Empowerment from Within

By Lauren Kennedy      http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

Our thoughts, intellect and rational processes of deduction have achieve a preferred status as the most dependable, reliable and intelligent method of managing our lives, our decisions, our goals, our relationships, our beliefs, our behaviors and even our emotions.

To be valid and factual, everything must be measurable, quantifiable, and finite.  Stoic self discipline and adherence to tradition are regarded as indicators of character, respectability,  dependability and loyalty. Routine, schedules, and structure are the framework for productivity, efficiency, and stability.

These concepts give us the illusion of security, control and entitlement. They are the basic underpinnings of maintaining a social  order, dictating appropriate norms, assigning  levels  of social acceptability and worth in our civilized societies.

The intellect is revered as our  premier faculty that enables us  to rise above our animal instincts  and establish civilization. We point to our superior intelligence as the quality that elevates us above the rest of the animal species.

Unfortunately, in the process, we are eliminating, devaluing, and denying the many characteristics and innate qualities that make us who we are. These same qualities have enabled us to take  the intuitive leap in perspective that has increased our understanding of the world, the universe, and our place and connection in the rest of creation.

Greatness Comes from Within

It was Einstein’s imagination and intuition that lead to a profoundly new perspective  that revised  the laws of physics. The wonder and curiosity that he felt for the incredible workings of the universe, fueled his determination, inspired his unorthodox theories  and instilled a belief in cooperation between nation’s rather than dominance.

Through their creativity and courage, the founding father’s of this country envisioned a new form of government and authored the constitution and principles of a new nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. facing a nation seeped in bigotry,  lead 25,000 people in a march, inspiring them to maintain his ideal of peaceful protest, while they endured act of violence against them.  It was his impassioned  vision, his commitment to his principles, and the positive energy that emanated from his spirit that moved a nation towards upholding its stated principles.

Mother Teresa fed, healed and comforted multitudes of people, generated funds and support through her unwavering compassion, determination and devotion. Empowered and guided by the inner voice of her spirit,  her resolve attracted the resources needed to continue her mission.

These examples of human achievement were not the result of intellect, adherence to convention, standards of social acceptability, or established logic.

The Impossible is Fueled by Passion and Desire

Each of these people accomplished the impossible, not through the powers of their intellect, but through qualities that are not measurable, definite or finite.  They became figures of progress, awareness, and transformation because of their willingness to override their intellectual rigidity and follow their passion, their intuition and the promptings of their spirit.

They were guided by their feelings, not their intellect. They may have used their intellect for the planning phase of their dream and to make the longing in their heart become a reality. But they were guided, motivated and energized by their feelings.

It is the range and depth of our feelings that make us the special and unique species that we have become. It is our feelings, in concert with our true intention that moves mountains, changes government, and inspires imagination, intuition and ultimately creations.

If Mind Resists, Emotions Persist

We blame our emotional reactions on our feelings. But it our mind’s resistance to experiencing them that causes our self defeating,  violent, and desperate actions. It is our inability to interpret their message that produces our missteps. It is our lack of knowledge that causes us to resist, suppress and condemn a source of energy that can produce our most powerful creations and our most meaningful and fulfilling experiences.

Feelings are the language of our soul. They are constantly telling us who we are Being in each interaction, in each circumstance , in each experience, in each moment.

And it is who I am Being, my true intention and my feelings that create my perception, my experience, my world.

If you would like to discover how to experience the freedom and abundance that you desire,

Call me at: 513-889-1870 to schedule a free consultation or email me: excellence@cinci.rr.com

to schedule an appointment.

And Then They Came for Us

by Lauren Kennedy http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

There has been a lot of emphasis on guarding our positive mindset by avoiding newscasts that report unpleasant or upsetting information. However, if we are going to be responsible participants in our democratic society, some current events demand our attention.

Freedom and personal rights are not a given. It takes diligence, responsibility, and participation to maintain a  government  that is for the people, by the people.

The Law of Attraction requires a positive attitude, affirming beliefs, and an unwavering conviction in one’s ability to achieve one’s desires.

It does not advocate wrapping ourselves in a cocoon of protection, to remain blissfully ignorant of other people’s pain or misfortune.  Compassion, empathy or sadness at the mistreatment of another, are not the negative energies that will rob us of our goals or prevent us from attracting our dreams.

