| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 06:06:32 AM
Although this started as a book, it's become a DVD, etc., and it's a really hot topic, I guess. I've read the book and understand the concept, and I wondered what others thought of this latest "craze". For those who haven't read or heard of it, the concept is that if you want something, anything at all, if you visualize it and concentrate and want it bad enough, the UNIVERSE will eventually *give* it to you.
I'll admit that I went into the book not believing the premise, so I was already biased, but I've read many books that have changed my way of thinking.
Anyway, what do you think of this idea? I have problems with this from several angles. One, I don't think the universe gives me anything. I believe that everything comes from God. Second, I don't think that just because I visualize something and want it really bad, I'll get it. If that was the case, I wouldn't have trouble filling out an A-cup AND I'd be married to Davy Jones (of the Monkeys)!  Only kidding, and I don't mean to trivialize things. But I don't think we're destined to get everything we want, at least not necessarily. I want that piece of property & you want it. We both practice The Secret. But there's only one piece and one of us isn't going to get it.
Anyway, what do you ladies think?
I saw this on the early morning show (which I wouldn't be watching if it weren't for the tornados headed this way) and thought I'd bring it up here.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 9:01:08 PM
I havent seen it yet but I plan to.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Clare |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 8:15:54 PM
I just watched the DVD of The Secret. It's available on Netflix now. I found nothing at all offensive about it; in fact, it was a good affirmation for me to continue on this path. It's all about creating what we think about. The Law of Attraction. And for those who are religious, you will find several references to the Divine, Your Higher Power, God. The speakers include those from many backrounds: physicians, meta-physicians, consultants, authors, etc., many professionals who are respected in their fields.
There's a good synopsis here, for those who are interested.
http://sheknows.com/about/look/7877.htm
or you can view the official website here: http://www.thesecret.tv
Humor is the prelude to faith and Laughter is the beginning of prayer. -- Reinhold Niebuhr
I want to be an "outrageous" old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to be wiser, resonate love & peace and be earth-colored, till I fade away from pure joy!
http://farmstyle.blogspot.com
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| jo Thompson |
Posted - Mar 11 2007 : 3:21:15 PM
Clare that was a wonderful summation! Your book list is wonderful on your blog, I read the Oregon Trail book. My mother used to drag me off for "digs" on the oregon trail. She knew where there were dump sites and spent hours digging for old bottles, etc. She was amazing, I wish I had some of her old collectibles, although I didn't really get the "collecting" gene. jo
"life is drab without a lab"
http://homepage.mac.com/thomja/Anchorage/PhotoAlbum15.html |
| Clare |
Posted - Mar 10 2007 : 12:46:02 PM
Regarding The Secret -- Yes, I am interested in it. Yes I believe in it, and apparently a whole lot of other folks do as well because I'm 28th for the DVD and 30th for the book, on the library's list to receive them. I receive a monthly inspirational publication, and the latest edition arrived today with a very informative review of the DVD. I'm going to share the review here, for the sole purpose of creating an environment of understanding, as we often fear what we do not know. Here is the review:
"For hundreds of years, metaphysicians have taught that the "law of attraction" is the key to creating our reality. Ernest Holmes lived and preached this philosophy, as did Neville Goddard, Joseph Murphy and countless other spiritual teachers. Now, this law of attraction is explained in a beautiful new film called The Secret , produced by Rhonda Byrne, the film features a diverse roster of panelists, including Michael Beckwith, Joe Vitale, Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield, Lisa Nichols, John Gray and John Demartini.
For most spiritual seekers, the message in The Secret won't reveal anything they don't already know. But the film is beautifully crafted and edited and provides a modern twist on the age-old wisdom which says "we bring into existence exactly what we think about."
Australian TV producer Rhonda Byrne created the idea for the film several years ago after experiencing personal challenges that nearly overwhelmed her. She turned to classic New Thought authors for guidance and comfort, including Charles Haanel, author of The Master Key System, and Genevieve Behrend, who wrote Your Invisible Power.
After reading more spiritual books, both classic and contemporary, Rhonda realized that a beautiful and similar thread of wisdom ran through all of them. That thread is the law of attraction and the message is... our thoughts and feelings create our reality and what we visualize will manifest in our lives.
The Secret showcases many dynamic teachers who agree with this powerful message. Bob Proctor provides fatherly wisdom as he says, "The law of attraction is always working, whether you believe it or understand it or not." Michael Beckwith stresses that there is enough wealth for everyone in the world, saying "You must become a match to your desires if you want them to manifest in your outer world." Jack Canfield describes the magical synchronicities that led him to become a millionaire, while Marie Diamond, a feng shui expert, echoes the belief that we are indeed the creators of our universe.
The film is fast-paced, upbeat and filled with warmth and positive vibrations. Success stores are repeatedly emphasized, intermingled with the vast array of New Thought teachers. Particulary touching is the story of "miracle man" Morris Goodman, who was totally disabled following an airplane crash over twenty years ago. Goodman used the power of his imagination to heal himself.
There are well-know quotes from famous achievers of the past, including Emerson, Socrates, Carnegie, Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell and Wallace Wattles, who wrote the prosperity classic, The Science of Getting Rich in 1910. Neale Donald Walsch makes a cameo appearance and Fred Alan Wolf joyfully explains quantum physics.
The beginning of the film is reminiscent of the suspense-thriller The Da Vinci Code and there is some criticism that it's a little over-dramatic. Even so, The Secret is an amazing body of work, revealing the "secret" that inventors, scientists, theologians and other great thinkers achievers have always known and tapped into. Also available is the book of the same title, which was recently on the Los Angeles Times best-seller's list.
At this time the film is only available on DVD. It can be purchased online or at book stores. The beauty of the message of The Secret lies in its basic truth. We do indeed create our reality through the intensity of our thought and our beliefs. This thought-provoking film provides a wonderful way to introduce the law of attraction to new audiences of spiritual seekers. It truly is a joy to watch and learn from.
--Patricia Nolan"
Humor is the prelude to faith and Laughter is the beginning of prayer. -- Reinhold Niebuhr
I want to be an "outrageous" old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to be wiser, resonate love & peace and be earth-colored, till I fade away from pure joy!
http://farmstyle.blogspot.com
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| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 05:07:14 AM
yes I did & cried like a baby. I cried over many of them. Animals are so amazing. pbs, discovery & animal planet are 3 of my favorite channels. Love animals so much.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| jo Thompson |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 8:06:26 PM
Michele, did you see the one about the elephant that hadn't been around elephants for years and they reunited her with an old circus elephant, they entwined their trunks and were inseparable after that. It was the 25 year anniversary, lots of other segments about abused animals. Paul and I sat and cried together on that one, (crocodile tears)...... jo
"life is drab without a lab"
http://homepage.mac.com/thomja/Anchorage/PhotoAlbum15.html |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 7:42:22 PM
pbs & discovery. I saw the greatest show on pbs about the sawtooth wolf pack the other day, it was great. Had me glued for 2 hrs. & I dont sit & watch tv for 2 hrs.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| laluna |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 4:59:31 PM
*LOL*@ Jo (and applauds) - thanks for that! |
| jo Thompson |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 09:58:52 AM
I think the "secret" to getting along nicely here is to stop talking religion so much......... we all have our belief systems right or wrong. I also think we tend to jump on these television bandwagons a little bit too much sometimes. Oprah is probably a wonderful person, very smart, but not everything she puts out is the end all..... I think Grace described it all quite beautifully. I'm only going to watch "Nature" on PBS for awhile. The news is depressing, our politicians are corrupt, and there's a huge amount of schmutz on all the reality shows. I think everyone needs more fresh air, good cooking, kindness and sensibility. And that's all I'm going to say about that! jo
"life is drab without a lab"
http://homepage.mac.com/thomja/Anchorage/PhotoAlbum15.html |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 07 2007 : 09:38:53 AM
The book the "Secret", I read it last night at work, someone had it so I read it, not a very thick book. In my opinion ONLY, all this book is about is the power of positive thinking. Thats the big secret and a good one but something we all have inside us anyway. You know how negative breeds negative? Well this book says positive feelings bring positive results. Thats it! No big mystery. It was great reading, anything uplifting to me is great,it doesn't replace my Bible & I don't think it will replace anyones religion or whatever they practice, just good reading.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 1:00:42 PM
Liz,
What I mean is this.... without God you can't even get up in the morning or take your next breath. He's the one in charge of when you live, how long, etc. The Bible says that He says" you can do nothing without me" (parphrase out of John) therefore we can live our lives as we want and in our own strength yes, but in the end it will all be futile because we are trying to live under our own strength and not His. Life will not have the meaning or abundance that it would if we were trusting Him and living through His strength.
