Self Actualization Resource

With the release of "The Secret" in 2006, the Law of Attraction has once again come into the spotlight. However, the Law of Attraction is not a new concept. According to a wikipedia article, this concept can be traced back as early as 1879. More recently, Louise Hay was interviewed by Mark Oppenheimer for the New York Times. On page three of the article he asks her some pointed questions about whether victims of genocide are to blame for their own deaths. In short, Louise was forced to respond “yes.” Does the Law of Attraction equal blaming the victim?

Quoted in the same article, Louise Hay says “In no way am I trying to create guilt for anyone.” But, Mr. Oppenheimer states “she cannot escape her own logic: if our thoughts create our circumstances, then we are always, in the end, to blame.” Can we reconcile these differing points of view?

In her book, “You Can Heal Your Life,” Ms. Hay encourages readers not to feel guilt about their current situation; they did the best they could do with the knowledge they possessed. Instead, starting now, they should embrace their power to create a new situation. It is this perspective on things that I think is most helpful.

Louise Hay is not the only (nor definitive) source for the definition of the Law of Attraction. She does, however, provide a high profile example of someone who clearly believes in and practices it. Finally, she suggests a reasonable approach: believe in your ability to shape your own circumstances. While one can interpret the Law of Attraction (or any philosophy) to justify negative beliefs, one can also utilize the Law of Attraction to spur oneself to generate beneficial outcomes in the world. LoA ≠ BtV.

In love, peace, and true purpose,
Marc