The 2006 movie and book phenomenon The Secret by Rhonda Byrne made popular and readily available some of the knowledge that has been known to many for the last century, and to sages and mystics for millenia.

Though it has been misconstrued as simply saying that all you need to do is think (preferably with feeling) about what you want and you will have it, it touches on and derives its power from the most profound of human experiences, those which give us a sense of awe at the power and immensity of the universe and our inextricable connection with all that is.

Such experiences often come unexpectedly and even uninvited, and are for many common and long forgotten childhood memories. Think back to the first time you looked up at the night sky, wondering how and what and why, not knowing but somehow understanding.

Now think of a time when you had an absolute certainty that something would come about, and later it did. It may have been a small thing, or it may have been a huge one, it does not matter. Close your eyes for a moment and remember.

The "secret" is about consciously tapping into that certainty, awe and power. It is not about simply thinking, or even feeling - it is about knowing the absolute Truth of what we are envisioning, and then carrying it forward into action. It is thoughts such as these that have the power to change our lives, the lives of those around us, and the world.

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

The "Law of Attraction" which is at the core of The Secret is one of many laws of life. As we become conscious of them and align ourselves with them, our lives become richer and more fulfilling.

RELEASING

In the film The Secret people are also shown thinking about what they do not want, and then having that show up in their lives. Though these negative thoughts do have an effect, the deeper truth is that there is often a maelstrom of powerful and generally unconscious thoughts, feelings and beliefs deep within us and it is these that draw experiences to us and lie behind our conscious and overt thoughts and behavior. It is by revealing and clearing these deeper beliefs and feelings that we free ourselves from repetitive and undesired experiences, and can become true creators in our lives. The Releasing section of this site lists a number of tools which can assist you in letting go of negative feelings and beliefs.

BACKGROUND MATERIAL

Rhonda Byrne's discovery began with a glimpse of the truth through a "100 year old book". Here are links to this book, by Wallace Wattles, and several other classics from the turn of the previous century:

"The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace Wattles (1860-1911) first published in 1910.


This original book behind Rhonda Byrne's movie is available in print, and also in various electronic forms, and is as powerful today as it was almost one hundred years ago.

"As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen (1864-1912) was first published in 1902.

This book is considered as one of the classics which gave rise to the modern self-help movement. In addition to bound copies, it is available for free download as part of Project Gutenberg.

"Thought Vibration or, The Law of Attraction in the Thought World" by William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) first published in 1908.

"The Master Key System" by Charles F. Haanel (1866-1949) first published in 1912.

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) was first published in 1937 and has sold over 30 million copies.

Hill's research began in 1908 when he interviewed billionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie, and as a result was commissioned to interview over 500 of the most successful people of the time - a research which lasted twenty years. Napoleon Hill became advisor to Andrew Carnegie and to two Presidents of the United States.

"The Strangest Secret" by Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) recorded in 1956.
This is probably the world's first motivational audiobook, and certainly the first to achieve Gold Record sales. Earl Nightingale and Lloyd Conant together formed the Nightingale-Conant corporation, which continues to be one of the worlds leading publishers of motivational books, CDs, DVDs and courses to this day.

"The Science of Mind" by Ernest Holmes (1887-1960) was first published in 1926.


Ernest Holmes was the founder of Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, which has been a powerful part of the New Thought movement.

Finally, here is a short video where Napoleon Hill shares his secret of living a rich, fulfilling life: