Tell me your thoughts about "The Secret"

[Aisling]

It is absolutely challenging to change negative thought patterns. I notice I automatically slide back into old thought patterns. But the idea of "You get what you think about". That's very encouraging etc. But like someone else said...it may not take the form "materially" the way you thought about it.

This reminds me of something an old beloved priest told me years ago: "where your mind goes, your behind follows". Words of wisdom!

 

[ead79]

Yes, but okay, maybe I'm looking at this wrong...Isn't part of The Secret about focusing on something you want, thinking positively about it, writing about it, etc. What if what you want is not within God's plan...How do you reconcile that?

I just wanted to chime in with my two cents about this. I do not believe that The Secret and the Bible's teachings always go hand in hand. I believe that as Christians, we are to primarily concern ourselves with following the Lord and His will for our lives. His will might not always be our will, and I think it's an act of worship to acknowledge that we want His will instead of our own. I think it's important to spend time in prayer to try to learn what God wants rather than to try to focus on what we want. I think we should follow the example of Jesus, when just before He was crucified, He said, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

I'm honestly not trying to stir up any trouble on this thread. I just wanted to post from a different perspective as one who doesn't believe that The Secret is in agreement with Scripture.

 

[CathrynRose]

It's not just simply the power of positive thinking... though positivity is a major part of it. It concerns the ideal that what you speak of and think of is what you BRING to your life.

The bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. We speak our conditions and our blessings.

I put the Secret to my life DAILY. I just put together my board of things I want yesterday! The list of things I am grateful for is on my wall in my bedroom. I've seen this work so many times I cannot tell you.

Take the basic precepts and utilize them. Sure, some people need lots of proof and readings and statistics to believe in something... I use one word.. FAITH. As a youth I overcompensated and overread and over studied everything... it leads to doubt and double mindedness. Don't ask PEOPLE for your needs and help, use the basics and just believe.

It's amazing how it works!

Im so happy to see someone who believes in God - who also believes in the power of positive thoughts.

I know of someone whom believes this way of thinking is the Devil's work.

 

[Aisling]

Elisabeth, as a Christian, I totally understand what you're saying.

And The Secret can be found in exactly what you said! "Pray without ceasing", which is biblical, to me means let your intentions be knowns, get it out there, focus on it, bring it to the Source. Yes, God doesn't always give us what we "want", as Jesus showed on the cross, but He gives us a way of dealing, He gives positive for positive. That's the Secret, that's it's not about material needs, but about a state of mind and being, and somehow the material falls into place. A prisoner praying/visualizing freedom may never be "free", but positive thoughts will bring positive people into their lives, or if not then positive dreams at night for relief, SOMETHING. I wish I knew how to explain myself better, but I do believe The Secret as described in the book works hand in hand with religious faith if one is a believer. If one isn't a "believer" in God, it still works, because positive attracts positive.

 

[CathrynRose]

Science? I have no faith in "science". I have faith in Faith.

It's like comparing Darwin to Adam and Eve.

Exactly.

The beauty of "The Secret" or ANY Law of Attraction teaching is that everyone, without fail, receives exactly what they think about. If someone thinks about sickness all the time, they receive sickness. If someone thinks about accumulating wealth all the time, they accumulate wealth.

Walt believes that there is no scientific basis for "The Secret," horoscopes, remote prayer, transcendental meditation, etc. And Walt is absolutely, positively, unerringly, without a shadow of a doubt, 100% right.

For Walt.

Therein lies one of the secrets of The Secret. Everyone's right. No one is wrong. You get what you think about.

Unfortunately, where the problem comes in is when people try to convince others that their way is the correct way, or the right way, or the only way so you should do things their way. The Crucifixion, the Inquisition, the Crusades, and every single blasted war that's ever happened on the face of this earth, has happened because one group of people believed another group of people weren't doing things the right way (IE. their way).

If you want to live The Secret, you have to learn to be able to allow others to believe they're right and you're wrong because it's absolutely, positively, unerringly, without a shadow of a doubt 100% true.

For them.

YAY!!! Perfectly put.

