Article on Law of Attraction - published on my Yahoo column on 2/15

Everybody has been jumping on "The Secret" bandwagon. Alright, so it's not completely original. But this stuff works, why not use it?

"The Secret is Out"
Posted on Capessa Blog 2/15/07

Thoughts become Things. That is the central idea of the Law of Attraction. It’s been talked about in spiritual self-development circles for quite some time. Last week, I was thrilled to see Oprah talking about a very cool DVD and book called “The Secret”. It came out in the middle of 2006, and I first saw it at a workshop I attended last July. I came away from the movie feeling empowered and energized. I am so excited to see these ideas becoming more mainstream!

The premise is simple, yet extremely profound in its implications. Whatever you focus on, you attract into your life. If you are always worried about being in debt and focusing on all the bills you have to pay, doesn’t it seem to get worse? What if you focused your thoughts on abundance instead? What if you took all the energy that you use worrying about all the bad things that can happen, and turned it in a positive direction?

There are several practical exercises you can do to start that flow of positive energy in your life, no matter how bad things may seem right now.

Instead of feeling the lack of certain things, look at your life and all the great things you do have – cultivate an “Attitude of Gratitude”. I may have said this in a previous post, but start a Gratitude Journal. Every night before you go to sleep, write down 3 things that you are grateful for, perhaps focusing on a different area each night. After doing this exercise for one week, try writing a list of 50 things! You may have to stretch your mind to realize so many things we take for granted, like hot showers, your computer and even the fact that you woke up this morning!

Now, look at the things you want to change or improve. Maybe you want a better relationship with your spouse/significant other, or you are single and would like to be in a relationship. Perhaps you’d like to make more money, reduce your debts, or you want to lose weight, and have a healthier lifestyle. How about finding a career that you love AND that pays the bills?

Turn these wants and wishes into statements. State them ALWAYS in the positive, and in the present tense. These are called affirmations. Some examples might be:

• I am in a loving and caring partnership.
• I am creating abundance in every area of my life
• I am earning plenty of money
• I am getting a lean, healthy body
• I am taking the steps toward my ideal career

Work on one area at a time for at least 3 weeks. Write your chosen affirmation(s) on sticky notes, and paste them where you will see them – in your car, on your fridge, phone, computer or bathroom mirror. Say them out loud, at least 3 times every morning and evening. When negative thoughts come up, replace them with your new, positive affirmations.

Here’s a really fun exercise – create a Vision Board. Go through old magazines and cut out pictures and words that represent the things and the life you want, then paste them on a poster board. Hang it in a place where you will see it. I searched the Internet for more detailed information on how to create your board. Christine Kane has some great ideas on her blog: http://www.christinekane.com/blog

It’s your life, and it’s up to you to create it! What is stopping you?