Thoughts become things!

by Benjamin Bernstein

Recently, I've done a lot of reading and experimenting with the Law of Attraction. This ancient principle, most recently popularized by the DVD and book The Secret, says that you can mentally manifest whatever you desire into the physical world.

Many books have been written about this idea down through the generations - my current favorite is The Attractor Factor, 2^nd Edition, by Joe Vitale - but at its essence the technique boils down to this:

1. Imagine what you desire as if it has already manifested. Direct a 3-D movie in your mind, living out your desired reality in your imagination in as much detail as possible. Ideally, engage all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

2. As you visualize, feel powerful, positive emotions. Fill yourself with happiness, euphoria, joy, bliss and ecstasy. In your imagination, celebrate the fact that what you desired is here now!

3. To insure that your visualization is in harmony with divine law, end with the Karma-Free Safety Clause:"This, or something better, now manifests for the highest good of all concerned." This gives Spirit permission to substitute as needed to keep your manifestaton karma sparkling clean. It also lets you do worry-free, full-power visualizing!

To deal with any negative thoughts that come up as you visualize - and this process does tend to smoke them out! - use the Pivot Technique.

A common criticism of The Secret is that it seems focused exclusively on the selfish manifestation of material desires. However, the Law of Attraction can just as easily used to manifest things and situations that benefit others.

Finally, don't worry about how your desires will manifest - that's up to Spirit. Don't tie the universe's hands by insisting that what you desire has to be delivered in a particular way, since this may delay its manifestation. However, if you can see ways in which your own efforts can help bring it about, by all means lend a hand!