning the best dates to go, booking time off work and so on. Simply desiring to take a vacation, it will remain an ambiguous goal, not likely to be achieved. In this context, "Know Exactly What you Want" is consistent with recommendations for "Goal-Setting"
The second step, however, "Ask the Universe For it", is the point at which the irrational departs from the rational. For believers in "Faith" (i.\e. religions), the Universe would be an alternate reference to "God" or other religious icon. For New Agers, however, it is an unspecified Intelligence underlying the Universe that allows believers to have the powers of a God, with none of the moral responsibility.
The idea espoused here is that the believer sends out his / her desire in the form of "mental vibrations", carrying their desire to the Universe in order to become manifest. The problem here is that the mental signal (electrical neural impulses) are so weak, it is difficult to rationalize how they might pass beyond the cranium, let alone out into the Universe. Every electrical current generates a corresponding magnetic field, however, it is difficult to rationalize how a magnetic field associated with a single thought impulse might even be detected. Finally, any electromagnetic signal decreases as a square of the distance from the source. Under the Inverse-square (a universal Natural Law), a weak electrical or magnetic signal originating in the brain would, in all likelihood, not even have enough energy to travel to the cranium, let alone through the cranium and out into the universe in order to become manifest.
"Feel, behave and know as if the object of your desire is already yours (visualize)". I agree with the proposal to "Feel" and "Know" your goal has been achieved, however, I suggest healthy caution with regard to behaving as if it is already yours. I wouldn't want to behave as though I had a million dollars before I was physically in possession of that sum of money. I have heard of stories (which we will generously regard as rumours) of people who had built businesses based on their visions of a client base, only to fail when the client base failed to materialize.
"Be open to receive it and let go of (the attachment to) the outcome". I heartily endorse the propose to receive an outcome for the heart's desire, however, I believe there to be a fundamental step missing in this four step plan - specifically, action.
Action
The Missing Component
Action is, I believe, the fundamental step missing in every discussion of the "Law of Attraction". Action is barely mentioned in "The Secret" and is entirely missing in most discussions by its proponents. In essence, its strongest advocates are promoting the concept of "Something for Nothing". This concept is the mental equivalent of the "Perpetual Motion Machine", which violates the First Law of Thermodynamics (again, unfortunately for Law of Attraction advocates, a universal, Natural Law).
I suggest that if one thinks rationally about every success in life, it has been achieved through the implementation of a plan, whether consciously or unconsciously. Most failures in life have been the direct result of the lack or failure of a plan.
If I were to walk down the street tomorrow and stumble across $1 million in cash, it is almost certain that it did not manifest for me (despite my strongest visualization of this desire). Somewhere, some financial institution or criminal element (who else would potentially lose $1 million) would be desperately trying to recover that money. It is unlikely and improbable that I would be able to keep it
I suggest that if one thinks rationally about every success in life, it has been achieved through the implementation of a plan, whether consciously or unconsciously. Most failures in life have been the direct result of the lack or failure of a plan.
If I were to walk down the street tomorrow and stumble across $1 million in cash, it is almost certain that it did not manifest for me (despite my strongest visualization of this desire). Somewhere, some financial institution or criminal element (who else would potentially lose $1 million) would be desperately trying to recover that money. It is unlikely and improbable that I would be able to keep it
Are the Differences merely Semantic?
Some may argue that the differences between these interpretations of the "Law of Attraction" are merely semantic. I would strongly disagree with this viewpoint, however, as one perspective leaves us helpless while the other empowers us.
Statements have been made to the effect that we manifest every aspect of our lives as a result of our thoughts, that our minds create our reality. As a result of this perspective, the victim of crime has brought the crime upon themselves, our health issues reflect our negative thoughts and so on. If we don't want negative events in our lives, don't think negative thoughts. While there is some evidence that a negative attitude can, and probably does, have a negative impact on our lives, I believe it stretches credibility too far to state that every health issue is the result of a negative thought pattern.
Some illnesses are genetic, some are environmental and others have a definite cause and effect relationship, irregardless of mental attitude. Taken to the extreme, I find it utterly implausible that a premature baby has brought it's circumstance upon itself through a negative thought pattern.
This perspective incapacitates us and, as stated in the Wikipedia entry, can have harmful to dangerous outcomes through its emphasis on the statement that every circumstance in our lives is the manifestation of our thoughts.
