The fundamental premise on which the Law of Attraction is based is that like attracts like.
Also implicit in Law of Attraction teachings is the power of thought. Everything that is manifest on a physical level starts out as a simple thought.
The implication of the Law of Attraction in our personal lives is profound. We invite into our experience that which we give sustained thought to. We are, therefore, the creators of our own reality.
[box type=\”shadow\”]“Be thankful for what you have; you\’ll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don\’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
– Oprah Winfrey[/box]
It’s probably fair to state that The Law of Attraction first gained widespread popular interest and attention following the release of the film The Secret in 2006 and the subsequent publishing of a book of the same name in 2007.
A closely guarded secret … or not?
The title is the brainchild of intelligent marketing, clearly designed to generate maximum interest and exposure. But was the Law of Attraction really a secret?
Many believe that the inherent power in the Law of Attraction is the reason why knowledge of it was, in the past, withheld from the masses and jealously guarded by people in the top echelons of corporate, political and religious power and other secretive movements.
Others believe that we have always known about the Law of Attraction at a subconscious level and the media has just picked up on this phenomenon and put a name to it in recent times.
Although the Law of Attraction was not commonly talked about until a few years ago, knowledge thereof appears to date back a very long time.
Best sellers and the Law of Attraction
I was recently gifted a copy of the updated work The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D Wattles and was struck by how the principles of the Law of Attraction are incorporated into his work even though it was written nearly a hundred years ago.
As books go, a perennial favourite for those learning the art of trading or investing in the stockmarket is Napoleon Hill’s classic Think and Grow Rich, first published in 1937 and one of the best selling books of all time. The importance of controlling one’s thoughts is a central theme in the book.
Disillusionment and critics
Despite the best efforts of The Secret and a rash of subsequent books, articles and websites promoting the understanding and application of the Law of Attraction, many people have since become disillusioned with what it teaches after failing to bring about any meaningful change in their circumstances by adapting their thoughts.
Some critics claim there is no scientific evidence for the Law of Attraction while others point out that it makes little sense that people would bring upon themselves the suffering caused by poverty, disease and other ills that are so widespread in our world.
Another perspective
Personally, I believe that the recent awakening of humanity to the Law of Attraction will eventually come to define the new consciousness era into which we are moving.
Like any new revelation, it takes time to digest; time to fully understand it, appreciate it and apply it.
Here’s my take on it:
Whatever your religious or spiritual views you will surely find it difficult to argue with the fact that there is a creative power at work that is constantly expanding and evolving the universe we live in. And, given our ability to peer back in time towards the dawn of creation, we know that the universe is a breathtaking piece of work.
The theatre, the stage, the actors and the play
Our own stage on that glittering theatre is a planet of unparalleled beauty, boasting a natural environment that is simply teeming with abundance, variety and contrast.
As actors on this beautiful stage we have been granted the gift of free will. The only limitations that exist are self imposed.
Surely then, the play that we call life is about how we exercise our individual and collective roles to help to bring about the evolution and expansion of the universe?
Chips off the old block
It seems to me that we were designed to be ‘chips off the old block’ so to speak.
In other words, each of us is an integral part of the creative force of evolution and expansion. Each of us has a specific role to play.
We have been given simple indicators or ‘direction finders’ to help us along the way. Joy and happiness are the emotions we experience when we are doing just that. Anguish and frustration are the emotions we feel when we stray from what we were meant to do.
In this context does it not make perfect sense that as the preeminent life forms on earth, we would also have been provided with the means to deliver our parts in the play and make our lives everything we could want them to be?
A compelling argument
I find that to be a compelling argument for the authenticity of the Law of Attraction and the inherently simple yet amazingly powerful capacity it bestows on us to manifest that which we desire.
Reconciling the intention with reality
In trying to reconcile the existence of such a profound creative force with the stark reality of the extent of human suffering, it is tempting to doubt the design.
Instead, though, I suggest the fault lies in the application.
I propose a very close look in the mirror is required so that we may come to terms with – and overcome – our own man made scepticism, and the self limiting fears, beliefs and thought patterns we have developed.
Towards Freedom, Confidence and Growth
I propose that we move to embrace the fact that we are, truly, the creators of our own reality.
It takes great courage to accept that there is nothing and no-one to blame for who we are, what we are and the situations we find ourselves in. Yet once we do, we become liberated, our confidence soars and we grow and develop as individuals.
I think a lot of the misunderstanding about the law of attraction is that it’s proponents talks about it as if it is the end-all solution. Usually they will say something like “All you need to do is to consistently focus on your goals”
While the law of attraction is very important, it is only a piece of the puzzle. You won’t ever reach your goals without appropriate action. You can visualize and focus on owning a porche all you want, but it won’t just magically materialize on your drive way.
Getting your thoughts right is just as important as taking appropriate action, and the law of attraction teaches us about getting your thoughts right.