It is absolutely challenging to change negative thought patterns. I notice I automatically slide back into old thought patterns. But the idea of "You get what you think about". That's very encouraging etc. But like someone else said...it may not take the form "materially" the way you thought about it.

Start small. Get up in the morning and visualize your day. It works! And as you get confident with your day, you can move on to the week, the month, the year, the life....kwim?

This is a big challenge for me. I read "The Secret" and watched the DVD, but I still felt like I was lacking "tools" to help myself make it work.

So, I started a "vision board." That was just plain fun. I included some material things I wanted, but I also put words on there, pictures that I liked to look at, pictures that represent things I want... It definitely makes you concentrate on what you DO want.


Anyone else have "tricks" they use?

Wonderful tool!!! I would love to do a vision board.... I tend to just write things down. Once theyre on paper, and out of my head - I can focus on it better.

This is really interesting to me right now. My BFF and I are trying to change some things in our lives and know we need to start with ourselves. So what is the absolute best place to start if you have no idea what any of this is about?

Im gonna copy and paste myself:

****Start small. Get up in the morning and visualize your day. It works! And as you get confident with your day, you can move on to the week, the month, the year, the life....kwim?****

 

[ead79]

Elisabeth, as a Christian, I totally understand what you're saying.

And The Secret can be found in exactly what you said! "Pray without ceasing", which is biblical, to me means let your intentions be knowns, get it out there, focus on it, bring it to the Source. Yes, God doesn't always give us what we "want", as Jesus showed on the cross, but He gives us a way of dealing, He gives positive for positive. That's the Secret, that's it's not about material needs, but about a state of mind and being, and somehow the material falls into place. A prisoner praying/visualizing freedom may never be "free", but positive thoughts will bring positive people into their lives, or if not then positive dreams at night for relief, SOMETHING. I wish I knew how to explain myself better, but I do believe The Secret as described in the book works hand in hand with religious faith if one is a believer. If one isn't a "believer" in God, it still works, because positive attracts positive.

I'm glad it didn't come across as bashing in any way. That's not my intention.

However, I still have trouble reconciling the notion of a self-focus with the concepts of Scripture to focus first on loving God and second on loving others. I also have trouble with the idea that good things come through positive thinking in a believer's life. Jesus Himself was brutally crucified, and his disciples met the same fate. Jesus warned us that the world would hate us at it hated him and that we may be persecuted for His name's sake. I believe that all blessings come from God, but that sometimes we must also face trials. The Bible says that, "These [trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (I Peter 1:7) Until we get to heaven, I believe that bad things can and will happen to believers.

 

[CathrynRose]

I'm glad it didn't come across as bashing in any way. That's not my intention.
Until we get to heaven, I believe that bad things can and will happen to believers.

Okay - and it will and may. But how will your attitude be about it? If something horrific happens to you, will you dwell on it your lifetime, or learn and move on from it?

WWJD? See?

 

[ead79]

Okay - and it will and may. But how will your attitude be about it? If something horrific happens to you, will you dwell on it your lifetime, or learn and move on from it?

WWJD? See?

I see your point, but I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. I think it's important for a Christian to learn to rely on God during difficult times and to focus on Him. However, I think that the chief end of a Christian is to glorify God rather than to focus on their own needs/desires. I think it's important for a Christian to focus on God's will rather than their own.

 

[CathrynRose]

Another thought on it (of proof that it does work)

Think about the people around you. Think about the ones who are always 'ho-hum, whoa is me' - the Eeyores. Dont bad things 'keep' happening to them? Doesnt it never seem to let up for those people?

Its because theyre visualizing doom and gloom constantly. So it continues to come to them.

Think about the people, who may not even follow the secret - but are more positive about life. Their life is always more positive.

My mom was a perfect example of 'doom and gloom' She wasnt one of those annoying 'whoa is me' people, but she always thought the worst. When it would be like a month before our Disney trip, and I'd say "Arent you excited???" And she'd say "No, Im not going to even *think* about it until we're in the car, on our way. I dont wanna be disappointed if something happens" Never made sense to me. Why wouldnt you wanna get excited about it? But she wouldnt....