Avoidance is Fear, and Fear Produces Negativity

The message of the Law of Attraction is not to withdraw from life. It is to embrace  the joys with wonder and gratitude and to face the tragedies that arise with empathy, courage, and change, while maintaining a positive, helpful and hopeful attitude.

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

This poem is dedicated to all the citizens snatched off the street and held without legal representation or outside contact, whose families don’t know if they are dead or alive as they arise on Christmas day – due to the Patriot Act.

And to the prisoners at Guatanamo, broken psyically, spiritually and emotionally for life. Guatanamo remains open, even after the Vice President’s acknowledgment of the use of a torture technique called water boarding. When the Japanese used that torture technique on American forces, they were prosecuted as war criminals.

“When chasing monsters, take care that you do not become one.”

The Promise

by Lauren Kennedy – http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

We are all searching for a formula that will bring us the success, security, respect and abundance that we desire. And humans have been searching for it since the moment we realized that there was more to life that mere survival.

The Law of Attraction is the latest theory that promises  a means of attaining ones goals and living ones dream.  However, there is nothing new about it’s concepts. Different teachers have expressed various aspects of it since the dawn of verbal communication.

But the Law of Attraction is not without it’s detractors. I imagine that many people discount the validity of the Law of Attraction because of the manner in which it is sometimes presented, the various interpretations,  and the mistaken belief that it is the only, or at least the most important Universal Law.

The Law of Attraction, and the other Universal Laws do not work like a 1 + 1 = 2  equation.  They are interdependent, interactive and contain variables for which no person has the exact values. Except perhaps the highly evolved, who seem to be rare indeed on planet Earth.

I know that I do not yet qualify. I remain hopeful, however. (smile)

No Crystal Ball

No one has yet developed a specific formula that will result in an individual having complete control over every circumstance and outcome in their life. Nor is that the intent of any Universal Law. In fact, one of the Universal Laws is about acceptance and surrender. I’ve noticed that it is one of the less popular ones .

Our desires motivate us to stretch our perceived limits and face our fears. As we pursue those goals, our choices  can elevate us to greater awareness, perception and empowerment.  Or we can choose to achieve our goals through manipulation, dishonesty and control.

When we are confronted by our fears and limitations, we can choose to acknowledge, experience and move through them by using our assets of imagination, creativity and courage. Or we can deny and resist them through repression, avoidance, self deception and control.

As we evolve and make choices that reflect our innate essence, we will experience  ourselves as the insightful, compassionate, honest, courageous and authentic individuals that we truly are.  We will reach our potential and fulfill our purpose.  But if we continue to allow our goals to take precedence over our integrity,  we will remain driven to compete for external power, control, and dominance.

The Purpose of Universal Laws are to Nudge us toward Evolution of Consciousness.

In the end, primary intent of the Law of Attraction and all Universal Laws is not to gratify the ego or to reward unbridled or a single minded drive to acquire power and wealth. Nor is it a tool by which to  accurately judge the the mindset of others.

Pain, hardship or disease do not necessarily reflect a negative or inferior mindset any more than power and wealth always reflect a mindset of integrity and character. Aspects such as priorities, core issues and beliefs, self worth, attitude, relationships and intention also enter into the equation. But the Law of Attraction does empowers us with the knowledge that we are co creators of our life experiences rather than merely victims as its mercy.

Co creation is very different than absolute control. However, we are the sole creators of our own individual character, beliefs, attitude, intentions and choices. With every thought, word, intention and action, we recreate ourselves anew in each moment.

Our desires, whether ignited by our curiosity, creative expression, quest for knowledge, need for spiritual wholeness, or longing to accomplish our goals or acquire material abundance, (wealth, respect, power, influence, etc.) are the carrots dangling just beyond our grasp. We are motivated to stretch  limits, broaden our perspective, and call up our courage in order to achieve our desires. As we strive to reach our goal, if our choices reflect the guiding principles of the Universal Laws,  the process will enhance our understanding, wisdom and character. We will become the person that we thought achieving our dream would make us.  Realizing our goal will then just be icing on the cake.

You can always loose wealth or power but you cannot loose what you have become.

It is the choices we make, the actions we take and our honest intentions that are the building blocks that we use to create ourselves.

