The latest wave of self-help hype has been brought forth by the highly publicized book/video “The Secret”. The Secret’s main premise is developing wealth and personal freedom through observing the “Law of Attraction”.

The Law of Attraction can be summarized as “your dominant thoughts evoke emotions which then attract experiences and physical manifestations”. For example, if one thinks he/she is overweight and expresses negativity towards his/her physically, this person will continue to attract habits and lifestyle patterns that will maintain or increase this body weight. Same is true for wealth, if one visualizes and FEELS wealth, then wealth will come forth into one’s life.

The Law of Attraction has many positive attributes in offering people a method of analyzing lifestyle and thus making qualitative efforts to change thought and actions. Where the Law of Attraction often fails is in the delivery of its’ message and application by the presenters/authors.

The Law of Attraction is easily misused by presenters to present the notion that one can wish wealth into one’s life. Given that many people already live lives burdened by attainment and desire, this only moves people further into a cycle of wanting and misery.

Do these presenters establish the foundation required to support the observance of this “law”. The foundation needed far before focusing on gaining wealth is the observance and practice of santosha. Santosha, in yoga, is the practice of experiencing genuine contentment in the now. Before reaching forward to having more in one’s life, can one say with truthfulness and joy, “I am happy with who am I, where I am in my life, with all that I have, with my path in life”? Out of the observance of santosha develops a powerful practice of gratitude- thankfulness for our relationships, our health, our careers, even thankfulness for negative experiences as they teach us bountiful lessons of ourselves and our character.

Before applying the Law of Attraction and trying to attain material wealth, santosha and gratitude will keep one grounded against the negative impact of desire and attachment. Can one proceed to acquire wealth in the manner that these presenters suggest and maintain the attitude that as much as one becomes willing to receive, one must have equal willingness to give away. Will this material gain be the facilitator of happiness. What if all that is gained is suddenly lost? Will the foundation of santosha and gratitude be there to keep the person grounded? Once material goals are achieved and wealth is acquired, does one bask in joyfulness of now or does one neglect to see the fruitfulness of life and instead move on to the next desiring wish?

This brings one to the basic question of “what is wealth”? Should we not view wealth purely as healthy abundance? Abundance in positive energy, relationships, health and experiences? Can one live in abundance without all the material clutter and distractions?

So when observing presenters offering their view of applying the Law of Attraction, one should take a step back and, with an objective eye, note how they are using this concept in their presentation. Are they using this concept in a fanciful marketing tactic to attract people already trapped in society’s mistaken quest for material wealth? Or are they using the Law of Attraction to facilitate positive foundation towards healthy, mindful growth and development?

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