Long story short - when her health started getting bad (and it was only diabetes) she imagined all the worst. Blindness, amputation, dialysis. Guess what? She went legally blind, had several ulcerations on her feet, and her heart stopped while on the dialysis machine, at age FIFTY FIVE!!!

Now - sure these things may have happened either way - but she put it out there. Dont think doom and gloom. Dont put something out there, you dont want to manifest.

Im a true believer in all things positive.

 

[Aisling]

I'm glad it didn't come across as bashing in any way. That's not my intention.

However, I still have trouble reconciling the notion of a self-focus with the concepts of Scripture to focus first on loving God and second on loving others.

For me, THAT'S the Secret! Self-focus doesn't mean selfish-focus! To me, it means so simply focusing on the Resurrection, the Positive, the Good, Attracting the Power by placing it on the altar through prayer/positive thoughts, and it changes us! It makes us into people who seek goodness, and in some way, either by having it manifest exactly the way we're asking, or manifesting in a way that God knows is better for us, or at least manifesting in what we need and may not even know. I've been praying for a very sick friend, I've been writing it down, I've been focusing on his healing, I've been visualizing it, as taught in The Secret, and he's not getting better. BUT I've suddenly been surrounded by loving, positive people who are there to comfort me. I'm not alone in my pain.

It's not selfish to focus on self when done in a positive light, as it can only lift us closer to God who is Mr. Positive & Goodness Infinitely. He works through us, and the secret is to play an active part. It really works for me.

It's good that you brought religious faith into the discussion, because there are probably many people here who are looking to reconcile The Secret with their religious faith in God. And we're just offering some more perspectives!

 

[lisaviolet]

I like many ideas that are brought forth in The Secret. Many. Esecially the postivity. And focusing on yourself and not blaming others. What you can change in life. I'm starting a goal/dream board this week. And thoroughly enjoying reading this thread.

Yet I believe that positivity has its virtues - of course. But I also believe so does facing pain and having "negative" emotions. In quotations because I think some emotions get a bad rap. It's one part of The Secret that I don't agree.

At one point they talk about not having "bad/negative", I'm not really sure of the words used, emotions. A la with The Secret there no need to have them. I strongly disagree. Wonderful things can come out of facing pain and issues from one's past.

I just wanted to add that pain and what others see as negative emotions in my life have brought me many beautiful insights in life. Very beautiful insights. They have expanded my knowledge and most importantly expanded my empathy and compassion for others.

And in that I disagree with The Secret. There is a power of allowing oneself to fully experience pain and "negative" emotions. And the lovliness that can come out of that. I believe both have a purpose in this world.

 

[jenfur]

An idea is a collection of neural connections. It is not energy. Your brain does use energy in the form of electricity to think, but the level is so low that any effects would be primarily magnetic and probably not detectable outside your body by even the most sensitive instruments. The orbits of the planets are just as likely to influence something happening on earth as the energy in your thoughts is to affect someone sitting right next to you. Sadly, there is no scientific basis for "The Secret," horoscopes, remote prayer, transcendental meditation, etc.

I'm sure it is helpful to people, and if you find it helpful to think about the world that way, I won't dissuade you.

Walt

I do not agree with the "Secret" ideas (not the ideas themselves, just the basis for them) but you are way off the mark here. Of course the "energy" produced by thinking can be measured! There is mountains of research based on such measurements! I just read one the other day that says that scientist have found through such measurements that your brain knows what you are going to choose 10 seconds before you are consciously aware of it. AND I certainly hope if I am ever in a coma they have the ability to read brainwaves before they pull the plug. This is all simplified, but I know what I am talking about.

 

[moon]

I'm honestly not trying to stir up any trouble on this thread. I just wanted to post from a different perspective as one who doesn't believe that The Secret is in agreement with Scripture.

This is from the Bible too. Jesus own words to us.

Matthew 12:24 :

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

He told us this Himself. His words are pretty clear. Why would I not believe He means what he says here?

I think that's The Secret -or should I say, The Law Of Attraction- in a nutshell.