Stretch Our Limits and We Expand Our Perception

Each time we stretch our limits and our character, we redefine ourselves. This inner growth reveals a keener awareness and an expanded perception through which we view the world. New information is unveiled through our feelings, desires, imagination, and interactions. As we experience the world through our expanded awareness and perception, a new desire arises. Motivated again to stretch our limits, we can choose to just reach our goals by any mean necessary. Or we can seek to fulfill our desire by challenging ourselve to ahere to the principles of our expanded awareness and understanding. Through our honest intention and sincere efforts, we will once again experience ourselves as the person we envisioned in our desire, becoming ever closer to experiencing the inner peace and personal freedom that we truly desire

The Universal Laws, Attraction, Karma, reciprocity, acceptance, the power of now, to name a few are inexorably  guiding us to consciously evolve . But we have free will about the course we take.

And if expanded awareness, evolution of consciousness and wisdom are not enough to motivate you to learn, understand and apply the Universal Laws, consider this: In reality,we believe that all of our goals and desires  are the ingredients necessary to gain a few universally sought after commodities – happiness, security and peace of mind.

And peace of mind, security, happiness and freedom represent the ultimate promise for appliying and adhereing to the Laws of the Universe. The new house and car are a bonus.

Positive Power Principles

by Lauren Kennedy – http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

Be positive!

That is the victory cry of many experts, gurus, coaches, and mentors for achieving success and living your dreams.

I am an avid supporter of a positive attitude.  A positive attitude influences our thoughts, our perceptions,  our creativity, our sense of humor, our stamina, and our affect (that’s psychologist speak for emotional tone), regardless of our present circumstances.

So this seemed like a healthy ideology to advocate to others. But when I explored the actual concepts and the methodology of many of these Programs, I began having serious doubts about their effectiveness.

Many master mind groups,  forum,  blogs, newsletters and webinars, have adopted  these concepts.  The directive to be positive isn’t specifically referring to attitude as I had first assumed. The  main focus is on thoughts, feelings, information, and situations.

These programs’ primary theme is:

Your thoughts are solely  responsible for controlling your emotions and creating your life situation.

These Programs advocate the following:

○ Discount negative thoughts and immediately replace them with positive ones.

○ Promptly ignore and discard unpleasant emotions by focusing on positive thoughts, visualizing      pleasant images and thinking about happy memories.

○ Avoid all information depicting negative new, events or circumstances, revealing the abuses, pain or suffering of people, creatures or the state of the earth.

○ Match your vibrational energy to that of your dreams, desires or goals.

These Programs claim that by adhering to their suggested techniques, one will achieve a positive, successful life.

They stipulate that:
○ One must avoid acknowledging or exploring any issues that may cause discomfort;
○ That one must not discuss politics or religion due to possible conflict which can produce negativity:
○ That one need not examine instances of  corruption, deceit, dishonesty, abuse of human rights or the plight of the suffering because it will produce negative thoughts;
○ That one must not communicate their “negative” emotions plus one would be well advised to personally dismiss them and immediately replace them with happy thoughts.

○ It is ok however, to request suggestions for eliminating any unpleasant thoughts or feelings as long as one doesn’t share them.

But through observation and experience, I have discovered that in the end they often result in limitation, self denial,  inadequacy and avoidance. While these statements have merit in some contexts, applying them indiscriminately or applying them without some additional processes, render  superficial and short lived results at best and discouragement, denial, and depression at worst.

Believing  that we can isolate ourselves from the tragedy and pain in the world or believing that we can avoid experiencing unpleasant emotions, is shortsighted and naive. We often convince ourselves that if we follow some perfect plan of action then,  “It won’t happen to me,” whatever “it” might happen to be.

Excuse me. Yes it can!

No matter how well you visualize utopia, not matter how many wonderful thoughts you think and no matter how many positive memories you call up to drown out the unpleasant feelings, you cannot release unwanted emotions by repressing or resisting them. In addition, your thoughts can not control all outer situations, people, events or disasters from touching your life.  If our thoughts affect reality, then so do everyone’s thoughts. Excepts perhaps for a few highly evolved individuals, most of us have not developed our skill or ability manage thought energies to affect the intentions of a gang bent on destruction, to defend against the collusion of corrupt corporations or to change the course of a tornado or deflect a hurricane.

Empowerment is Key

True success, security and happiness result when we change our relationship with our emotions, change our attitude, change our perspective, and change our response (through a sense of empowerment and self efficacy) to the situations we encounter in life. To achieve your goals or  self growth, one must learn how to BE positive in spite of the disappointment, pain, and emotions which we will undoubtedly experience throughout the course of our lives.  The methods and skills necessary to achieve that kind of empowerment will dramatically improve your life experience.

