The Secret and the Law of Attraction: Is it just hocus pocus?

One of the latests phenomena to sweep the US and other countries has been the movie/documentary “The Secret.” Produced by Rhonda Byrne, the movie features various self-help teachers who focus on the Law of Attraction. The law basically states:

What ever you focus on will manifest in reality

The first time I watched this film was after being introduced to it at a seminar I attended. It intrigued me that someone made a movie about how we think and the outcomes we produce. I thought it was spot on and the way it was presented allowed the average person to “get it.”

The Secret, however, has taken many hits from opponents stating that the Law of Attraction is just another self-help marketing gimmick. Others claim that it’s just “hocus pocus.” Little do they know, but there has been on going scientific research on this topic for decades. Particularly in the field of neurology & neurophysiology.

The Science behind “The Secret”

Although the movie may have a “new agey” feel to it, there is solid science behind what they’re saying.  The mere fact of focusing on something will bring you to a heightened awareness of it.  Stop right now and think about your breathing pattern.  Go ahead and stop.  What did you notice?  Probably you stopped your normal pattern or you had to take in a deep breath.  

Most people live unconsciously, which is a good thing in most cases.  You wouldn’t want to have to think about breathing or beating your heart would you?  But it does translate into other things like life.  We get caught up in our day to day actions and float along like a feather in the wind (Forest Gump reference).  

There’s a neurobiological and quantum physics explanation for the Law of Attraction.  

Neurobiological Explanation: the mere fact of focusing on something activates what’s called the “Reticular Activating System.”  Essentially you enter into a state of heightened awareness.  By bringing the unconscious into the conscious you have control over it.  Your physiology will be aligned to accomplish what you’re thinking about.  

Quantum Physics Explanation: all thoughts are essentially vibrations, thus the reason for P.E.T. scans.  When your brain experiences different thought processes, different portions of the brain will appear active upon a P.E.T. scan.  Then by the process of “resonance” you will attract that which has the same vibratory frequency.