Today my roommate is getting his car repaired. For weeks I have been hearing things like, “that thing just keeps breaking down,” or “that car’s costing me tons of money.” These things are true, as they have to be. I mean, he’s got an estimate for the long list of repairs: brakes, tires, radiator, and some reason that the check-engine light is on- which I do not remember. The need for repairs is true; it’s factual, it’s on paper in black and white. The puddle under the car also testifies to this.
For several years I have been on a quest into the meaning of my life, experience, past, present, and If I dared to think of it, my future. I have learned so much and as they say, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” From Dyer to Vitale, Neville, and Hay, I’ve been a voracious student, and teachers – as promised – appeared and continue to do so.
Here’s what I’ve learned: I’m responsible. You’re responsible. We all are. What does that mean? And for how much of our lives are we responsible? You already know the answer. All of it. That’s hopeful and dreadful all at the same time, isn’t it? I mean, if I’m responsible for everything I experience then I get to take the credit, accolades, and pat myself on the back. It also means I have a new load of blame, guilt, and shame. The question is: are those really the two sides of this coin?
Many in recent years have been introduced to the Law of Attraction, as we’re calling it in today’s pop-psychology-turned-spiritual jargon. It’s a true law, but it’s only the beginning. Perhaps you’ve seen videos like The Secret, or read one of the many books on the subject. Interesting, isn’t it? The Law of Attraction basically states that “like attracts like,” or “what you focus on expands.” Are these true statements? Yes, they are. Any High School coach uses these ideas in creating vision, drive, and performance in the players. Whether you believe these things come to be due to a metaphysical, vibration-driven universe or just psychology is irrelevant. Experience with it proves it true, every time. Even if someone thinks they’re unsuccessful in “using” it, it actually worked. That’s why we have to go deeper.
If you read any of the authors who spoke in videos like The Secret (which I have) they all take it to the next level. Knowledge of the Law is a start, an awakening from victimhood. It is a door to walk through; a gate to another level. Doors and gates are not designed to be residences, but entrances to something greater. Many practitioners and proponents stop at this basic level. They will be awoken to the fact, as I was, that it’s just the beginning.
If you think I’m going to end soon by blasting my roommate for his limited thinking, believing, and speaking, and how he’s creating his own car problems now and in the future – you’re wrong. Maybe I could, but it’s not my point. My point may surprise or infuriate you – just keep reading, then you decide.
Let’s look at this Law of Attraction (after this referred to as LOA, to show my expertise – or my need for abbreviation) from the two standpoints I mentioned above; metaphysical and psychological.
A Vibrational Universe
Metaphysically, LOA (told you) says you offer a vibration, in thought, and you attract into your life whatever your predominant thought offering is. That’s nice, keep thinking about the car I want, or relationship, or job, and poof! It will appear. But there’s more to it than that. Have you ever tried affirmations? Probably, as have I, but they sometimes work and then suddenly don’t. Why? Aren’t I putting out a vibration with that affirmative thought, one that should bring it into being? Again – yes and no.
What’s more important than thoughts? You guessed it – beliefs. My subconscious mind carries far too much weight, like the submerged portion of an iceberg, to be easily swayed by my thoughts. Thoughts are a start, an awakening out of thinking like a victim to that of a King, but they’re as influential as sun melting droplets of ice on that iceberg. The lower part – the real part – is cold, massive, and firmly rooted in the current, not the waves of passing thoughts.
Beliefs are the key. I don’t believe there is any good reason to root out and relive traumatic events, but it is imperative to root out and examine the beliefs we have that may be due to them. Why do I feel like a victim, a loser, a failure? Why do my efforts seem to be sabotaged by someone “out there” every time? Find good information on this. I suggest Joe Vitale’s, “The Attractor Factor,” Neville’s, “The Power of Awareness,” or Dr. Wayne Dyer’s, “Wishes Fulfilled.” Then do the work. We must expose our beliefs, even just to ourselves, and examine them in the light of day. Are they really true? Do they serve me? What would happen if I changed this belief? Then you’re changing the composition of the underwater part, and that’s where a change of life experience takes place.
I’m Not Crazy. I’m Not, I’m Not, I’m Not
Psychologically, the LOA works as well. We have our beliefs, and they are the commands to our subconscious mind on what we “know” to be true, whether they are or not. Research shows that the subconscious mind doesn’t evaluate our beliefs, just acts on them, whether they’re real or imagined, rational or ridiculous. This is wonderful. That means there is power in my perception, but like a super-villain in a movie, if only that power could be used for good.
Have you ever known someone who just could not catch a break, as if every opportunity sidestepped them? Have you been that person? Conversely, have you known someone who seemed to have a touch for alchemy? It seemed everything they touched turned to gold. Well, why is that? We come back to our best frenemy, our beliefs.
The subconscious mind is designed to allow you to focus on one thing at a time, freeing you from the onslaught of data you encounter. You do not just decide what to narrow your focus on, like a photographer using a telephoto lens cutting out the rest of the scene. Your subconscious takes an active role in deciding where you look and what you narrow in on. It does this because that is its job, and you give it instructions on how to do this with your beliefs.
So, from a non-metaphysical standpoint, the LOA is your own subconscious mind, giving you what you expect and believe, with one goal in mind. To prove you are not crazy. You see, if our beliefs are wrong, our very identity is on shaky ground. In this way, it acts as a huge, muscular, big brother, walking with us through our day, protecting us and pointing out what makes us most happy. What makes us most happy is not what we dream will, but what verifies our own beliefs and expectations. In this way, it’s a useful companion, just not a very bright one.
Wrap it up, Drew
I’ll end this post for today. Next time, I’ll dig a little deeper. If I am responsible, in whichever way above you espouse, then it follows that what is in my experience is my responsibility. So what is in my experience: my finances, my relationships, my roommate’s car problems? I mean, I cannot work on him; I can only work on me, right? The answer may surprise you. I’ll sum it up with my favorite motto, one that I’ll give Dr. Joe Vitale the credit:
“It’s not my fault, but it is my responsibility”
Hmmm. Thank you for listening.
Practical Sprituality 