What’s more, when we intentionally remain uninformed about unsettling issues, or purposefully choose to ignore or deny the plight of the suffering, the persecuted, the abused, the disadvantaged or the confused,  we are asserting one of two positions;

We choose to decline addressing the unjust suffering or excessive corruption to avoid our thoughts being contaminated by negativity,

We are dedicated to our Positive Program and therefore we are entitled to protect ourselves through isolation from all negativity or suffering;

Our Choices Shape Our Character

The rationalization that we should not help others because they are responsible to change their own thoughts has been misconstrued. We are assuming that their situation is the result of their own negativity. Whether we are faced with people who are starving because of a drought,  destitute because of layoffs, or people whose behaviors and irrational thoughts have precipitated their situation, integrity and compassion demand that we offer support and guidance when we can.

I am not advocating rescuing  someone from themselves. That is impossible, even when that someone is our own child. However I am suggesting that we are responsible to share our experience, strength, hope, time and support.

A Positive Attitude is Not Built on Fear, Isolation and Avoidance

A program truly dedicated to self growth must promote unity, not fear and isolation.
Self growth is about walking through our intellectual fears, not rationalizing them. In addition, no human has enough information, insight, or objectivity to judge whether another person’s situation is the result of their own negative thoughts. Nor is it our place to do so.

Positive Principles

Before withdrawing into these well disguised  notions of isolation and self denial,  consider these alternative principles.

Painful situations do not cause negativity. It is our perceptions, fears, resistance and attitude that produce our own negative reactions.  Notice that  I said negative reactions, not negative emotions.

Ignoring the effects of corruption, dishonesty, or abuse is in itself an injustice. Consider this famous quote. “Evil persists when good men do nothing.”

Understand, I am not advocating storming the dens of corruption and greed with guns blazing. That would be incongruent with a positive approach. Creativity, wisdom, insight, intuition and integrity are less dramatic but more productive ingredients for lasting results.

When we discount or ignore our thoughts and feelings, that is self abuse. Granted, there are many thoughts which we may decide that we want to replace. But dismissing them without exploration and randomly choosing a happy thought will not give us the results that we seek.

Feelings Are Messages for Growth

And regularly dismissing our feelings can have prolonged negative effects on our health, (mental and physical), our behavior and our self worth. Our feelings are a treasure chest of information. And they never lie to us. Our thoughts about a situation may be incorrect. But our negative feelings are shouting to us that something is not working.

For instance, our anger may or may not be the result of actual mistreatment. Perhaps it is our perceptions that we need to adjust. Or perhaps we need to set some boundaries and quit  being a door mat, seeking approval, or reacting out of fear of rejection.  Or maybe we need to make some changes in our situation, behavior or perception. But when we discount or dismiss our anger, we have cleverly relieved ourselves from the responsibility of making any alterations in our thinking, perceptions, situation or behavior. Now we just have to paste a smile on our face, act happy and commend ourselves for remaining detached and numb.

Contrary to some views, pretending to be happy does not result in happiness. Apologizing for your feelings is akin to apologizing for the truth. Conversely, wallowing in your feelings is self abusive and irresponsible. We must experience them,  discern their message, make choices based on that knowledge and then we can release them. Learning  to apply the methods that allow you to benefit from and partner with your feelings is a priceless wisdom.

How Do You Vibrate?

Do you know how to raise your vibrational energy level to match your desires?  There’s not many” how to” books on that. However, focusing on feeling and Being  like the person that you think you will be when you achieve your goals and desires will have a positive effect on how you think and feel.   And  have discovered that a positive attitude, having a positive outlook, looking for the positive in people and situations,  really improves how I feel. Feelings are energy in motions so I guess that qualifies as vibrational energy. In turn, my emotions have a huge effect on my thoughts,  beliefs and choices. And that ultimately affects my life circumstances and experiences.

Remember,  a person doesn’t attract what they want, they attract what they are. And one’s thoughts, feelings and actions flow from who one is BEing. Just thinking pretty thoughts will not fool the Universe or anyone else.

A program of being positive by avoiding unpleasantness, denying our feelings, compulsively ignoring negative thoughts,  evading  conversations with conflicting views and remaining unaware of tragedy, suffering, corruption and abuse, is not a program on how to remain positive. It is a program on how to remain unaware, how to act like Pollyanna,  and how to isolate oneself against the world in which one lives.

An effective program must contain methods to help the individual thrive in whatever circumstance they encounter.

