Jan. 26, 2007
-
Help or Hype????
There is a big self-help industry these days that suffers, sometimes from selling and catering to people who are looking for the answer. Some programs and information is useful and some is just a scam.
In my weekly, Tuesday Tips Newsletter and other posts, I've recommended the movie on the Law of Attraction www.TheSecret.tv
Recently, one of my readers sent me an email that I thought was worth sharing. I have asked Martin's permission to share our exchange because I'd like to hear what you think.
Hi Joeann,
Just a quick comment to let you know I enjoy getting your email newsletters periodically. However, I am compelled to write you about something I noticed in the recent issue- your suggestion that agents watch the movie 'The Secret'.
I have seen this movie twice in the last 6 weeks; it's been all the rage among a few of the agents in my office. I gotta' tell ya' what I think: it's all hype! For one thing, the idea that people create their own reality by the thoughts emanating from their minds has been around for a couple thousand years; so in this sense The Secret is not teaching anything new.
[Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach] I'd agree with you here and this is certainly something that the film documents.
I think anyone who watches this movie needs to be somewhat suspicious and wary of the message, because if one is in such dire straits that they need to fall for this mumbo-jumbo philosophy in order to make their life work, or in order to sell more houses, one will be extraordinarily disappointed when it becomes clear that you can't instantly materialize your reality by thinking happy thoughts.
[Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach] I really agree with you on this, and think there is a misunderstanding of what it actually takes to change what one attracts. The shift I like seeing is when people are able to not feel they are in dire straits, but rather can back up and notice what they have around them that can can appreciate and be grateful for, there seems to be an internal relaxation that will have more show up. I can not explain it, but have seen it with my own life and with people I work with. Much different than just thinking happy thoughts, which my friend, trainer, Darryl Davis says is like putting whip crème on dog doo doo :>)
One of the problems I have with the movie is that it doesn't tackle the subject that everyone else on the planet has the same ability to influence their personal realities that you do, and that, in the process of living our lives, some of these 'intentions' are bound to clash with my intentions.
[Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach] Yes, this is interesting. Something I'd love to hear other's thoughts on. My own experience with this is only that the things I have focused on creating or manifesting have rarely been something that is in opposition with the general good, and, as such, doesn't seem to have the opposing energy. Though, in a broader sense, like world peace...certainly it is an interesting question to ponder
The older I get, the more irritated by the self-help industry I become, and the more annoyed I get at the way otherwise intelligent people, many of them my fellow real estate agents, get suckered into this stuff. I've been there, so I know.
[Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach] There are certainly a lot of choices and I agree that there are those who will take advantage of others wish to have a quick fix.
My personal recommendation to anyone who asks is- stay away from The Secret.
[Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach] I see the movie, not as a quick fix, but, rather, as a beginning inquiry for people looking at how they can be more responsible to create in their lives what they want rather than being at the mercy or circumstances. Guess we differ here. I do appreciate your comments, because I would much rather have someone thoughtfully disagree with me than not be thinking about it at all!!! Warm Regards, Joeann
So, there, you have it...hype? or help? What do you think about The Law of attraction?
Best Regards,
Martin Thistle Realtor
206-778-1710 cell 253-852-4680 office
visit my website at http://www.martinthistle.com/ RE/MAX Performance Plus, Renton, WA.
|
| Comments (
5
) :: Post
A Comment! :: Permanent
Link |
Jan. 26, 2007
-
re: Help or Hype????
|
| Posted by
Aaron Potts
|
The problem that people are having with 'The Secret' and the Law of Attraction in general is that people think that the Law of Attraction is being offered as some "magical" fix. It was never advertised by Rhonda Byrne or any of the teachers on the show as being magic.
However, that being said, the truth of the matter is that you most definitely can create your reality, but as James Arthur Ray is fond of saying, you need to go 3 for 3 - Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions.
