Tell me your thoughts about "The Secret"

[Imzadi]

We should make another thread on the CB. Call it the Feel Good or something thread. Only positive messages can be placed there. I think I'll start one after I finish reading thru this one.

The Positive Place has been posted and is ready for your comments and stories:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1877409

Let's try to bombard the CB with Good Vibes

Great! More is better. There's probably lots of people lurking who want a great, positive thread but feel this one's a little too spiritual, or hokey, or delves more into the principles than they'd like.

Meantime we can continue to talk about the principles & laws of The Secret, A New Earth, The Law of Attraction and other material, and people can still pick out and chose to follow up on whatever catches their interests & needs.

Of course, as always, discard what doesn't work for you, or change the wording to better fit you.

 

[Imzadi]

The Major Obstacle to Financial Success
By: Brian Tracy

The major mental obstacle to financial success is that some people believe that they don't really deserve to be rich.

The Biggest Demotivator Of All
They have been raised with a steady drumbeat of destructive criticism, as I was, that has led them to conclude, at an unconscious level, that they don't really deserve to be successful and happy. The worst effect of negative experiences in childhood, which are all too common, is that when people actually do succeed as the result of hard work, they feel guilty. These guilt feelings then cause them to do things to get rid of the money, to throw it away. They spend it or invest it foolishly. They lend it, lose it or give it away. They engage in self-sabotage, in the form of overeating, excessive drinking, drug usage, marital infidelity and often dramatic personality changes. To change your results with money, you have to change your attitude toward it.

Treat Money With Care And Attention
The fact is that money is very much like a lover. It must be courted and coaxed and flattered and treated with care and attention. It gravitates toward people who respect it and value it and are capable of doing worthwhile things with it. It flows through the fingers and flees from people who do not understand it, or who do not take proper care of it.

Become Skilled With Money
Sometimes people say that they are not very good with money. But being good with money is a skill that anyone can learn through practice. Usually, saying that one is not very good with money is merely an excuse or a rationalization for the fact that the person is not very successful or disciplined with money. The person has not learned how to acquire it or to hold on to it.

Be A No-Limit Thinker
The starting point of accumulating money is for you to believe that you have an unlimited capacity to obtain all the money that you will ever need. Look upon yourself as a financial success just waiting for a place to happen. And see yourself as deserving all you can honestly acquire.

Open Any Door
Money is good. Money gives you choices and enables you to live your life the way you want to live it. Money opens doors for you that would have been closed in its absence. But just like anything, an obsession can be hurtful. If a person becomes so preoccupied with money that he loses sight of the fact that money is merely a tool that is to be used to acquire happiness, then money becomes a harmful thing.

Money Is Neutral
The Bible says, "The love of money is the root of all evil." It doesn't say, "money is the root of all evil." It says, "the love of money is the root of all evil." It is the preoccupation with money, to the exclusion of the really important things in life that is the problem, not the money itself. Money is essential to our lives in society. It is also neutral. It is neither good nor bad. It is only the way that it is acquired and the uses to which it is put that determines whether it is helpful or hurtful.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action:

First, recognize and accept that virtually everyone who has money today at one time was broke and probably broke for a long time. Then they learned the skills of accumulating money and they are now financially independent. Whatever they have done, you can probably do as well.

Second, become a student of money from this day forward. Study it, learn about it and apply the lessons you discover toward your own financial life until you begin to attract more and more money in your direction.

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks for posting the article about money. One of those things that troubles me a bit about The Secret is the tendency for some to want money for selfish reasons. I think that wanting enough is natural but there's a fine line between that and being greedy IMO.

One part I DO like is the concept that giving will return even more to you. To my way of thinking that means a person can continue to give more and more and it's a win-win situation.

 

[Imzadi]

Yeah, I was kind of shocked when I finally saw parts of The Secret, as it seemed to predominately emphasis accumulating, rather than discussing the ideas of doing good things with what you get, and/or that the Law of Attraction can be used for more than just acquiring material wealth, (which is a good thing.) Yet, to be able to USE what you get, to put to good use. That THAT can make you really happy over just the getting of things.

I, personally, like to have people like Oprah & Paul Newman, as my examples of the kind of person I want to be when I become wealthy. That they use their money to create charities, to give some of it away, to empower people & to do good things with it.

I'm glad this thread is here. This way we can all discuss it and offer other resources for balance. Again, take the parts that work!

