The law of attraction is a LIE

[Jennihul]

Originally Posted by nightdiamond

This is my opinion and just my opinion on this subject; One problem with concepts like these is that even if it's honest, well meaning and true, the cult mentality somehow always finds a way in and then exaggerates, distorts, and twists the ideas around and innocent people unfortunately get exploited.

If you pay attention, as a user, to the utmost basic rules of the LOA, you literally cannot BE exploited. But you can choose to allow yourself to be exploited.

And yet on stage in front of a camera the best they seem to do is this; "I'm getting an.. "A" ....does your Aunt's name start with an A? Yes, She's telling me it Ab-- is that right? Ok, yes it Abby she says her name is Abby...." If this medium is really communicating with the dead, then why he or she are only getting letters?

Because they are fakes.

Are we still talking about manifesting?

I am.


Jennifer

[hkalchemy]

Originally Posted by Jennihul

Think about modern man's arrogance which is so eloquently revealed in every one of these anti-LOA threads

I have absolutely no idea why anyone would regard this as an 'anti-LOA thread.' It is intended to stimulate open dialogue and respect all points of view. This response does, however, nicely underline the point that people are getting very attached to the idea of the 'law of attraction' (or the idea of not believing in it) and, consequently, not seeing the wood for the trees.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by hkalchemy

I have absolutely no idea why anyone would regard this as an 'anti-LOA thread.'

Well, you could try looking at its title.

[KeithHandy]

Originally Posted by Jennihul

These vast concepts have even been hidden in tomes like the Bible, games like Tarot and fairy tales told to children, just to keep it alive because it's one of the most meaningful pieces of knowledge a human can possess. A movie (brochure) comes out to re-awaken this ideal in the average schmo and people take a glance at it and decide it sucks.

Well, there ya go. Joe Schmo says it sucks.

I have nothing to add to this except:

(There isn't some sort of "laugh" emoticon? Oh well. Close enough.)

[nightdiamond]

Hi Jennihul, hkalchemy,

Good points on the subject, keep going let's mix it up now!

I approach not just The Secret or LOA with some skepticism, but many other topics dealing with the paranormal or metaphysics with it too.

This is mainly because of a few reasons:

So I don't waste time and effort on something that doesn't work or is just plain silly;

To protect myself and others hopefully, from being exploited and experiencing disappointment- there is a REAL danger of being exploited if you fall for a dangerous belief or get involved with a cult without realizing it, you can lose a lot...

So that I won't pass on the wrong or useless information to someone else interested in the same subject, but is just beginning....

I use this skepticism as a tool to help me learn more and maybe faster and more accurately, not as a way to discourage other people and myself from believing in something that has potential.

I like to personally test and experience results when it comes to subjects like these and then I have the proof for myself and a solid foundation to believe and know it's real. That's why I am comfortable with skepticism and other people's skepticism; when I do accept an idea like I.M, it's based on my own experience and proof I have received, available to me to remember or review when I need to.

So for example, if I am really interested in yoga and the powers it says you may develop from it, then it will be good for me to practice caution when exploring different gurus, teachers, ashframs, etc, because this area is full of fraud and exploitation. If not I may waste a lot of time and effort for nothing, or end up being exploited by a cult.
If I see a belief system with a lot complaints, criticism and extreme ideas coming out of it, then it would make sense, at least for me, to be cautious and not be afraid to be skeptical of it, as long as I am respectful...

Ok that's it, too much typing I'm tired again! Take care everbody, keep discussing.....

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by nightdiamond

This is my opinion and just my opinion on this subject; One problem with concepts like these is that even if it's honest, well meaning and true, the cult mentality somehow always finds a way in and then exaggerates, distorts, and twists the ideas around and innocent people unfortunately get exploited.

Me and a friend used to joke about releasing a product with the words "Old!", "Discipline Required!" and "Takes a Lifetime to See Results" blazoned across the front. Maybe it could be called "The Truth."

Would you buy it? Or would you rather be "exploited"?

For example, psychics and the afterlife; when promoting themselves, many self proclaimed psychics or mediums confidently claim they can talk or communicate with the deceased; Not receiving vague letters, but communicate, like direct 2 way communication.

