'The Secret' - positive thinking. Has it worked for you?

[mumnosbest]

ive just watched a documentary based on the book 'The Secret'. if you haven't seen/read it, it basically promotes positive thinkng and says if you visualise what you want hard enough and dont think about the negatives then you can achieve anything.

Now whilst i believe in positive thinking not always easu , can it really bring wealth, cure disease or even bring you a cup of coffee?

easu = easy

My friend absolutely swears by it. Haven't looked into it myself so can't comment.

I think there are two answers to this question.

Firstly, from a rational perspective I would have to say that it is extremely unlikely to be true. You only have to ask yourself what the mechanism for such a thing happening might be: How does thinking a thing make it so? Who listens to that thought? How do they action it to make the thought come true? Can we not imagine (probably) many, many situations where someone has wanted something and it has not happened: Health, the return of a loved one, freedom from persecution or abuse, freedom from hunger and poverty. . . ?

Secondly, I think you could make a case to say that you are more likely to find a way to get what you want yourself if you keep your mind firmly and positively on the thing you want: People will see you are serious and may help you, you will see opportunities that you might otherwise miss if you weren't focused (I think that's probably quite important) and you will make sacrifices and choices which are more likely to lead you to whatever it is you want.

geomancer i think im with you. i do think positive thinking can help you achieve things but to cure paralysis or bigger goals like winning the lottery just through thought? Apparently this doubt is what holds us back.

Agree with sciencelover.
What is prayer, if not a form of the same sort of thing? Putting your mind in a neutral state and visualising things you would like to happen - to me this makes the things in your control much more likely. Obviously it has no effect on things outside your control, like curing the sick etc.

Sure, positive thinking can't hurt but I don't know about "you can achieve anything".

I know several wonderful people with beautiful minds, who thought very positive thoughts every day until cancer took them

i have the book and wathced to dvd, when i started to read the book i had the intention that once i learned the 'secret' i can have what ever i want will rinse it

.......well not even half way through the book it had taught me that i dont NEED any thing, what i have is sufficient and that my eyes are more open to being grateful for what i already have! i havent even bothered trying to manifest anything.

I have so much gratitude for what i have i dont feel like im in need of millions, or a huge home or life of luxury? ive even stopped doing the lotto! which i spent £15 a week so now ive gained £15 a week

my view on life is 100% better and less bleak then what i actually thought it was. im a more forgiving, kinder, generous person....and if thats what im putting out to the universe.....its what im getting back