Of course we have a choice as to our attitude, etc I'm not saying you just sit back and do nothing BUT we tend to get caught up in thinking we will only talk to Him when we need Him instead of about everything.
Hope that helps clarify where I'm coming from.
Clear as mud?! ;)
Blessings,
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| Clare |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 06:52:58 AM
I have refrained from commenting, but to Michele's thoughts, I will add two four word phrases:
We are all ONE.
There is only ONE.
And in closing, from my practice this week:
The Divine shows up daily through you. Don't get in its way.
Humor is the prelude to faith and Laughter is the beginning of prayer. -- Reinhold Niebuhr
I want to be an "outrageous" old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to be wiser, resonate love & peace and be earth-colored, till I fade away from pure joy!
http://farmstyle.blogspot.com
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| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 06:07:24 AM
I've been on this forum since 2004 and we have NEVER had a problem expressing ourselves. Everyone has a right to their opinion. The difference I see NOW as to THEN is this; farmgirls would and could express themselves without fear of attack. We had many discussions on many hot topics but always had respect for each other. After reading these 4 pages it seems to me that maybe a bit of that is lacking. Everyone feels equally strong in their beliefs & opinions but I think the "delivery" makes a big difference. Please lets keep the respect for one another flowing, we can disagree but we can also do it w/ kindness. Thats what this place has always been about.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Leezard |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 11:27:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ArmyWifey
by the by.... the saying "God helps those who help themselves" may be a idiom but it is NOT in the Bible. Just so you know.
and in reality is against what His word says -- as we are to rely on God for everything. God isn't looking to us to do our part and THEN He will do His -- He doesn't play with His people that way.
Blessings!
Holly
I guess, based on what I'm reading you write here and feel free to correct me if what I read is wrong, I disagree with you. I do believe that we have to do our part in this life...now that doesn't mean we have to do something in order for God to do anything. In my opinion God is there, He's always there and He's always got my best intrests in mind. That doesn't mean that I don't have to work hard to make things happen in my life though and in relation to this Secret idea that I don't have to be positive and do some foot work to make my dreams happen. Yes, God guides my life and helps things to happen but everything I dream of-as in my career, my family life, vacations I want to take, etc.-take hard work on my part.
I don't know if I misunderstood what you were trying to say Holly so feel free to expand on your comments if you feel I've not understood.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| Love-in-a-Mist |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 7:13:47 PM
After reading what Ocean Girl said about it, it makes more sense to me. I can appreciate it more now. I still don't believe it is forces of the universe, though. It's your own attitude.
I think Christianity is intimitading, because it is written as absolute truth and if you choose not to believe it or live a different way there are reprocutions(sp). You can feel like your being attacked and like you have to defend yourself. I don't mean to start so many heated discussions, I have been learning alot about Christianity lately and am very passionate about it. I'm going to start blogging that way I won't "journal" on here as much. I find myself doing that and it causes alot issues. That way if you want my opinion you can come to my blog. I will try not to be so controversial on here anymore. I think this should be a good fun place for everyone to come.
