The Law of Attraction by Rev. Lane Williams
Recently Rev. Giita and I were asked how the Law of Attraction works - what is the science behind it? So following are pieces from each of us addressing this question.
First of all I want to state that for something to exist, to be true and real, does not mean there is necessarily any proof, let alone any scientific proof, that it exists. Science is a relatively new phenomena having arisen on the scene only within the last 200 or so years. There is no scientific proof of love or God and yet these do exist for many of us. Carl Jung when asked if he believed in God, said, “No. I do not believe, I know.” Obviously even though Carl Jung was a brilliant psychiatrist, he did not rely on scientific data to determine his own ultimate reality. We read everyday of some new scientific advance that now proves what has been true all along. (One example I’m thinking of is the recent ability to test the DNA from old crime scene evidence that proves that a person serving time in prison for the crime is innocent. He was always innocent but there was no proof of it.) But given that caveat let’s now examine what proof there may be for the existence of the Law of Attraction.
We, who have a layperson’s understanding of quantum mechanics, know that all of life is energy. From high school physics we know that all of matter is mostly space. The particles within the atoms that make up what we see in physical form are vibrating within lots of emptiness. And the atoms of one thing are intermingled with the atoms of another thing. The “truth” of separateness is an illusion that our mind has constructed, filling in the space and having it appear solid. That which we see manifest in the physical is energy vibrating at a slower frequency than ideas, thoughts, emotions - the unseen. Furthermore even though we can’t see these non-physical things, they do exist and now can even be measured as scientists have developed methods of looking at the energy impulses in the brain associated with feelings, thoughts, and ideas. We understand that there is a universal field of this energy underlying all that is seen and unseen. It is from this field of all possibilities that things come forth. How do they come forth? Have you ever fixated on a problem, researched, talked about, theorized, tested, etc. looking for the solution? Suddenly in a flash of insight the answer comes. Where does it come from?
We of a spiritual bent have noticed that when we focus our attention, focus our thoughts, feelings, and desires upon a particular outcome for an extended period of time, that which we imagine comes forth. Abraham-Hicks would say that when we lift our vibrations to the level of that desired feeling, the feeling we’ll have when we get what we want, then it will be manifest. So we are focusing not so much on the object itself but on what will be our altered state of consciousness - joy, satisfaction, peace of mind, love - when it arrives.
Successful manifesters have discovered that if there are any conflicting or doubting beliefs, any ideas that it isn’t possible or right or that you are not worthy to receive that which you desire, then manifestation does not occur. The process seems to work really well at opening up parking spaces, probably because there seems to be no conflicted ideas about one’s worthiness to receive a parking spot, while finding the perfect mate or job or income comes with a whole set of beliefs that can act as obstacles to receiving the desired good. The successful practitioners know that it is so important to be in the Silence listening for any nay-saying block to receiving, then when any obstacle is discovered, denying its power to keep the desired outcome from you, speaking affirmations, speaking the truth of its possibility now present, taking in the feeling of it now present, manifest and active in your life and finally giving thanks for receiving it. We give thanks in advance for having received it. This process will bring it forth - that or something better.
Prayer practitioners and spiritual healers have noticed that imagining, knowing, sensing, affirming the perfect outcome works and yet I know of no scientific proof that it does. However I’ve read that scientists have noticed that the mere observations, the theories, feelings, and the intent of an “outsider” - the researcher - can influence the results of that which is being observed. Could this be thought of as scientific proof of the Law of Attraction? Perhaps, but whether there is proof of its existence or not, I go back to my beginning thesis - scientific proof is not a necessary prerequisite for the truth of its validity. The Law of Attraction is a reality in my life. I know it, use it, and so it IS.
The Law of Attraction by Rev. Giita Clark
The ancient principle of like attracts like is a statement of the beautiful symmetry and order that exists everywhere in nature. Just as we know that a peach pit will grow a peach tree, and a dog will give birth to a dog, we can also see that the type of thought, attitude or action that we offer will produce the same quality (or vibration) of result. An immature understanding of the Universal principles results in our thinking that the Universe is based on a punishment/reward system. However we rarely speak about a hot stove punishing us when we accidentally touch it, or an air conditioner rewarding us with cool air when we turn it on. It is simply the predictable outcome of following an understanding of the order of things.
This is why Jesus focused on the thoughts people ideated. In his day there was more focus on following the rules and in having correct behavior. Jesus took it a step further and suggested that the type of things you thought about created results even if you “just thought it in your mind”. In Unity we like to say “Life is Consciousness”. Only when we reach a certain level of understanding, do we realize that we have a choice in what we think about, and what feelings or attitudes we focus on or pay attention to.