It must show  people how to achieve their potential, their purpose and their dreams while coping with the world as it is, living life on life’s terms.  Although beating on the wall, hoping to change it into a door is a waste of time,  just visualizing a door in the wall is equally ineffective. Instead, visualize yourself outside in the sunshine while imagining a way out and perhaps you’ll discover how to make a door or find another exit.

Differences of opinion are part of life. Like it or not, political information is a crucial element in responsibly participating in the direction of the country in which we live. Corruption, abuse, suffering and calamity exist.

But we can still learn  to remain positive and supportive without avoiding unpleasant realities or  differences of opinions. We can address corruption and abuse with a positive approach. We can assist those in need without jeopardizing our own positive attitude.

A optimistic attitude is crucial to experiencing a successful life. Our attitude is shaped by outlook, our perspective, our priorities, our  sense of empowerment, our ability to manage our feelings, cope with changes, obstacles and challenges and most of all by being true to ourselves and our purpose.
Positive thoughts and visualization alone will not change your life or your life experience.  You must work the whole equation.

Being positive has become synonymous with sticking one’s head in the sand. If it doesn’t touch me, it doesn’t concern me. Mother Teresa was by anyone’s account a positive person. Yet, she dealt with human pain and misery daily. Had she avoided these issues for fear of tarnishing her positive outlook, many people would have been denied the gift of compassion, aid and hope that she contributed.

One of her quotes depicts the positive attitude and principles that allowed her to acknowledge and heal the suffering she encountered.

“I would not march against war, but I would march for peace.”

It is the difference between ignoring suffering and doing what one can to ease it. It is the difference between identifying an problem in order to find a solution  and bemoaning the hopelessness of human cruelty.  It is the difference between taking action to improve the lives of a few  individuals rather than declaring the enormity of the problem  a waste of time and effort. It is the difference between experiencing and interacting with the world as it is while maintaining a positive outlook. It is recognizing that the veil of self satisfaction can blind us to this truth: Controlling outer circumstances is an illusion.

But changing how we experience them is not.

Ignoring and avoiding are forms of resistance. And what we resists, persists. What persists will eventually touch our lives. Do what you can, with what you have, to the best of your ability for yourself and others. That is the way to change negativity, one person at a time.

“It is good to have a destination towards which to journey. But, in the end, it is your choices on the journey that matter.”

Do you want to achieve a sense of Empowerment, Emotional Peace, Positive Attitude, Integrity, and Personal Freedom in you life? Call or email me for a free 30 minute consultation.

excellence@cinci.rr.com

513-889-1870

Ignorance Is No Excuse

Ignorance Is No Excuse – Lauren Kennedy – http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

The Law of Attraction is only one aspect that shapes our experience. The Universal Consciousness is vast, multi faceted and multi dimensional. One action on the opposite side of the world can create a momentum that may include and/or affect many. And there are other Universal Laws in addition to the Law of Attraction. The Law of Cause and Effect comes to mind.

As unique individuals, we each have our own purpose, challenges and qualities that are the result of our past choices on our personal journey. Every experience we have alters our perceptions. Every choice we make results in a new set of possibilities from which to choose at that particular point in time and space. Choosing a path leading to the ocean will present different choices and perceptions than one that leads to the jungle. (an analogy).

Our thoughts and actions influence our personal experience of the world. But our passion, intention and motivation are even more powerful in creating our experience. Performing a good deed will produce vastly different personal energy depending on my motivation. When I help and person, if my true motive is to gain admiration of others, or to impress the recipient of my good deed, or to make myself feel better by assuaging some guilt, the personal energy I send out, and the energy that must eventually return will be very different than if I help another because that is what needs to be done.

My personal energy affects my experience in many ways. Frequently, someone will take an action with the intent to upset me or at least with disregard for my feelings in the course of pursuing their own goals. But in the end, incredibly, the situation somehow unfolds to my best advantage when instead of blaming or judging, I try to make the best of wherever I have landed.. This is not to suggest that I may need to take appropriate measures, reevaluate my boundaries or make different choices in the future.

A case in point:: I allowed a friend to stay in our home until he got back on his feet. He trashed the house, robbed us and caused some misunderstandings. I gave him a week to find somewhere else to stay. But when I see him, I treat him I as always did. I no longer feel angry and I still see his positive qualities. However, he’s not welcome to stay at our home.