 

[pjtjm]

Awesome thread!

I've been trying to live a more positive existence, and this thread is very inspiring!

I recently had a terrific experience using the secret. I've been struggling at work for the past two years in a position that just wasn't a good "fit" for me. Projects assigned to me seemed to die out, and there was very little positive energy around me. I was depressed and hated to go to work everyday. (getting the problem??) I finally was getting so worried that I was afraid that I could lose my job. I had to take a deep breath and decide that everything was going to be okay. I told myself every morning before work that the "universe is out to support me", and to stop worrying. I did have one interesting project, and I made the decision to pour my heart into it. Wow, it's amazing how energy creates energy!! Suddenly, it wasn't so bad to go in everyday, and just two weeks ago, I got offered a new position that was just right for me! Yippeeeeeee!!!

Now, I want to extend those good vibes back home. Now that I'm relieved about my job security, it should be easier to relax and let the good stuff happen!

Wish me luck!!!

 

[Planogirl]

Awesome thread!

I've been trying to live a more positive existence, and this thread is very inspiring!

I recently had a terrific experience using the secret. I've been struggling at work for the past two years in a position that just wasn't a good "fit" for me. Projects assigned to me seemed to die out, and there was very little positive energy around me. I was depressed and hated to go to work everyday. (getting the problem??) I finally was getting so worried that I was afraid that I could lose my job. I had to take a deep breath and decide that everything was going to be okay. I told myself every morning before work that the "universe is out to support me", and to stop worrying. I did have one interesting project, and I made the decision to pour my heart into it. Wow, it's amazing how energy creates energy!! Suddenly, it wasn't so bad to go in everyday, and just two weeks ago, I got offered a new position that was just right for me! Yippeeeeeee!!!

Now, I want to extend those good vibes back home. Now that I'm relieved about my job security, it should be easier to relax and let the good stuff happen!

Wish me luck!!!

Congratulations!!!

Now I have to ask...how do you just let go of the worry? I'm a worrier by nature and I have a hard time convincing myself to just relax and let things work themselves out.

 

[Imzadi]

Wow, it's amazing how energy creates energy!! Suddenly, it wasn't so bad to go in everyday, and just two weeks ago, I got offered a new position that was just right for me! Yippeeeeeee!!!

Now, I want to extend those good vibes back home. Now that I'm relieved about my job security, it should be easier to relax and let the good stuff happen!

Wish me luck!!!

Yippee!!! Good for you!

Now That's the kind of stuff I want to hear. How The Secret can be used to create a better quality of life, (along with the getting of a lot of good things.)

Welcome to the thread & sharing a great personal experience. These stories empower us all.

More great energy to you!

 

[Imzadi]

Now I have to ask...how do you just let go of the worry? I'm a worrier by nature and I have a hard time convincing myself to just relax and let things work themselves out.

You combat worry by taking actions. Gavin de Becker, in his book, The Gift of Fear says that worry is a choice. And it's self-harassment. We do it because we think it's productive in some way. Maybe you think if you worry about it, the situation will change on it's own.

But the act of worrying is actually passive (except for the self-harassment part.) Nothing is changing in your situation, except you are agitating yourself. You need to set up a real, doable plan and take action.

Go back & read pjtjm's post again. (I'm not going to pick it apart, lest I scare her back into lurking. ) See where she took some immediate action in the situation she was already in.

For some people, taking action may be signing up for a course to learn more skills. For others, it may be buying an outfit to interview in. For others, it may be to polish the resume. In a different situation, it may be to sit with a teenage daughter to have that BC talk with her, no matter how uncomfortable. You're going to be agitated & uncomfortable anyway! So take a productive action instead - one that will start to move the situation (and the energy) forward.

As soon as you take an action, you will feel so much more powerful over your situation. Actually, as soon as you make a decision, and set up a plan that you know you WILL do, the worry goes away. The energy moves from worry, to seeing a future you CAN do something about.

Planogirl, how can we support you with this?

 

[Imzadi]

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."​

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

 

[Rella Bella]

Hi! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I most certainly did! I watched "The Secret" 4 times, a tape of Oprah with Louise Hay, Cheryl Richardson and Martha Beck and a great message on expectancy by Joel Osteen twice. Plus I read chapters in "A New Earth" and "The Power of Intention".

