Rhonda Byrne
The Secret is more than a book; it’s a phenomenon that has taken the self-help world by storm. Initially presented as a
documentary about the Law of Attraction, a concept that, according to research, has been with the human race for at least 3,000 years, Rhoda Byrne finally puts it all on paper for book lovers to enjoy.
The Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction is about the Universe responding to our needs. You just need to ask for what you want. It’s that simple. Apparently the wealthy, the happy, the acne-free and other people who achieve everything they want understand how this law works.
Byrne explains that everything around us is here because someone has requested it. On the surface, it’s hard to believe—but have you ever found yourself thinking of a friend, only to have the phone ring with her on the other end? Or have you thought long and hard about achieving a goal and suddenly find that you are seated next to a person at an event the following week who can help you make it happen?
The Law of Attraction has three simple steps: ask, believe and receive. Ask for what you want. Believe that it is happening. Receive the Universe’s response. Byrne writes: “How it will happen, how the Universe will bring it to you, is not your concern or job. Allow the Universe to do it for you.”
The Secret is more than a “power or positive thinking” pep talk or one-stop karma cleaner; it’s learning how your thoughts and actions impact all areas of your life. People unconsciously ask the Universe for a response by saying or thinking things like:
• I wish I wasn’t in debt
• If only I had a job that didn’t suck
• I need more business
If you don’t feel that these statements qualify as a request to the Universe, that’s where you’re going to run into problems. Putting those thoughts out there is enough to have the Universe act on your request in some way. All contributors to The Secret take great lengths to explain that communicating with the Universe is fairly simple, as long as you understand the fundamentals.
Negatives aren’t heard
According to Byrne—and the jam-packed roster of contributors including Bob Proctor, Dr. Joe Vitale and Jack Canfield—the Universe doesn’t hear the words can’t, don’t, wasn’t, not, etc. This is what those earlier negative thoughts sound like to the forces that have the power to make them come true:
• I wish I was in debt
• If only I had a job that sucks
Sure, laugh all you want, but beware the woman who thought “I wish my skin wasn’t aging so quickly” moments before visiting this website.
Be specific
The thought of “I need more business” will do just that: bring you more business. What you might find is that you are rewarded with clients who have unreasonable demands or more business in an area that isn’t as profitable as others. The Secret insists that you be as specific as possible when you are using the Law of Attraction. Try these requests instead:
• I have happy, satisfied clients who bring me work that I love to do
• My profits are increasing rapidly
• The referrals I receive are just the type of customers I want
These revised requests also put things into the present as opposed to the future. Why? Because, according to Byrne and the many people who successfully follow the principles of The Secret, the only way for your request to ring true is to believe that it is already happening.
Feel that it is here already
There’s a huge difference between having positive thoughts and believing that what you want is already here. One example from the book instructs people to not just think about having a new car, but to put their hands out on the steering wheel and feel it. Visualize your success—says Byrne and many others—and you will receive it.
This book is a fascinating read that explores a topic that has generated such a buzz even Oprah had a show dedicated to it. Each chapter is filled with inspiring quotes and steps that help a reader discover how to harness this concept and put it into action. The Secret also includes incredible examples of how the Law of Attraction has worked for so many people—it’s hard not to feel drawn to it. Of course, that’s probably what Byrne was hoping for when she wrote the book.
About Rhonda Byrne
Author Rhonda Byrne, like each of us, has been on her own journey of discovery. Along the way, she brought together a superb team of authors, ministers, teachers, filmmakers, designers and publishers to bring forth The Secret to the world and, through her vision, bring joy to millions. To experience more, visit www.thesecret.tv.
* ThiS iS gOrgeOuS' wOrlD *
