The term law of attraction has been floating around since 2006, when the revolutionary film and book, The Secret, brought this universal principle to light. It is often described as the science of attracting what you want, but what does that actually mean, and how can you put it into practice in your daily life?
The law of attraction is complex, so it’s not uncommon to feel skeptical about whether it actually works or confused by what it means. So we’ve put together this guide to simplify the concept and give you a better understanding of how the law of attraction can bring positive change to your life.
Contents
Is the Law of Attraction Real?
Many people feel skeptical towards the law of attraction as there is no scientific evidence that the law exists. However, there is some research out there that supports positive thinking and visualization. For example, one review found that visualizing what you want increases the likelihood of getting it. It also correlates to quantum physic theories around energetic and vibrational elements.
Most of the concern around the law of attraction is due to a lack of understanding. People find it hard to accept an idea that they do not fully understand. However, many people do not realize that the law of attraction is similar to what many religions teach.
For example, Buddhism teaches the concept of karma and how “like attracts like.” What we put out into the world determines what we receive back. With the law of attraction, this is true in both our external actions and our thoughts.
What Law of Attraction Means
Unknown to most, people have been practicing and teaching the law of attraction for a very long time. For example, Napoleon Hill spoke about this law in his book “Think and Grow Rich” back in 1937. Napoleon Hill taught that “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” meaning that our thoughts create our reality.
Going back much further into history, ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said: “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
The simple concept of the law of attraction is that everything starts with your thoughts. The life you are living today is a result of your thinking up until now. And, the future is determined by the ideas you will choose from this day forward. If you think positive thoughts, you will attract positive things, and if you think negative thoughts, you will attract negative things. Therefore, with the law of attraction, you consciously use your thoughts to manifest what you want into reality.
The law of attraction works in all areas of your life. People have used the power of visualization to attract money, jobs, partners, houses, and health. But, of course, it is not a magic spell, and you still have to put in the work. For example, suppose you want to be a world-champion boxer. Simply thinking about it is not enough; you’ll still need to dedicate years of your life to training, developing a solid, disciplined work ethic.
How to Use the Law of Attraction for the First Time
To use the law of attraction, you have to first understand how it works. The principle of the practice is that everything in the universe operates on a specific frequency. Sometimes what you want in life is on a higher frequency than the one you’re currently on. You can only listen to your favorite radio station once you tune in to its specific frequency. The same is true for your desires; you can only attract them by operating on their vibrational level.
So how do you reach the vibrational level of our desires? The answer is simple; by believing that you already have these things. When you think that you already have something, you put out a matching frequency into the universe. Then, once you’re vibrating at the same level, you will start to attract it and see it enter your physical reality.
It’s also important to note that to succeed with the law of attraction, your desire for what you want has to be strong. If you don’t emotionally connect with your goal, the principle is unlikely to work.
For example, you’re unlikely to manifest a large amount of money if you do not have a sincere desire to become wealthy. However, suppose your deepest value is caring for your family and building a financially free future for your children. In that case, you will be emotionally involved in your desire, and manifestation will become easier.
So, if you’re ready to give it a go, here’s what you need to do:
1. Switch Your Mindset
If you always tend to see the bad in situations, you’ll need to practice positive thinking to raise your vibration. Negative thoughts live on a low vibration where nothing of value can be manifested. So if you continuously think negatively, all you will see come into your reality is more things to complain about.
Instead, catch yourself whenever you think a negative thought and transform it to the positive opposite. Of course, this takes time, but the more you practice, the easier thinking positively will become.
2. Write a Daily Gratitude List
One of the best ways to think more positively is to write a list of 3 to 5 things you feel grateful for each day. By doing this, you’re actively training your mind to focus on the good stuff instead of the bad, and over time, you’ll start to operate on a higher frequency.
3. Visualize Your Dream
Once you’re operating on a higher frequency, you’ll be more receptive to your desires. To bring an idea into reality, you’ll need to start visualizing it. There are many guided meditations available that can help you do this. However, you can also do it by yourself. Sit in silence, close your eyes, and create an image of yourself achieving the thing that you desire.
The key to visualization is to picture your desire with as much detail as you can. Picture what your surroundings look like and involve all your senses, imagining what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
4. Use Affirmations
Along with visualizing your desire, write and speak it too. Create an affirmation statement in the present tense, such as “I am so happy and grateful now that….” Write it multiple times a day and speak it out loud to yourself. Stating that you already have your desire will trick your brain into believing it, and thus, you’ll match the frequency of your goal and start attracting it.
Can the Law of Attraction Be Dangerous?
There is no danger of practicing the law of attraction, but it can lead to emotional repression. With manifestation, you focus on thinking positively, which can cause you to ignore and repress negative emotions.
Therefore, it’s vital for anyone using the law of attraction to know the importance of accepting and allowing negative emotions. This is a healthy response to managing our “dark side,” as acceptance will enable us to release challenging thoughts and feelings. Conversely, it can be detrimental to your mental health to invalidate and repress your emotional state. So, if you notice negative emotions arising when practicing manifestation, take time to acknowledge them first.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t see yourself as a spiritual person, the law of attraction can be a difficult concept to accept. However, the fact that you are researching the topic shows that you are keen to positively change your life. We reap what we sow, and if we sow positive thoughts in our minds, we reap positive results in our life. So give it a go; you have nothing to lose!