Using the Law of Attraction to create according to the desires and purpose of our Authentic Self results in manifestations that are for the highest good of all concerned. However if we use the Law of Attraction to create for ego, the results are less harmonious. The Law of Attraction makes no distinctions. It will work for a Hitler as well as for a Martin Luther King, Jr.

On our evolutionary journey, we have evolved a brain with a huge  capacity. The way we focus that capacity, the connections that we use and the one that we do not, affects our neural evolution. Our total human focus on technology and material success has certainly accelerated our abilities in those areas. Unfortunately, we have not exercised our neural connections for spiritual growth with the same enthusiasm.

We have developed brains that are more and more adept at understanding technology in order to control, improve and exploit our environment. It would benefit us to develop the area of our brain that provides insight, intuition, spiritual awareness, and other subtle perceptions.

Our perceptions shape our reality. And our reality influences our beliefs, emotions and choices. We cannot create a harmonious world by focusing on technology, material abundance and intellectual prowess, alone.  We must also develop our innate abilities to perceive the subtle energies, expanded awareness and interconnectedness of life. We must evolve the neural connections in our brain to enlarge our concept of reality and dispel our fears.

Then we will perceive that everything is energy, physical form is arbitrary and transitional. Every element has three different forms; gas, liquid and solid. You create and experience life through your physical form, but it is not your essence identity.  Unfortunately, we construct many reactive, rigid identities, for protection, manipulation, expectation or default. We forget that we created these identities or agreed to them and the resulting stories that support them. Sadly, some of us become so disconnected to our true essence that we feel empty and life becomes meaningless.

We must understand that just as the Universe has unlimited potential and resources,  we have limitless raw materials (thought, passion, action) with which to manifest our own potential and true desires. As our perceptions expand and evolve to reveal this new reality, we will respect and utilize the Universal Laws rather than deny, resist or misuse them. Only then will we be capable and free to create a world of abundance and harmony for all creatures sharing life on earth.

By choosing to maintain a conscious connection with our essence and the Universe, we can expand and evolve that part of our brain that we have neglected. When we are consciously connected to our inner essence, we respond to the moment, taking the best action, in the best way and that particular moment in time, without hesitation. When we are aligned with the Universe, life may still require effort, but struggle is eliminated. Our essence, or spirit, our true self is the Universe’s gift to us. Expressing and  Being our true self is the our gift  to the world.

Lauren Kennedy

The Law of Attraction – the Root of New Evil?

by Lauren Kennedy – http://www.InsitetoExcellence.com

Do you desire a life filled with abundance! Do you want to experience abundant wealth, superior health and never ending opportunities. Have you searched for that one formula that will attract success and happiness?

For most people, the response is a resounding “Yes!”. And the Law of Attraction seemed to be the answer.

The Law of Attraction produces a life of sweet, abundant fruit, providing a source of nourishment for the hungry, hope for the desperate and empowerment for the downtrodden. The Law of Attraction is the model for equal opportunity, yielding impartial results when correctly applied, regardless if one is young or old, rich or poor, loved or hated, ugly or beautiful, saint or sinner.

Law of Attraction, thanks in part to the popularity of the Secret, has changed many lives. The Law of Attraction directs us to focus our incredible resources of imagination, belief, emotion and awareness, so we consciously improve our lives instead of unconsciously sabotaging ourselves. As we practice and persist at heightening our awareness, directing our focus, developing discernment in our choices and confidently taking action on new opportunities, we experience dramatic changes in our lives.

And through the Law of Attraction, our proficiency at aligning our inner resources is mirrored by the outer circumstances in our lives.

It is a wonderful arrangement. Where is the evil in that? Better yet, the Law of Attraction exists in an infinitely abundant Universe, negating the need for conflict, competition, judgment or separation. At last we have the ingredients for creating peace on earth.

So what has gone wrong?

For one, the Law of Attraction is about creating, not controlling our life. The Law of Attraction does not operate in a vacuum. There are other forces, other Universal Laws, that affect our lives. We can’t just exercise our arms and expect our entire body to be firm, trim and strong.

However, this article focuses another misconception. And unfortunately, this misinterpretation of the Law of Attraction can be potentially destructive and recently has been gaining momentum.

I have been receiving ever more email extolling the superior character of the rich and citing the deficient mindset of the poor. The inference is that the Law of Attraction supports this view.

Just as money can be used for good or evil, the law of attraction is being misused to separate rather than unite humanity. Included below are a few of the statements that I have recently received or read illustrating this point.

“The rich must separate themselves from associating with common people to protect their minds from thoughts of poverty and struggle.”