On the other hand, having the ability to take action, to implement a plan, empowers us. Through careful planning, we can overcome life's obstacles, we can prepare for possibilities and eventualities. Plans provide us with hope where circumstances seem bleak. Plans, with accompanying action, allow us to face life's circumstances and address the results.
Most importantly, action may contribute significantly to healing. Advocates of the "Law of Attraction" deny healing, compounding hopelessness and depression over life's circumstances by attributing our reality to our thoughts.
Statements have been made to the effect that we manifest every aspect of our lives as a result of our thoughts, that our minds create our reality. As a result of this perspective, the victim of crime has brought the crime upon themselves, our health issues reflect our negative thoughts and so on. If we don't want negative events in our lives, don't think negative thoughts. While there is some evidence that a negative attitude can, and probably does, have a negative impact on our lives, I believe it stretches credibility too far to state that every health issue is the result of a negative thought pattern.
Some illnesses are genetic, some are environmental and others have a definite cause and effect relationship, irregardless of mental attitude. Taken to the extreme, I find it utterly implausible that a premature baby has brought it's circumstance upon itself through a negative thought pattern.
This perspective incapacitates us and, as stated in the Wikipedia entry, can have harmful to dangerous outcomes through its emphasis on the statement that every circumstance in our lives is the manifestation of our thoughts.
On the other hand, having the ability to take action, to implement a plan, empowers us. Through careful planning, we can overcome life's obstacles, we can prepare for possibilities and eventualities. Plans provide us with hope where circumstances seem bleak. Plans, with accompanying action, allow us to face life's circumstances and address the results.
Most importantly, action may contribute significantly to healing. Advocates of the "Law of Attraction" deny healing, compounding hopelessness and depression over life's circumstances by attributing our reality to our thoughts.
Inspirational YouTube Video
Overcoming Major Life Obstacles
Below is an example of an individual who has overcome a major obstacles in life beyond most of the rest of us. Despite his handicaps, he is pursuing, even embracing, life according to a plan implemented to develop the skills he needs.
curated content from YouTube
Summary
My life's successes and failures are directly attributable to plans or lack thereof. The "Law of Attraction" has no basis in fact and, more importantly, life's circumstances in any meaningful manner. The "Law of Attraction" is untestable, unverifiable, non-reproducible and violates several known Natural Laws. (Note: being Natural Laws and not man-made laws, they cannot be repealed).
Many of the classic books in the "Personal Development" genre are available on the Integrated Success Program web-site, with additional material available on the Integrated Success Program Blog.
A PDF copy of this article is available for download from Article Trader.
Many of the classic books in the "Personal Development" genre are available on the Integrated Success Program web-site, with additional material available on the Integrated Success Program Blog.
A PDF copy of this article is available for download from Article Trader.
Law of Attraction
Media-hype or reality?
The recent movie "The Secret" has brought visualization and the Law of Attraction to the forefront of public interest, and drawn Law of Attrcation "Gurus" out of the woodwork.
The question here is whether you believe in the Law of Attraction and, if so, have you had any success in its application?
Nope, The Law of Attraction is simply the latest internet hype - no fact to this fiction.
HorseAndPony says:
All hype. I also believe that the action is missing. Maybe those that spread this message use it a trick to get others to do nothing while they themselves take action and win the race.
Dynamic1 says:
No, I have presented a series of sites arguing against the Law of Attraction, as presented in the form: 1) Visualize , 2) Release to Universe and 3) Wait for successful manifestation.
I do believe it is a process of visualization, followed by directed action toward a goal.
Yes, I have tried it, applied it and have had success in implementing it in my life.
Further Reading
Additional Material
The following articles present further material on the broad subject of Personal Development, with more material available on the Integrated Success Program blog.
Recommended Reading
Additional Resources
The Secret (Extended Edition)
The new "extended edition" of this ground-breaking more...0 points
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the more...0 points
Ask & It Is Given by Jerry Hicks, Esther Hicks
Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which more...0 points
Manifest Your Desires: 365 Ways to Make Your Dreams a Reality by Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks
This information-packed little book, which presents more...0 points
The Teachings of Abraham: The Master Course CD Program, 11-CD set by Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks
This 11-CD set is the most in-depth and comprehensive more...0 points
Keys to Success
Napoleon Hill's Keys to Success: The 17 Principles more...0 points
Napoleon Hill's Golden Rules: The Lost Writings by Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill's Golden Rules: The Lost Writings consists more...0 points
Think and Grow Rich
Think and Grow Rich is the most important financia more...0 points
Think and Grow Rich Deluxe Edition by Napoleon Hill
A keepsake volume of the greatest wealth-building guide more...0 points
The Law of Success: The Master Wealth-Builder's Complete and Original Lesson Plan forAchieving Your Dreams by Napoleon Hill
Here is the Holy Grail of success philosophy: Napoleon more...0 points
Integrated Success Program
Available Resources
The Integrated Success Program consists of an integrated set of resources, comprised of a web-site featuring the original, classic texts of classic authors, a blog site with a wealth of supporting material, a Yahoo Group and a Forum to provide forums for discussing the myriad of topics under the "Personal Development" theme.
