A question about the law of attraction

[OnionPatch]

I've been familiar with the law of attraction since way back years ago when Wayne Dyer talked about it. I've never been able to use it for anything spectacular so far but I blame that on my failure to meditate very often. ;) I definitely think there is a law of attraction and that you draw to you what you focus your thoughts on. But, I've heard so many people talking like our thoughts are the *only* things that influence events in our lives. I've been thinking about this a lot and I can't help but have some really big questions about it. For instance, what if two people focus their thoughts on the opposite outcome of a particular situation. Who wins? The person who meditates more? What if I focus my positive thoughts and energy into being able to fly like a bird does? Who wins? Me or the laws of physics? I would love to hear some input from others but I am coming to the conclusion that we don't live in a vacuum; There are so many other thoughts besides our own, many perhaps, focused on the same situations. Couldn't it be that our thoughts influence the outcome of any particular situation but the end result is created by the *accumulated* thoughts and intentions of many people plus, the forces of nature and physics?

Maybe some of the promoters of this new "intentional thinking" have addressed these questions, but I have never heard them. :shrug: Why do they always fail to mention that the physical laws of the universe cannot be overcome by just meditating and why don't they ever mention that when someone fails in their attempts to use the "secret" that it may be because so many other thoughts are out there counteracting their own? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

[icymist]

1. Those are some good questions there, OnionPatch.

Even though our toughts attract, the old saying 'be careful what you ask for, you may get it' comes to mind.
"what if two people focus their thoughts on the opposite outcome of a particular situation"
Would it not be easier to meditate on improving one-self rather than trying to change the world around them?
"What if I focus my positive thoughts and energy into being able to fly like a bird does?"
Focusing on flying in such a manner may 'win' you an airplane ride, not sprouting wings and feathers. There is a 'Serenity Prayer' in the AA Twelve Step program that I believe applies here:
"Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; the courage to change that which can be changed, and the wisdom to know the one from the other".
Also look into the Eight Fold Path of Buddhism we can see how Right Understanding can affect what meditation and attraction can and cannot achieve.

Well, there's my two cents on this attraction 'secret'. Good luck OnionPatch.

[OnionPatch]

2. Thanks for your two cents!

It sounds good to me. But you don't sound like the people I've heard talking about "The Secret" or the law of attraction. I keep hearing from them that everything your life is was brought about by your thoughts. Well, did the slaves taken from Africa bring that on themselves? Didn't the horrid intentions of the slave traders have something to do with it? What about babies who are born deformed? Did their "negative" thoughts bring that about?

I believe in the law of attraction. Just not the way it is being presented....as if it were the *only* force or law that affects us. You asked if it would be easier just meditating on self-improvement and I agree with that and that old AA saying. But I was asking the questions as examples of why I can't buy the idea that your thoughts control *everything* in your life. I just want to hear these questions answered by the people who subscribe to the Secret. I'm not trying to make fun of them or be disrespectful, I just really have these questions.....

I'll check out your link.

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. I don't believe in the current craze of the Secret - but

I do believe that having a positive outlook everyday can make all the difference in your life.

Being downcast or nasty just help you in any way. People don't want to be around you. And it really affects the choices you make in life.

But being positive can really help. Of course it helps in business - other people just like to be around a positive, fun person.

I believe that thoughts are powerful. And that we need to be very careful about the negative thoughts we send out into the world.

But I just don't believe that if I believe it it will come true. Too many instances in this life where it just doesn't happen.

[OnionPatch]

4. Attitude does make a difference

There is no doubt about that at all in my mind.

And, I actually do believe that positive thoughts and visualization can put out vibrations that cause things to happen. I just don't believe these thought-vibrations work alone. If they exist, they must work along with the rest of the laws of the universe. Other people's thoughts and other vibrations would have to affect the outcome of just about any situation.

[CanSocDem]

5. What keeps me going...

...is knowing that whatever appears in my life, wanted or not wanted, is because of "the law of attraction". I believe that my intentions trump all other influences and realize that the challenges I set up for myself, will not all be easy.

""Realize that your physical experience and environment is the materialization of your beliefs. If you find great exuberance, health, effective work, abundance, smiles on the faces of those who you meet, then take it for granted that your beliefs are beneficial. If you see a world that is good, people like you, take it for granted again, that your beliefs are beneficial. But if you find poor health, a lack of meaningful work, a lack of abundance, a world of sorrow and evil, then assume your beliefs are faulty and begin examining them."

"Your world is formed in faithful replica of your own thoughts...If you think positive suggestions to yourself about a situation you send telepathic ammunition for positive use. You must learn to erase a negative thought or picture by replacing it with its opposite."

From the Seth material.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/5484/seth2.htm


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