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I know that Steve Pavlina is a guru (of sorts) in the personal development blogosphere. He has given some very good advice for several years, and I’m sure he’s a great guy.
But - (Begin RANT)
Directness and the Law of Attraction, huh?
A couple of weeks ago, Steve published the article “The Most Direct Solution to Any Problem “. In the article he said:
What about using the Law of Attraction? Is that part of a direct solution? That depends on the problem.
Consider this simple example. A common manifestation exercise is to try to manifest a blue feather somewhere in your reality. You hold the intention to see a blue feather sometime in the next 24 hours. What’s the most direct solution to that intention? Is it to wait patiently and let the universe bring it to you somehow? Why not simply do a Google image search? You’ll find your blue feather within seconds. Problem solved. Next.
I suppose if seeing a blue feather will fulfill all of your innermost desires, then Steve’s approach might have some merit. However, the point of the exercise to begin to gain an understanding of the inner workings of the universe. (And yes - it is to patiently wait and let the universe bring it to you!)
You and I are co-creators with the universe of our own life experience. We can consciously orchestrate a life of harmony, balance and success on our own terms; or unconsciously let our attitudes and lack of attention create a seemingly chance and unbalanced experience.
Seem too mystical for you?
It isn’t really - it’s common sense.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Ever heard that one? It is true - we tend to attract people and events that reflect our own self image. If our thoughts and attitudes about our life are chaotic and scattered - then the results that we see in our life are likewise chaotic and unbalanced. However; if we cultivate positive attitudes toward life and create clear intentions of what we desire, then we attract others into our life who have that same purpose and attitude towards life. This spontaneously creates an environment that supports our intentions, and the synergies necessary to fulfill our desires.
I love Google - but it ain’t magic…
(end RANT)
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April 7th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Hi Bruce, heheh, you’ve got a disagreement there! =)
You’ve got a great point there, having magic seems like we’re having miracle in our life.. that is something that excites us, maybe because of the unpredictability.
Is it going to be a series of rants?
That will be interesting =)
Robert
April 8th, 2008 at 10:46 am
We usually need to take action. But the action needs to be aligned with ‘the universe.’ Our action then creates the right conditions for what we desire to come along. Going out there and finding your blue feather by ‘force’ is possible but doesn’t give you any insight into how things work - and that’s the point of the exercise.
http://effortless-wealth.blogspot.com/2008/03/law-of-attraction-wealth-money.html
April 8th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Bring on the rants Bruce. I am looking to write a blog one of these days entitled ‘The Wallet-Development Industry’ and it will be a dig at all those self-development ‘gurus’ that are only interested in developing wealth….for themselves. No names, no pack drill of course
April 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
@ Robert - LOL - No, not a series of rants - that would bring some bad karma! Just a new category, and hopefully an honest and constructive discourse on relevant issues.
@ Michael - You got it. I’m all for directness - especially in communication; but it isn’t always the right way - and it can be an arrogant action because it presumes you are right, sometimes before you have all the facts.
@Tim - Very true, it is a fine line we walk when giving advice. I’m all for making money, and hope to someday be able to blog full time; but it is certainly my aim to provide a service to others first - and would hope that my friends (like you) would set me straight if I let my actions become money-motivated at any cost.
- Bruce
April 11th, 2008 at 1:57 am
The Law of Attraction is a beautiful concept that inspires us to be positive thinkers. I’m not even sure why people would find the idea of being co-creators mystical when it is demonstrated by metaphysics and appeals to the intellect.
That said, I also agree with the quote you put up from Steve; that one should really know what the problem is before applying the appropriate solution. Visualization is just one of the many tools and so is EFT, the Sedona Method, 7th Path, etc. When you have a range of these tools in your toolkit, including the Google searchbar, you feel empowered to tackle just about anything life throws at you. As many of these tools are an aide to inner healing, you also get the benefits of emotional release, finding purpose, and becoming happier overall.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi Bruce - I like your writing on the Birds doing the Together thing.
I guess Steve was making the point that sometimes/often we need to go out and make the thing we want happen - with a bit of humor thrown in.
My partner and I have some good friends who drive us batty with their over-the-top “goals” they are going to MAKE happen. We really don’t think their approach is conducive to satisfaction in the long run. We operate in a similar field to them, and like to think we have a better balance between making things happen and going with the flow. It’s interesting!
Cheers