“If you have prosperity thinking, you will rightly feel nauseated by poverty and struggle.”

“Do not concern yourself with poverty or suffering, you have nothing to do with them.”

“Since poverty and suffering are a choice, we need not risk contaminating our thoughts by providing charity.”

“The rich enjoy the finer things in life because they hold ideas, beliefs and mindsets that are different than the diseased mindset held by the common people in society.”

“Do not read books or papers that give circumstantial accounts of the wretchedness of tenement dwellers or the horrors of child labor. Keep your awareness free of negative images.”

“The poor waste their money on thrift store trinkets, while the rich wisely invest their money in assets that will increase their wealth.”

“The poor do not need charity, they need inspiration. If you want to help the poor, demonstrate to them that they can become rich. Prove it by getting rich yourself.”

These statements appeared in various sources: recent emails, articles, promotions or ecourses. Disappointingly, they were written by some of the more successful internet gurus. And this perversion of the law of attraction is gaining momentum.

First let’s clear up some misinterpretations. The Law of Attraction is a Universal Law, on par with the Law of Gravity. It does not distinguish between saints and sinners. If you step off a tall building you will fall to the ground. The rate of your descent is determined by laws of physics, not your character. Similarly, the Law of Attraction will be equally effective whether one’s focus is humanitarian, materialistic, destructive, or neutral.

However, the emerging doctrine contends that the wealthy have effectively utilized the Law of Attraction due to their superb character, advanced mental abilities and superior control of their impulses. Circular reasoning has resulted in these troubling and faulty observations.

Successful implementation of the Law of Attraction does require a burning desire, dedication, disciplined focus and a strong belief in oneself or at least something greater than oneself, but only as it applies to the specific desire. Character and integrity are irrelevant. And equally insignificant is one’s lack of control, irresponsible behavior or scattered thinking in other areas of their life.

Here are two examples that illustrate this concept. Both individuals had a burning desire, determination, focus, and the belief that they could manifest their dreams.

Hitler was very adept at utilizing the law of attraction. He had a vision. He believed that he was meant to accomplish it. He devoted all of his attention and focus into achieving it. Hitler acquired wealth, power, and public devotion, so absolute, that he nearly succeeded in exterminating all the individuals he deemed inferior. His downfall began when his desire became so obsessive it interfered with his strategic judgment.

Many trains were needed to transport troops to the fronts to repel Allied attacks. Instead, he diverted them to transport the people he deemed to be inferior. He want to increase the pace of extermination of this second-rate populace before they contaminated the pure race. His deteriorating health completed his downfall by depleting his energy, weakening his focus and eroding his absolute confidence.

Joe Kennedy wanted money, power and prestige. He believed he could achieve it.

He focused his attention on acquiring this dream every waking moment. He created his financial fortune by underhanded dealings in the stock market before it was regulated. He associated with the elite and backed the winning politicians, regardless of their views, to secure a position of power. To remain in good standing with this powerful majority, he encouraged his sons to enlist in a war to which he was opposed. The ultimate prestige, having his son win the Presidency, was his greatest dream. He attracted this desire with the power of his will, fierce determination and a few huge donations to the powerful and persuasive mob.

Contrast Hitler and Kennedy with Gandhi and Christ, who were not financially well off by most standards. Which ones had character?

I grew up in family that was financially very well off, in a wealthy neighborhood, and socialized with wealthy and influential people. I have also had the opportunity to live with families in the projects. I saw no difference in the character, determination, discipline or mindset between the two groups. Except, perhaps, for one. The poor were more honest about their shortcomings.

We all do the best that we can at the time in whatever situation that we find ourselves. Therefore, my observations in this article are in no way directed at or a comment about the personal choices that anyone makes in their own life. I am not privy to another person’s situation, history, fears, needs or dreams.

People and circumstance change from moment to moment. Desires can become obsessions and acceptance can turn into apathy. We all experience situations that require us to choose between our priorities, desires and principles. Character is distributed evenly between the rich and poor. And only the exceptional few have that special quality to consistently demonstrate the courage of their convictions when something that they hold dear is at stake.

Therefore, my only intention is to express my deep concern over the opinions mentioned earlier. Respected individuals, with a reader following are influential. Comments that judge, separate, categorize, even unintentionally, may plant seeds of negativity and condemnation. And that can profoundly affect the lives of many people.

The next few paragraphs are devoted to pointing out the shortsightedness of the statements that I quoted at the beginning of this article.

