Have you heard the “The Secret?” It has been all over the media lately. Newsweek featured it in its March 5 edition and Oprah dedicated two hours to the subject. It is a DVD by former television producer Rhonda Byrne explaining the age-old principle of law of attraction.
The premise is that we create our world with our thoughts. We can change the way we experience events in our lives by changing the way we think about them. It also states that we expand that which we focus upon. So, if I stay focused on a goal, I have a better chance of succeeding. The idea is not new, the way it is presented is.
Byrne interviewed a number of people considered experts in the self-help field, including best-selling author of the “Chicken Soup” series Jack Canfield, minister of the 10,000-member Agape Church in L.A. and visionary Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith, and best-selling author and teacher James Author Ray. She also includes philosophers and ministers to present the spiritual aspect and physicists to give it scientific credence. They all share their knowledge and personal experience.
There has been quite a bit of criticism of the movie by a number of different sources including Newsweek. The main source of criticism is the way the movie suggests that if we want a new car or expensive house, then all we have to do is think about it. It also feeds into the materialism of our culture. The movie does begin with a simplistic explanation of the law of attraction and shows people using it for personal gain.
As you continue to watch though, you see that the presenters evolve their explanations. They share that it can be used to enhance our relationships by changing the way we see people in our lives. We no longer focus on what we dislike about them, rather we pay attention to what we value. As a result we appreciate the person more.
The speakers also give quite a bit of time to the need for forgiveness and gratitude as a way to cultivate creative thoughts. They say we are here to serve one another because this is what ultimately brings us happiness.
Oprah had a number of people on her show who shared how they were able to turn challenging situations around by changing the way they thought about them. One woman shared how she saved her marriage by appreciating what she loved about her husband and another woman found herself thanking her boss for firing her. She realized that she was stuck in her job until her boss gave her the nudge she needed to move forward to what she really desired.
Unity Church of Life will show The Secret at 7 p.m. Friday, April 13, followed by a discussion. The church will also host a follow-up workshop on how to integrate the laws of attraction into your lives from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15. Cost for the workshop is $20 and you can bring a friend for free. Cost of the movie is free.
Unity Church of Life is located at 130 Cannon Ave. For more information call 907-6033 or visit unitychurchoflife.com.