Unity has a different name for the Law of Attraction. Unity’s name for
this same Universal law is “The Law of Mind Action”. This law basically states that whatever you think about persistently (more than just a fleeting thought) manifests. Unfortunately many of us are not truly aware of what we are thinking about. We only notice what we think we are thinking about. When we worry or get upset, we emanate a certain emotional energy. The quality of this vibration will effect how other people and events respond to us. How we see or think about those results will produce more results…sort of like in a chain reaction.
In an attempt to simplify this universal principle, it often comes across in a woo-woo or magical kind of claim. In reality the process of becoming aware of one’s thoughts, feelings and attitudes is a significant undertaking - a lot like gardening. There is much more to gardening than just planting seeds. You must prepare the soil and understand the conditions that the seed and growing plant needs along the way.
If as a gardener you say, “If you want pumpkins, plant pumpkin seeds” this
is true. This is a statement of the Law of Attraction or the Law of Mind action. But to say, “All you have to do is plant pumpkin seeds” is a little simplistic and does not even mention the rest of the work needed in the gardening process. It is true in once sense, but not all there is to it. This is why a person can get inspired or uplifted for an hour or several days but then not notice a significant change in their lives. It is the persistent development of awareness and practice that produces life changing results. It is actually a good thing that our thoughts do not instantly manifest. This gives us the opportunity to grow in awareness, discrimination and dedication. This is exactly why Gandhi said that we must become the change we want to see happen in the world. At first we may feel rewarded or punished by the Universe, but as we grow in understanding and experience (wisdom), we realize that this Universal order responds to the skillful employment of anyone who would choose to learn and cooperate with it.
One of the reasons the Secret is still a secret even after the principles have been shouted from the roof tops and shown on a movie screen across the world is that most people still do not truly understand it. Until each person takes this truth deeply into her soul and nurtures it and makes it her own, it will still remain a lofty claim. Just because someone understands that gardening is work, it does not mean that they are good gardeners. Building a spiritual consciousness is a day to day practice, like any skill or talent. I find it rewarding along the way as well as “the pearl of great price” in the long run.
Spiritual Preparation for Easter
The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon lencten, which means lengthen, as in the lengthening days of spring. In Christianity it originally was 40 hours of fasting and meditation honoring the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. In 325 AD the Nicean Council changed it to 40 days. (It actually is 46 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, but the six Sundays of Lent were not counted as part of the 40 days.)
The Lenten season offers the opportunity to set aside time for self-analysis and spiritual renewal. As we struggle with unresolved tensions with the difficult people in our lives and circumstances that appear too scary and unpredictable for us to get through, we can take this opportunity to bless everything, including the difficult events, challenging people, and every anxious thought and feeling that passes through our awareness. For as Truth students we know that nothing in the outer world has the power of itself to hurt us. Only our own perception, attitude, and beliefs can determine whether an event is beneficial or disastrous.
Lowell Fillmore writes, “The power of blessing is a mystery. We do not know how it works, but we know that it does work. A wholehearted blessing not only helps our affairs but it fills us with an inner light that seems to satisfy our soul and make us happy. In blessing we are blessed… Bless the good and it will increase. Bless what seems to be evil and something good will come out of it to justify your blessing.” So we choose to find the gift in life’s events and bless them all.
There is No Evil by Catherine Ponder
If you will stop nourishing the thought of evil in your life, it will starve for lack of attention and fade away. To every suggestion of evil, boldly assert: “There is no evil.” To all talk of evil about you - scandals, description of disease, accounts of death and disasters, dangers, financial and family problems - say: “This is not true, there is no evil, only good shall come from this.” Many problems have been healed by that thought alone.
Since good is omnipresent, it is even in the midst of evil appearances. Nothing is evil that brings forth good, and something good can come from every experience, if only one person will have the courage to dare to look for that good. Realizing this, Emerson wrote: “Every evil to which we do not succumb is a benefactor.”
Do not feel obliged to join in conversations that dwell upon the dark side of life. Silence is better than assent to evil appearances. Silence is not only a virtue but one of the greatest denials of all.
One of the finest ways you can invoke the power of denial is in just keeping quiet about your problems. Stop feeding them the substance of your thoughts, words, and emotions. Also, watch that you do not criticize in secret; that you cease from even silently finding fault with another. Put away sarcasm from your speech. Stop complaining.
Do not prophesy evil for yourself or another. The ancient Greeks avoided a grumbler or one who foretold misfortune, believing he brought them bad luck. Refrain from accusing others of evil in any form.
Cease from petty statements about yourself or others. For instance, do not call your children “bad”. Stop referring to the faults of your family, business associates, neighbors, friends. Have a good word for yourself and others, or keep quiet. Silence is your denial of apparent evil.
There is no healing power available to anyone who describes hurts and pains. There is no healing power found in describing evil. Evil can exist only so long as you give it your consent. Only man’s belief in evil makes him subject to it.