Farmgirl and mother of 2
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| Rosemary |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 4:49:35 PM
I saw this book review a while ago while browsing for news and thought it would interest some farmgirls, partly because it touches a little bit on some of what we've been talking about. I might ask our library to get a copy and hold it for me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030102073.html |
| Persephone |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 12:15:44 PM
Well, in the first thread about this, I said I wanted to do some more research into this from a Biblical perspective, and I haven't had a chance to do a whole lot of that (having a destructive toddler is rather a hindrance to deep Biblical study- typing too, for that matter. :) But I have thought of a few- I think part of the problem is not understanding the "Secret" too. I'd like for more people to chime in with how they interpret the meaning of The Secret. My understanding of it is that it's about not focusing on negativity, but positivity. That can be seen in the verse in Philippians about thinking about good, pure, true, etc. You don't think about what you DON"T want to happen, you think about what you DO want to happen. The other verse that's going through my head in regards to the Secret is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you." I think that's another way of saying it, from a Biblical POV. Now, I can't say I've looked all these verses up, considered their context, considered the historical context, and done a check on the original language meanings of words (which is what I always do when I truly want to understand something in the Bible), but if anyone would like to do that and post about it, I'd be interested.
In regards to the distinction between Christians and others, I'd like to say that for me, I am unashamedly a Christian, and while not wishing to shove that down anyone's throats, also do not wish to hide it, and since my whole world view is from a Christian perspective, you may hear some Bible verses or Christian saying out of me from time to time. That's part of who I am. I personally, embrace diversity, and would love to learn about other's religions. I have made it a point to study Judaism, and Pagan earth based traditions, because I hang out around those kinds of people a lot. While there may be conflicting beliefs in our religions, I think we can be tolerant of those with conflicting beliefs. After all, the biggest message Jesus taught was love. I think that Christians have lost sight of that BIG time. |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 11:58:11 AM
Thanks for mentioning that, Holly. I know the expression doesn't come from the Bible. Surprisingly, there are a lot of expressions with Christian character that don't, and many very secular-sounding ones that do! I guess a lot of what goes into which column depends on how you approach and interpret scripture, and there are myriad ways to do that -- one reason why there are hundreds of Christian denominations in the world today. That's a fascinating subject for another day. |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 10:14:59 AM
by the by.... the saying "God helps those who help themselves" may be a idiom but it is NOT in the Bible. Just so you know.
and in reality is against what His word says -- as we are to rely on God for everything. God isn't looking to us to do our part and THEN He will do His -- He doesn't play with His people that way.
Blessings!
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| Rosemary |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 09:16:04 AM
Maybe it's just all about commitment. How we choose to generate it is almost beside the point. When our will is set in motion toward a goal, and believe (or know) that supportive forces are helping us, we're more open to recognizing when we're close to reaching it. It's then just a matter of reaching out: for the phone, to shake hands, to embrace, or (if what we're committed to is ending a destructive lifestyle) even running like hell toward that suddenly visible "Exit" sign. |
| Leezard |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 07:27:42 AM
I agree with you there Rachel (oceanfarmgirl). And as a Christian I can see how this kind of thinking can be an extension of your faith. Why can't God be your "secret"? Yes, the idea may be that you're working toward something but that's how it is with God too, He doesn't do all the work or none of us would get anywhere. I talked a little about this with my dad who is quite a religious fellow and he seemed to think that the premis isn't all that bad. Why can't this idea be something that works with your faith in God?