If you consistently miss any of those steps, you'll consistently fail to see results.
p.s. - I personally believe whole-heartedly in the Law of Attraction, I practice and teach it's concepts every day of my life, and I also work very hard when I am inspired to take action. Just in case anyone was wondering... :) |
| Permanent Link |
Feb. 10, 2007
-
re: Help or Hype????
|
| Posted by
Karen M Wilson
|
The Law of Attraction is simply that ... a law, and one of many natural laws. They don't require that anyone believe them to still be true, they simply ARE true.
Having said that, I understand the feeling of exasperation Martin is expressing with the "self-help" world. I found a website that speaks directly to all the problematic questions the Law of Attraction raises through the concept of Subjective Reality.
I urge anyone having this struggle to check out Steve Pavlina at http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/08/the-law-of-attraction . It's a MOST interesting read!
Karen |
| Permanent Link |
Feb. 18, 2007
-
re: Help or Hype????
|
| Posted by
Stacy Brown
|
| I have recently been introduced to The Secret and I have watched it about 4 times now. I love it! I am a positive, optimistic person in general and The Secret reaffirms what this type of thinking can do for you (in my opinion). The key to remember is that it's more than just "conjuring up thoughts" and "sitting back, waiting for them to happen". You must think positively and take the actions necessary to get you where you want to go. For example, if I want to make enough money to buy my dream house, I can't simply sit at the office, dream and think about it and stare at the phone waiting for it to ring, but I have to be in a positive frame of mind and be open to the opportunities that come my way- every single day- recognize them and act on them. And yes, I have to make things happen, make the calls, meet the people, be open to new ventures/opportunities, etc. I don't know how to explain it, but I get it. It works for me. Some of my favorite sayings/quotes are "Attitude is Everything" "If you think you can, you can and if you think you can't, you can't". That, to me, is what The Secret is, in a nutshell. Sorry for rambling... Stacy Brown |
| Permanent Link |
Feb. 21, 2007
-
re: Help or Hype????
|
| Posted by
Terri
|
HI - just a couple of comments re the Law of Attraction and the usefulness or otherwise of watching the Secret. My coaching is in the real estate field in Australis which is just catching on to this movie. In my experience the major benefit of the theory of this Law is that it has been an amazing breakthrough for many clients when they realise this principle that whatever they focus on is bound to expand. They begin to catch themselves voicing negative comments about having no good sellers etc and they begin to realise that by many of the things they think, say and do are setting themselves up to fail.
This I think is the immense value of this Law. When you really live life by this Principle, the universe conspires to help. If you are open to the possibility of something beyond yourself, then you will begin to attract ,and more importantly notice and act on opportunities that come into your new field of vision. The positive vibes that you send out will be reflected back and you will find that your business will reflect this change with more results, more career satisfaction and of course, more money!
Terri :) |
| Permanent Link |
Feb. 25, 2007
-
re: Help or Hype????
|
| Posted by
Pamela
|
First, thank you Joeann for your emails! I enjoy the tips and insights.
Concerning "The Secret" as I view through the DVD, watched Oprah and read the book no one claimed to have invented the new magic bullet of inspiration.
What I did hear were words and reminders that I had forgotten over time. And I have been around a while. From the simple things my family said like "people tend to either live up to or down to your expectations”,” what goes around, comes around”,” you create your own luck" and yes I did roll my eyes (rather dramatically, I thought).
I do firmly believe in the law of attraction because I have seen it work both ways in my life. OK, I am a slow learner. How can you succeed if you cannot define success for yourself? Every achievement in life takes a plan, work, and a definable goal. If you do not define your goal, and visualize it, how do you know when you succeed?
Concerning my intentions vs. your intentions, that is an interesting question. I wonder if it could be like the thing I am sure I want to happen does not, then I find out it turned out even better that what I wanted never happened.
Thank you all for such interesting insights! |
| Permanent Link |
|
About Me
Resources, articles and thoughts on being awesomely productive and creative while enjoying a life you love! Don't forget to visit my web site at www.joeann.com for even more information and resources. COMMENTS ARE WELCOME. Please notice the Post A Comment link at the bottom of the posting.
Links
• Home
• View my profile
• Archives
• Email Me
• Blog Manager
|
RSS Blog Feed