I read the book – and I realised that I have always applied the law of attraction from when I was 14 years (and no one taught me about it). I had a 10 years vision when I was 14 years and it came out exactly how I envisioned it.
I was young and thinking about my future (planning 10 years); and I believed that it would come true.
The law has always existed (See verses from the Bible below);
Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he…
Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE – if anything is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY – think about such things.
I believe we also have the power to cancel the negative thoughts.
Thanks Bill for great articles; I am always looking forward to reading them.
Interesting, thanks Neo!
Personally, I’m not sure that we can ever stop thinking ‘negative’ or disempowering thoughts but that we can become conscious of when and why we think that way and resolve to allow such thoughts only fleeting attention so that they stay out of our physical reality 🙂
Great message Bill. I have been lucky enough to see the laws of attraction give me the things that I have dreamed about having. It does not just happen over night, but it does come over time and with patience. It is pretty awesome.
There is a deliberate delay between setting your thoughts and intentions and the manifestation of those thoughts, perhaps to test your commitment.
Just as well … imagine a world in which any thought immediately manifests as reality. It might sound cool but in practice it could be pretty nightmarish!
I have always believed that thinking positively will bring about positive thoughts and actions…. When I first heard about the “Law of Attraction”, it all made sense because that is how I think and have always thought. It just help me to process my pattern of thinking more deliberately…
Thanks Rita. It comes naturally to some. When I first saw the movie The Secret I said “Wow!”. My wife said, “What’s the big deal, this is nothing new!” 🙂
I am a firm believer in The Law of Attraction – it has worked for and against me many times and I’m still learning! I do feel however, that for some, it is such a foreign concept that they don’t believe that their thoughts can actually have such a positive (and negative) impact on their lives and just give up after the Porsche doesn’t land up in their drive way after a week and they haven’t won the Euromillions Lottery jackpot after two weeks of affirmations and changing thought patterns. It takes consistency and I believe, baby steps. Think big, but start small and build confidence in oneself and like a muscle that is exercised regularly, The Law of Attraction too will flex its muscles.
Thanks Leigh-ann,
I think that intent, authenticity and consistency are prerequisites to ensure thoughts are manifest. Many of us try to project positive thoughts and intentions but deep down we distrust our ability to manifest them – so they remain as thoughts.
Another consideration is whether the intention is sufficiently clear and de-linked from the ‘how’. If you focus your thoughts on winning the lottery you are focusing not on what you actually want but on how what you want should be delivered to you. The LoA teaches that the ‘how’ is not for us to be concerned about. We need to focus clearly on the ‘what’.
Bill this article in it’s totality makes sense for someone like myself, someone who’s thoughts and habits do possibly place the responsibility on me to create my own destiny. But what do we say to the poverty stricken masses you speak of? Those who were born into famine, with no hope of an education or opportunities to better their circumstances?
I believe to a large degree in the power of thought, I believe equally in the unfortunate truth that is external forces.
If you think about it Jason, the ‘external forces’ you speak of are all of man’s own creation.
With free will comes a responsibility not to use it to interfere with or harm others. Unfortunately, many in this world have been indoctrinated to believe in scarcity, rather than abundance. That mentality leads some to seek to control and manipulate other people in their desperate quest to ‘grab their share of what they see as a limited pie’. This in turn fuels greed and the pursuit of power (dominance and control over others) in order to procure an even larger share of the ‘pie’.
It is this vicious cycle that has resulted in us living in a polarised society in which a few have an awful lot and a lot have very little (including a lack of knowledge about the instruments of change and growth – such as the Law of Attraction – that will work for all of us).
Personally I sense big changes happening as younger generations begin to realise that they live in a naturally abundant world, that they have the ability create their own realities and that they carry a responsibility not to harm others (or their environment) in the process.
We need a critical mass of people who share this mentality and are prepared to work to allow every human being equal and unrestricted access to information about the amazing tools of creation that are our birthright.
Our intention will determine the outcome of our lives.
Thank you Bill, for this sublime article. You have managed to address a quite philosophical subject in clear terms and in a relatively limited space. I wholeheartedly agree with you, insofar as that we may not be in control of every event we encounter, but we do have that free will to decide how we respond to what we encounter. For myself, to have authority over my life, I make efforts to be the author of my life. Have to admit to suffer occasional writer’s block, though . . .
I appreciate this Arjan – thank you. I can relate to ‘writer’s block!’
Well said….I can identify with this!!
I used to think that writing was “too easy” a thing to make a career of! But once I did the course I zoned in on it and have experienced a tremendous unleashing of creativity. I feel like twice the person I was, same person only now with foliage and flowers.
Not only changing thoughts – as importantly changing words too ….
Changing your thought pattern is only the beginning, doing what you want to achieve your thoughts is what counts.
It is true that thoughts need to be backed up with intention and action but so many people come unstuck at the first hurdle 🙂