If we chose to remain unaware of the plight of our human brethren, atrocities continue unabated. Awareness, attention and compassion are the catalyst to change. If people in the past had ignored suffering, there would still be no child labor laws. Slavery might still exist in this country as it does in other countries today. And women’s place would still be barefoot and in the kitchen.

The torture at Guantanamo would have gone unnoticed, unchecked, and unchallenged. The horrors Hitler perpetrated on the world went unnoticed for many years because no one cared or believed or wanted to get involved. “It had nothing to do with them.” Dictators control the media to maintain secrecy. Without awareness and compassion, they will not face interference from the people. Hence, they can continue the terror, abuse and rape of the country and its people, its poor people.

Dictators, no doubt, will champion this type of thinking. If we consciously choose to remain aware of the plight of the common man, dictators can rest assured that there will be no interference. Instead of wasting their time on propaganda, they can get on with their business.

Abused spouses have only recently seen any hope of improving their situation. Why? Partly because it was kept quiet and few people were aware of the problem. And partly because the prevailing attitude was that the abused either asked for it, deserve it, or had a choice to leave, never mind that they were penniless, unemployed, lacked job skills, afraid and alone, except perhaps for their dependent children and equally frightened children.

The suggestion that one should withhold charity and instead inspire the poor by amassing personal wealth, leaves me dumbfounded. People who are starving, their farms decimated by drought and their children’s bellies swollen from hunger will only be more acutely aware of their lack and failure in the presence of others who are championing their own personal success. Furthermore, it demonstrates a lack of compassion and an ignorance of human biology and psychology.

Unless our basic needs are satisfied – food, water, shelter, clothing – we are not likely to concerns ourselves with concepts. What would you do if your only means of providing for your family was destroyed by drought or pestilence, no relief in sight, your children starving and shivering with cold, and someone dripping with money approached you and said, don’t asks for handouts, think positive, visualize fertile farms and you will be prosperous. I know what I would tell them.

I concur, handouts without education is short sighted. And contrary to many people’s opinion, most people want to be self sufficient. Handouts tend to be demeaning. However, handouts are easier, a band aid to the larger issues. Actually addressing the underlying problems would require many committed individuals. To develop a lasting solution, one needs people with awareness and compassion who are dedicated to implementing a long term plan of action.

Although focusing on solutions is always the best approach, sometimes, understanding the cause is essential to craft an effective solution rather than a placebo. Unless the causes are resolved and the needs are met, any solution will be short lived.

Perhaps there is some truth to the saying “Birds of a feather flock together.” However, avoiding all interaction with the poor or struggling for fear of being contaminated by their diseased thinking, suggests a lack of confidence in one’s own mental fortitude. Since the wealthy are claiming to have a superior mindset, perhaps, they could direct their laser focus on thoughts that would attract immunity against contamination by the diseased mindset of the common man. With their claim of elite mental faculties, that should be a cake walk.

Naturally my personal experience has affected my view. There was a point in my life that I needed a few hand outs to get back on my feet. I also needed some free services and therapy. And my predicament was mostly due to my own misguided perceptions and poor choices. That’s hardly a situation that would elicit compassion from most individuals. But fortunately, there were some high minded people who helped me just the same. And had I not received this help, support and guidance, I would be in wretched circumstance or perhaps dead. But gratefully there were some aware people who noticed my plight. They also did not shun charitable organizations. Their concern for my struggle enabled me to change my life.

However, in my dire circumstances, homeless, hopeless and ill, simply telling me to think positive and believe in abundance, would have been meaningless to me, if not laughable. And under those conditions, I would not have had the opportunity to ever have heard about the Law of Attraction. My circumstances today, and the benefits that I can provide for others, are due to the people who believed that I and others like me were there concern. Their assistance enabled me to meet my physical needs. Only then did I have the luxury to discover, appreciate, understand and apply the Law of Attraction.

The Law of Attraction is a Universal Law and thus it is neutral. It works equally well no matter your character, no matter your requests. Just like money, it is neither positive nor negative. They both provide the freedom to shape your life as you desire. The Law of Attraction works for the person that has self serving or even destructive intentions as well as for the one who is pure of heart.

Keep in mind that the energy of your intentions and motives are even more powerful than your beliefs. And when they are self serving judgmental or indifferent, those energies are equalized by another Universal Law.

Perhaps you have heard of it.

It is the Law of Cause and Effect, better known as Karma.