As others have said, this isn't about getting everything you want but visualizing a dream-going back to school, getting the job you want, taking that dream vacation, buying the house you love-and knowing that you're worthy of that dream and working hard to make it happen. They also talk about accepting the bad with the good, that life isn't all you want it to be but it's the bad things (along with the good) that make us who we are. I think that in order to fully understand this idea it's important to read the book because when you don't it's easy to judge it and come up with sensational ideas about it without really knowing what it's about. That being said, I haven't read it yet but I am on the waiting list to get it from the library and am looking forward to understanding it better.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| owwlady |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 7:09:46 PM
Oh Grace, I felt like crying when I read your post...how sad that your husband wasn't there to live the dream with you, but how wonderful that you found it...I've seen Wayne Dyer on tv and I've tried reading his books, but I get lost in them...I keep thinking I'll pick one up at the library again and give it another try...I first heard of him through the Anthony Robbins book "The Giant Within"...I have a feeling that The Secret is probably a lot like the Robbins book...I learned a lot through that and the Rhonda Britten book, (can't remember the title, something about 30 Days) Her book really helped change my life around...gave me a new perspective on how my negative self-talk was so destructive...hey, we're all in this together, trying to live a good life, trying to do the right things...I'm just glad to have all of you as friends to do it with... |
| laluna |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 5:44:28 PM
@Rosemary - your statements about "intimidation" rang true to me. The issue for me is not whether there should be a discourse on the messageboard that allows all viewpoints. That seems to be a given that we all agree upon. It is, however, the way in which these opinions are often expressed. It seems that those of us "less-devout" and/or "non-Christians" tend to preface our comments with a "this is my opinion" kind of statement, whereas many of the "fundamentalists" tend to be more aggressive in their statements, as if they were fact (e.g. "well of course god created the universe", etc.) Perhaps a bit more gentle, yet still precise, use of language is in order here?
@Grace - I had the great fortune of going to see and hear the Dalai Lama speak at one of our local universities this past fall. What a wonderful, humble, loving man. It was an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. And I echo your wish of goodness in and for all :-) |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 3:52:03 PM
Thank yo so much Rosemary and Patsy. You managed to speak those words that echo my heart. I will share one example of how I have experienced "The Secret". This is not a new concept for millions of us who also do not want to be silenced. For years my husband and I would sit in bed at night and he would say "We are sitting in our log house with the wind blowing outside and the animals all tucked in and safe for the night". This was said every night since we married in 1982. He and I never lived on a farm, he never even had a goldfish growing up. He was a city boy but for some reason this was our long off dream. When he passed away 11 years ago he never saw our dream come true. In the months following his passing I kept to the knowing that all life has meaning even when you can not find the good. Each day my boys and I would state what we were greatefull for even if was that we got thru another day. My large show home became unbearable during the day when my boys were at school, so I found myself many days just driving the country roads and crying buckets of tears wondering which way to turn with two young boys and no real compass other then my inner knowning that the path would show itself. I got turned around on the backroads one day and pulled my truck to the side of the road because the tears would not stop. I settled myself and reminded myself their is a purpose for everything. When I dried my tears and could focus my eyes - what did I see? A log home on 35 acres with a For Sale sign. I pull in their drive and walked up to their door and knocked. The young couple planned to leave for Africa to do their Gods work and was at the end of their rope because no one wanted their home. I asked them what they where selling it for, asked to use their phone, called my long time broker and told him to start the paperwork that day. In one week the log home was mine and I placed my home for sale. Now each night I know that what I put my attention on does come to pass. Not always the way we design it but I am living proof of it.
I too also have every book, tape and lecture of Dr Dyer along with his holiness the Dalai Lama, Pema Chodron, Ram Dass, Don Miguel Ruiz, the teaching of the Tao and the Bible. I have never feared learning about someone's beliefs nor do I judge them. I am at a loss why the exchange of different beliefs is so threating to those who profess to be so religious?
I send only the wish that you can see the goodness in everyone even if they do not believe in the same "God".
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 3:44:24 PM
Patsy, I think you're right, though we might approach the same conclusion via different paths. The idea that like attracts like is an ancient one. In many folk traditions, including some Christian ones, it manifests as "sympathetic magic." Others say if you want love to come into your life, be loving.
It can be a powerful thing to embrace our gifts and rid ourselves of what the Buddhists say is the great disabler of human souls: desire. I don't mean sexual desire, or other primal desires (like to be safe from harm, to have enough to eat, and so on) but what comedian Stephen Colbert might call "wantiness" -- the motive that makes kids whine at the Mall. This disabling emotion blinds us to the possibilities freely to hand, distracts us from living in healthier space, and is a frequent cause of misery in our lives.
That's not to say we should just stand still and let Fate, or God, do all the work of living for us. As in so many things, the trick is finding balance. |
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