Please feel free to leave your comments on this site (above) and make use of the other resources provided. I would sincerely love to hear from you, your opinions (Pro and Con) on my posts, thoughts, opinions and interpretations. I would love to initiate a dialogue in either or both of the forums.
Your input will only serve to improve this site, as well as the other resources provided.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Please feel free to leave your comments on this site (above) and make use of the other resources provided. I would sincerely love to hear from you, your opinions (Pro and Con) on my posts, thoughts, opinions and interpretations. I would love to initiate a dialogue in either or both of the forums.
Your input will only serve to improve this site, as well as the other resources provided.
I look forward to hearing from you.
- Integrated Success Program web-site
- WALKER ENTERPRISES has gathered many of the worlds classic, most sought after personal development, self-help, self - improvement and /or New Thought texts providing inspiration, insights, methods and/or personal success philosophies dedicated to improving your life as the initial component of our INTEGRATED SUCCESS PROGRAM. The wisdom contained in these texts is timeless, explaining why they are still so much in demand.
- Integrated Success Program Blog
- WALKER ENTERPRISES has developed the Integrated Success Program Blog in support of its INTEGRATED SUCCESS PROGRAM web-site. The blog is intended to provide supporting and background information on the many authors and their respective texts, as well as to provide a forum in which to present opinions, reviews and commentary to, and from, those seeking such information.
- Integrated Success Program Forum
- This Forum is dedicated to Personal Development in support of the Integrated Success Program web-site and the Integrated Success Program blog. The web-site contains many of the classic personal development texts, including Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" and "Law of Success", Charles Haanel's "The Master Key System" and the inspiration books of James Allen, including "As A Man Thinketh".
The Blog site provides a forum for distributing additional material, including YouTube video clips, articles and posts, pertaining to the broad field of Personal Development.
After exploring the content available in this forum, please visit the web-site and blog for further content.
- Integrated Success Program Group on Yahoo
- This group was created to discuss thoughts, opinions and interpretations originating, in part, from the classic personal development texts (James Allen, Charles Haanel, Napoleon Hill, etc.) and other related topics of interest (i.e. Law of Attraction, Creative Visualization).
Researching the power of the mind and, more specifically, the sub-conscious mind over the past twenty years has allowed me to discover of many gems of wisdom buried in these timeless texts, as well as more recently published texts. The recent release of "The Secret" has had the result of drawing considerable attention to the "LAW OF ATTRACTION", however, I believe the process underlying its application to one's life was missing from the movie.
Contrary to the hype attending release of "The Secret", the LAW OF ATTRACTION is not a recent discovery in metaphysics, nor has it been actively suppressed by the Church or hidden societies. It simply passed into relative obscurity through the passage of time. It has been, and remains, available to everyone who searches for it and is willing to actually apply it to their lives.
The formula is available, and is, in all likelihood, well known to most. In its simplest form, it was concisely summarized as follows:
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened
Matthew 7:7 (Luke (11:9) NIV
In short, visualize your desired outcome, then take the appropriate action to receive its manifestation. ACTION is an integral, necessary part of the three part formula to realize (manifest) your desired outcome.
Recommended Texts
Personal Development
The following are lenses for some of the texts recommended as part of the Integrated Success Program.
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Further Lenses of Interest
The following is a list of other lenses available from the Integrated Success Program. These lenses represent additional information for some of the classic Personal Development texts available through the Integrated Success Program web-site. In addition, these lenses mirror some content on the Integrated Success Program blog.
Note, however, that there is considerably more material on both the web-site and the blog that has not been posted on Squidoo and, as such, are worth visiting for more information.
Note, however, that there is considerably more material on both the web-site and the blog that has not been posted on Squidoo and, as such, are worth visiting for more information.
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