Great thread! I've been interested in this subject for some months, but I'm finding letting go of negative thought patterns very, very difficult. Something which happened earlier this year keeps my feelongs down. I'm trying to brush it aside, because it brings me down, but thruth be told even while I keep thinking positive thoughts, my emotions aren't there, and as you know, it is not so much about the thoughts. It's about the feeling.

Diva of Dragons, could you please share some of your techinques with us? Also, if it's OK, I'd love if you told us some of the stories you touched upon your post -this also goes for anyone who wants to share- I think reading some stories would help all of us interested in this subject.

Thank you OP for starting this thread!

 

[CathrynRose]

Great thread! I've been interested in this subject for some months, but I'm finding letting go of negative thought patterns very, very difficult. Something which happened earlier this year keeps my feelongs down. I'm trying to brush it aside, because it brings me down, but thruth be told even while I keep thinking positive thoughts, my emotions aren't there, and as you know, it is not so much about the thoughts. It's about the feeling.

!

For me - when I start to thin negative.... I literally imagine a big Kabuki poofy brush, and I dust away that image. Seems corny, but it works for me. I start to think, oh no, omg - and then take a deep breath and get that image out of my head (with a big poofy brush )

My g/f visualizes a stop sign when she starts thinking bad thoughts. That works for her.

 

[ead79]

This is from the Bible too. Jesus own words to us.

Matthew 12:24 :

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

He told us this Himself. His words are pretty clear. Why would I not believe He means what he says here?

I think that's The Secret -or should I say, The Law Of Attraction- in a nutshell.

Yes, but Jesus also taught us how to pray through the Lord's Prayer (Thy will be done) and through his words in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion that I already mentioned (where Jesus asks for the Father's will rather than his own to be done). In the passage you mentioned above (Matthew 21:22 & Mark 11:24), Jesus was speaking about praying to receive the Lord's power to do the Lord's work, not to receive materials or other blessings as an individual. As I said earlier, I just can't reconcile the content of The Secret as a whole with Scripture. But I respect that others may disagree.

 

[CathrynRose]

TIPS ON POSITIVE THINKING:

7 Effective Ways to Implement Positive Thinking
By Todd | October 30, 2007



Somehow it has become ingrained in us that negative thoughts are more realistic than positive thoughts. This is pure madness, especially since over 90% of what we worry about never happens!

We have to get our heads around the fact that being positive is actually far more realistic than being negative. This is such a difficult concept for most of us to grasp, and we have to purposefully work hard to re-train the brain to think more positively.

Think of it this way: if your body became out of shape you would probably view physical exercise as an effective way to improve its condition—and we must begin looking at the health of our mind in the same way.

Here are 7 valuable exercises that you can start implementing right now to re-train your thinking:

Use Verbal Affirmations EVERY Day

An affirmation is a positive statement that something is already happening, and is a very powerful tool you can use to shift your internal dialogue from negative to positive. Come up with a few statements like “I am creating a beautiful day” or “money and success flow to me” and spend 10 minutes every morning (and every night for extra credit) saying them aloud.

Come up with statements that make the most sense for you, and be sure to state them in the present tense, and in a positive form. This is self-talk in its highest sense, and can be very effective.

Use Positive Language

When it comes to the language we use, world-renowned author and lecturer Dr. Susan Jeffers says: “It doesn’t matter if we believe the words or not, the mere uttering of them makes the subconscious mind believe them to be true. It is as though the subconscious mind doesn’t know what is true or false, it doesn’t judge, it only reacts to the language that is being fed”.

Many researchers have shown this sentiment to be quite valid, and we must intentionally start using more positive language to shape the worldview of our subconscious mind.

Create a Vision Board

A vision board is the physical manifestation of the life you want to be leading. Find images of the house you desire, the places you want to travel, and the job you crave to work and tack them to a corkboard! Be creative and place words and images that are accurate expressions of your inner-most desires.

Constantly add to your vision board put it somewhere you can see it several times a day– even spend a few moments visualizing what it would be like to be living in this life you created. Isn’t this a better way to spend time than in your usual stress mode?

