The Law Of Attraction

Some of my friends over the years online and off are advocates of the Law of Attraction. I have seen them become so disappointed when their strong belief does not come to pass the way they had believed it would. I have at times thought them to have been so disserved after they were introduced to this way of thinking and belief. They are the sweetest of people who truly wish the best for themselves and others. From this perspective, I think their philosophy bring wonders of positivity to our world.

There are, however, some sticking points that have kept me from abiding comfortably with the Law of Attraction. Ways in which it might lead you astray. 

1. It seems to encourage you to desire positive circumstances and possessions.

Life is constantly changing. There are periods of gain and periods of loss. When we learn to accept this cycle gracefully, we come to see that genuine happiness comes from within, and doesn’t depend on the externals of life.

Desire, on the other hand, is like drinking salt water. It just makes you thirst for more. Then, if it doesn’t manifest, disappointment, discouragement may result.

“What is born will die,

What has been gathered will be dispersed,

What has been accumulated will be exhausted,

What has been built up will collapse,

And what has been high will be brought low.”

When you understand the fluid nature of reality, you can open to the richness in each moment instead of hankering after something else.

2. It can make sickness or failure seem like your fault, amplifying your distress.

According to Buddhist thought, and the Biblical suggestion that we reap what we sow, our current circumstances are the result of our past actions, but that doesn’t mean we can change them in a blink of an eye. We can influence our karma by how we act now, but each “karmic” result has its own timeframe, and won’t simply go away due to the strength or repetition of your wish.

Of course, our thoughts influence our health. However, it’s more complex than that. If you get cancer, you might be able to heal it, or you might die. There’s a subtle art to knowing what can be changed, and when, instead, it’s time to let go. Neither way is right or wrong, it’s just the unfolding of your own individual life.

3. Attempting to satisfy our desires solidifies the sense of self, the source of trouble itself.

The self is just a handy label for a conglomeration of body parts and passing thoughts. It’s not a single, solid, permanent entity, but more like a dream or an illusion. The belief in a permanent self is exactly what leads us into hope and fear, attachment and aversion, and all sorts of wooly behaviors that just bring on the distress.

4. The world is out of balance. Our individual actions make it better or worse.

This physical world has limits. There isn’t an endless supply of resources. When you take more than your share it has an impact on others. That’s the simple truth of interdependence. All these wants and desires add up, and adversely impact the environment.

I believe the mind is powerful. What we think, say, and do has consequences. I appreciate how the Law of Attraction reminds us to be cognizant of the content of our mind.

But instead of always wanting more or different, true and real happiness is found in being content with what you have.