Then I checked email tonight and "The Secret Scrolls" email sent this awesome quote from Christian D. Larson

Check it out:
http://www.thesecret.tv/optimists-creed/optimists-creed.pdf

I feel like I had a break through in positive expectancy!
I wish the same for all of you!

 

[beckmrk04]

Congratulations!!!

Now I have to ask...how do you just let go of the worry? I'm a worrier by nature and I have a hard time convincing myself to just relax and let things work themselves out.

I know this wasn't directed to me, but I wanted to put in my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

Since reading Tolle's "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth"- I have a whole new perspective on worry (which I needed!!!).

Tolle basically points out what little good worry does (which we all know, but seem to have trouble kicking the habit). Worry doesn't solve problems, it just creates more and more of itself (think of it as mental bunnies).

And worries are usually about the future, right? So, you allow your mind to play movies in your head of what you *think* *might* happen in the future, then you allow yourself to become anxious and fearful over this fictional movie you've created in your head.

But, really, you only ever have Now, the Present Moment. So, when I feel a worry coming on, I ask myself, "Can I do anything about this right now? Do I need to do something about this right now?" ANd then I observe the worry. I focus on my breath- in and out, how it feels, and I return to the present moment. Almost always this will bring me back into the Present and help me let go of the worry I was about to create.

 

[Imzadi]

I most certainly did! I watched "The Secret" 4 times, a tape of Oprah with Louise Hay, Cheryl Richardson and Martha Beck and a great message on expectancy by Joel Osteen twice. Plus I read chapters in "A New Earth" and "The Power of Intention".

I feel like I had a break through in positive expectancy!

WooHoo! You go girl! Pretty soon you will be as luminescent as your signature name. arty:

Ditto what beckmrk04 said, as she said it better than me.

You people are awesome!

 

[beckmrk04]

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."​

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

I needed this quote. I have a longstanding habit of overplanning, and I'm trying to learn to take those risks, and know in my heart that things will work out- afterall, they always do.

 

[Planogirl]

I appreciate the thoughts about worry. I intellectually know that worrying is counterproductive but it's easy to fall into bad habits isn't it? I will try catching myself before I fall into the old routine. Action and thinking it through before getting into that mindset sounds good to me!

 

[JodyLynC]

Lakota Instructions for Living

Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.

And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.

When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.

If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.

passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman

 

[pjtjm]

Yippee!!! Good for you!

Now That's the kind of stuff I want to hear. How The Secret can be used to create a better quality of life, (along with the getting of a lot of good things.)

Welcome to the thread & sharing a great personal experience. These stories empower us all.

More great energy to you!

Thanks for the welcome, it does feel good to be included!

I need some advice though. I just got through posting about my amazing turnaround at work, and how I would like to extend those good feelings towards my home life last night. So what happens today? I spend the evening with my DARLING three children, and got into so many petty little arguements with them that I finally sent them all to bed early because I felt like I just couldn't handle them anymore!!

I have DSs 8 & 11, and a DD6. The boys are constantly "at" each other, doing whatever's necessary to get on each other's (and my) nerves.

I have a strict "No Hitting" policy in this house, but they somehow manage to wrestle, poke, or whatever else it takes to get around this basic rule.

Also, no one in the family has much patience for each other. (Including DH & I.)

So I tried before to change things up by talking to them about what I'd like. I tried to talk in a positive light by saying how we should all be kinder towards one another, and that we could have the best summer ever if we all just smiled more.

I got so many eye-rolls, loud sighs, and whining that I am ashamed to admit that I gave up.

So, I'd like to try again, but I'm open to suggestions for a better approach!

Summers are tough here because my DH works at night to stay home with the kids during the day when school's out. I'm used to being able to tag-team with him to help handle the kids, so I just feel overwhelmed sometimes.

I thought about letting them come up with vision boards, but I don't really like the emphasis on material things. (I don't want them to view the exercise as a list for santa!) Visions for family harmony may be asking too much, but what I'd like to see!

 

[pjtjm]

Congratulations!!!

Now I have to ask...how do you just let go of the worry? I'm a worrier by nature and I have a hard time convincing myself to just relax and let things work themselves out.

Planogirl -

Hmmmm.... I wish I had the easy answer for you. (It ain't easy..!)


Trust is the only thing I can think of that worked for me. I just kept repeating to myself that "I trust that the universe is there to support me".