Surround Yourself with Positive Images

They could be famous quotes, inspiring pictures, or even your affirmations that you write out on note cards. The point is to always have physical reminders of things you deem positive close by. Print these items out and place them by your desk, near your bed, and in the car! When you get stressed out, give a glance to them and you will begin to get perspective on things and your mind will re-focus!

Say “Thank You” 50 Times a Day

Every night before you go to bed, spend 5 minutes saying thank you out loud for the experiences you had that day: the people you interacted with, the work you accomplished, the food you ate, etc…As you do this, really try and feel the gratitude emanate from within.

You can also say thank you 50 times in the morning and get yourself in an extremely grateful mindset for the coming day. These are wonderful practices for becoming more positive!

Listen to Inspirational Talks and Music in the Car

The car is the perfect place to flex your muscle of positive thought! Because many of us spend a lot of time driving, make an effort to listen to music that inspires you and makes you feel good. Purchase motivational personal development CD’s and play them while driving.

I mentioned Dr. Susan Jeffers above, and I recently listened to her CD “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” in my car three times in a row! Have your car become an oasis of learning and start using the time constructively.

Use Positive Thinking While Exercising

If you consistently exercise, this is an excellent time to practice your positive thinking. Say to yourself over and over again: “I am strong and durable” or “I am fast and powerful” and notice the immediate affect these utterances have on your workout. It is absolutely incredible how just saying these words increases your stamina and strength.

 

[ilovepcot]

This thread is, BY FAR, the best I've ever read on the DIS! It's sending me a clear message at a time I need it most. I'm very ill and have been seeing doctors (specialists) for the past 2 years. Have you ever known doctors to admit they aren't able to help you further? Mine did! Not a good place to be!

DH has "preached" at me for years about being NEGATIVE. He insists that what you put out is exactly what you get back. He's POSITIVE in all things and keeps telling me to observe how he gets good and positive things in his life. He says it's "no accident". I've agreed he seems to have a point but until now I haven't known *how* to step out of all this negativity. His response has always been to "think positive". For some, this is not an easy thing. I can clearly see, after reading here especially, that DH must be right and I'm "reaping" what I sow. THAT MUST STOP NOW!!!!!!!! I'm literally going down the tube!

So....I must begin reading the above mentioned books. Which one should be first? Is there a good order in which I should proceed?

 

[CathrynRose]

So....I must begin reading the above mentioned books. Which one should be first? Is there a good order in which I should proceed?

Definately read one - but just START THINKING DIFFERENT! Like I said - when negative thoughts come in - get rid of them! You can borrow my big Kabuki brush.

Anything and everything you visualize will materialize. You need to make sure those thoughts are clear, concise and GOOD!!!

 

[ilovepcot]

Definately read one - but just START THINKING DIFFERENT! Like I said - when negative thoughts come in - get rid of them! You can borrow my big Kabuki brush.

Anything and everything you visualize will materialize. You need to make sure those thoughts are clear, concise and GOOD!!!

All right! And you should just see the GIANT Kabuki brush I have just acquired. Wow!

 

[CathrynRose]

All right! And you should just see the GIANT Kabuki brush I have just acquired. Wow!

As I mentioned - my mom was negative. So, I was raised with that train of thought, too. Its HARD to not be like that. REALLY hard. When I first discovered this way of thinking it was right around when I signed up for the DIS - October 2005. Things were going FANTASTIC!!! I got engaged, I got a job making literally twice as much as I had been making. We moved into a nice size house. And I gave credit all to my mindest.

Then my mom passed away in January 2006. It was tough to believe and think that way for a long time. My mom was my only parent - AND I was an only child. It sucked. Its taken a long time to be back trying my best to always think 'good thoughts'

What I wanted to try and get at was this - when youre so used to being negative, thinking like this is very hard. So, for me - instead of 'thinking positive' - I visualized good stuff. I thought about going into work and having an easy-breezy day. I visualized going home and relaxing with my husband. I visualized Disney trips, and makeup & perfume I wanted to be wearing.... silly stuff, but small steps to the big picture.