So, I was watching Oprah yesterday and it was all about this book (and a couple others) that my massage therapist had raved about and I never got of course. Have you read it? It's all about the power of positive thinking and seems pretty simple. This idea is actually a biblical concept regarding the power of your thoughts and tongue but it seems this lady has revealed how to practically do this...is it worth the read?

Be very careful, the author Rhonda Byrne sounds a lot like L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. Most cults have a biblical foundation but it is when they steer away from the concept of salvation and we can obtain joy outside of Christ are we left with devasting consequences.

While i agree that we have only begin to tap the human brain's potential, we are nothing without the power of the almighty God. A joyful life can only be obtained when we are walking daily with Christ.

I have seen the video, and to me it's just a basic message with a lot of feel good stuff.

Friends loaned my husband and I the video of "the Secret." We lasted about 2 minutes after turning to each other and exclaiming, "Sorry, little kid with cancer or other terminal condition - you weren't thinking POSITIVELY!" "Sorry, victim of tragic accident or crime, you weren't thinking POSITIVELY!" I don't believe that visualization or positive thinking (while certainly helpful and encouraging) can shape your life and ward off all the "bad stuff." Bad things happen. Period. For no reason. Period. Same with good things. Just my take.

However, obviously lots of folks have chosen to drink this Kool Aid and, if it gives them comfort, more power to 'em!

I think it is a pretty simple and age old piece of knowledge that the more positive things we think and do, the better off we are. I read the book...actually part of it before deciding it was just a new way to communicate what we all already know...basically, you reap what you sow, or get what you give etc. Great advice!

Would you narrow minded people prefer people with tragic diseases to have negative thoughts. I would only think not.
In this world full of negative thinking a little positive thinking would be very refreshing.
Nothing good you have ever accomplished came about because negative thoughts.
Enough with you shallow people.
You are probably atheists as well.
As a matter of fact I will not waste another word with you.
You only bring me down.

PS: My wife would have had a more difficult time if she hadn’t had positive thought when she had cancer.
She has been healthy now for over 10 years.

Sonny

Yes..being positive is the only way to be. That is why I stated (as did others)that this (the secret)was good advice. I referred to the fact that there was not a lot new in the book as this wisdom has been handed down through the ages. I wish you and your wife the best.

Everyone has their own way of thinking, and no one else can alter by force another person's thinking.
Blaming a group of people for how it makes one person feels doesn't give off positive energy. Neither does assuming that entire group is one thing, like being atheists, as what was given by example. From my understanding, all being an atheist means is not believing in religion or a god. It has nothing to do with what kind of person one is or a group of people.
We all have our opinions and as this group grows and incorporates more individuals, we need to respect those opinions, otherwise this will not be an enjoyable group to be in.

My sis has the movie...we haven't watched it yet..but from what I understand it is nothing like Scientology...scientology represents itself as a religion...The Secret is more of a mindset...ie..staying positive or thinking positively. It's not a religion and it doesn't ask you to follow a certain "leader", just to change the way you look at things. Instead of assuming something will go wrong, assume that something will go right. That whatever you want to accomplish you can.
I agree with Tammy too...we are a diverse group and that is a good thing. Name calling and jumping on people generally isn't a great introduction....

ok, please don't take my post wrong, there is nothing wrong with thinking positively, i stress it to my son who has anger issues...

however, when we start to place more importance on "positive thinking" rather than relying on God, we are missing the mark.

i appreciate being able to express my opinions and views here openly and honestly. thank you to those who were quick to remind us that respect is what makes that possible.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE maintain a level of respect and maturity when posting. Remember that we are all part of the same club here and as previously stated it's the diversity of backgrounds and opinions that makes this forum beautiful. We can learn from each other by being open-minded and considerate. Thank you all for your comments and sharing your experiences.

Thanks, Mary. Well put.