It may help to know that I didn't really believe it at first, but I kept on saying it. When I needed to change my password at work, I used the word "TRUST". That way every time I needed to login I was reminded of my mantra.

To be completely honest, I was blown away that it actually worked. (So even though I said I trusted the ideas, I guess I was still pretty skeptical.)

So when you're having a hard time letting go of the worry, just fake it for a while. The feelings might become stronger, and you may get something out of it. The worst thing you can do is worry that you worry too much!!


Good luck, and don't give up!!!


Now, can you help me with my kids??? (See above!!)

 

[beckmrk04]

.
So I tried before to change things up by talking to them about what I'd like. I tried to talk in a positive light by saying how we should all be kinder towards one another, and that we could have the best summer ever if we all just smiled more.

I got so many eye-rolls, loud sighs, and whining that I am ashamed to admit that I gave up.

I thought about letting them come up with vision boards, but I don't really like the emphasis on material things. (I don't want them to view the exercise as a list for santa!) Visions for family harmony may be asking too much, but what I'd like to see!

I think that maybe when you talked to your kids, all they heard was "blah, blah, blah" because they are kids and siblings and are used to fighting things out. My little sister and I were horrendous. But, I remember thinking, "WHY should I be nice to HER?!" (Now she's my best friend!)

Do you have a posted list of house rules (maybe be more specific: NO hitting, NO punching, NO poking, NO _______ ) and a list of consequences when those rules are broken? That could help- kids have to know exactly what to expect, and what is expected of them. And then, plan something special when they behave, and praise them when they are being good! That praise will attract more good behavior. Tell them why it is important to you. And yes, the summer would be nicer if we all put on a smile, but sometimes we just don't feel like smiling. And that's ok: BUT, dealing with each other rudely or physically is not acceptable, so encourage them to talk out ways they can handle their problems OTHER than resorting to poking.

And the vision board thing would be GREAT for the kids!!!! Give them each a piece of posterboard and divide it into 4 areas. 1) Things that make me happy; 2) Places I'd like to go; 3) Things I want to do (now or when I grow up); 4) Things I'd like to have (that way, this section doesn't take over the whole board!).

ETA- my husband works evenings too, and I know it can be difficult! But, I keep telling myself that it is neither good or bad unless I think it so. SO, I think it's so wonderful that my dh has a fulltime job that allows one of us to be with DD at almost all times, and still support our family. Hang in there!

 

[beckmrk04]

Guys, I need some help.

About 3 weeks ago, I sent in a resume for a new job. It's a position with the county health dept. for a "Peer Counselor," - I would be providing education and support to new/expectant parents about breastfeeding.

Right now I am a bank teller. I do not dislike my job. I really like the girls I work with (small branch, have been there 1 year). But, it isn't what I want to do. Not working is NOT an option, financially- we're getting back on our feet still from when I was jobless for a year AND pregnant!! (Got extremely sick during pregnancy, was on home health care). So, I have to work.

But, I find myself doubting that I will get this new position. A little voice in my head keeps saying, "You're not going to get it anyway, don't get your hopes up."

And even though I like my coworkers, and don't mind my job, this new position would be more gratifying, and more along the lines of something I would choose as a career (I am 2 credits away from my Bachelor's- long story, but before banking I worked as a Volunteer Coordinator/Educator for a sexual assault response team: LOVED it, but it was too far away, on call 24/7, and very emotionally draining).

So, thoughts? Help? Positive affirmations? Ideas? I'll take anything I can get. I would really love a change right now: it's sort of perfect timing. Thanks!

 

[Imzadi]

Pjtjm, sorry kids are soooo not my area. When I read how your kids are wrestling & poking,

my first thought was, "This is an area for Supernanny. She does have some techniques for separating the kids & putting them in their own naughty corners when they start acting out too much. and as Beckmrk said, have some more clearly defined rules.

You and your DH have to be in the same corner about disciplining & punishments though, or it's not going to work.

As for the Vision Boards, I like the idea. Vision Boards can have any theme. So they don't have to be about what the kids acquire, but about activities they would like to do together. Have them visualize them all getting along & having fun, taking turns doing it. I don't think it can be too long or involved though, or the kids will get bored doing it, and yes, then the exercise becomes blah, blah, blah.

Stephen Covey wrote, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. He talks about gathering the family together to make up a family mission statement. You can use that along with the vision boards. Again, DH should be on board first.