And yet on stage in front of a camera the best they seem to do is this; "I'm getting an.. "A" ....does your Aunt's name start with an A? Yes, She's telling me it Ab-- is that right? Ok, yes it Abby she says her name is Abby...." If this medium is really communicating with the dead, then why he or she are only getting letters? And even then the medium must first confirm it with the audience member or person in the session before moving to the next letter... and then comes the investigation by Dateline or 20/20 and the expose......

Does this sound convincing to someone who is really seeking answers to the mystery of life and death?

I think this question is fundamental. Are people who are talking to the dead really looking for the answers to the Mystery? Most likely they are looking for comfort. Even if the medium is just good at cold reading, the people are getting what they want.

Come to think of it, people tend to find what they are looking for. If they don't find it in place A, they look elsewhere. I've gone through religion after religion, philosophy after philosophy, and I always find the same thing. That could mean that there is really only one true religion universal to all. Or it could mean that I always find what I am looking for.

But once I see how it really looks, and see only people seeming to just up and come down again while sitting crossed legged, you might not blame me for feeling disappointed.

Are we still talking about manifesting?

To me, it seems obvious that you see what you believe. Every person I've ever met believes first and then perceives.

Just like this discussion here: if you believe LOA works, you see the evidence for it. If you don't believe it works, you see the opposite.

Is it hokey to say, "If you think about fat, you'll get fat. I can eat whatever I want and stay thin because I think thin"? I think so. But Rhonda Byrnes isn't interested in the truth-seekers as much as the customers. And she saw customers.

I'm glad you are a skeptic, by the way. You bring up some good questions.

[hkalchemy]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Well, you could try looking at its title.

Yes, well fair enough - the title was supposed to be a bit provocative. But the message itself was just an invitation to discuss.

[nightdiamond]

Beliefs are very important things to people and can be the most valuable and the most dangerous things to us as well. Why? I think because beliefs are SO powerful, that it has motivated humans to kill for them, die for them, and do also number of GOOD things, like sacrificing for other people, giving without thought of a reward, many many things..

Then there are also the crazy, illogical things... just now, think about the polygamy sect in Texas and what these people believe and have acted on...and the accusations of exploitation....abuse...

The Heaven's gate cult and what they believed and did on behalf those beliefs....

Beliefs are that important because once we have accepted a belief, in a way we make it a part of our identity...for some people, insult a belief, and you insult a person...

That's why I think we have to be very careful when it comes to beliefs; once we accept them we carry them around like a ring on a finger, always with us, until we are able to change them.
And of course we all know it isn't very easy to get rid of an old belief, even if it's a disadvantage to you....

That's where I think strength of mind comes in... although everyone perceives their own reality in some way, there is also such a thing as common sense and being practical.....

We can admit everyone perceives their own reality...But having the strength of mind to say, 'that medium is a scam artist' or 'they're not really flying!!!' (lol) will save one a lot time and disappointment and will keep them from a fate like what is happening to those poor children and women in that polygamy sect..
It will also keep you in the real world, so you can see things more accurately...

And this can be applied to enlightment seeking, I.M even making money at home opportunities....

From Mercuryrising:

I think this question is fundamental. Are people who are talking to the dead really looking for the answers to the Mystery? Most likely they are looking for comfort. Even if the medium is just good at cold reading, the people are getting what they want.

Come to think of it, people tend to find what they are looking for. If they don't find it in place A, they look elsewhere. I've gone through religion after religion, philosophy after philosophy, and I always find the same thing. That could mean that there is really only one true religion universal to all. Or it could mean that I always find what I am looking for

But in this case, the people don't know they're being fooled, and usually later on they may be the very ones to feel so disappointed to find it wasn't real...after all why DO so many people move from religion to religion after at first believing and finding comfort in those religions? Because perhaps later they discover something different that disallusions them and they feel they have no choice but to drop the religion or belief and move on.The others that don't continue to be expolited even if they're not aware they are...

For me I really prefer knowing over just believing, if it's possible.. I think there is a big difference in receiving comfort from a medium who may be cold reading and having a near death experience oneself..actual direct experience of your own...

Great debate guys, chime in, chime in, I'll be back!