The Secret is not a Secret
by: bpayne1
Total views: 356
Word Count: 1149
We should feel special and privileged when someone reveals something extremely personal to us. When a secret falls off the lips of a friend or an associate the person receiving the sensitive information becomes the revealer’s unsuspected conduit. Their storage house that is supposed to permanently contain the piece of news, but how often does that happen? I know for me when a homie tells me something juicy I have to tell someone. Just someone. One person. Nonetheless, when that precious secret is whispered in the ear of my so called friend (that One Person) it becomes one of those ‘promise you will not tell anyone’ fragments of gossip. This is what happens when a secret is unleashed from our souls: It spreads like wildfire.
The multi-million dollar best seller, The Secret, has definitely taken over the self-help revolution. From seminars to the small hardback, this phenomenon has captured the attention of people who have not taken the time to read a book in years. I find this unbelievable considering reading is one of the last mental exercises many Americans undertake. We would rather hear about it. Reading takes too much of the time we claim we do not have. Remember, we are in a dirty microwave culture these days. But, I guess having your book featured on Oprah leaves you with two guaranteed possibilities: You are going to sell tons of books and America will surely buy into Oprah’s seal of approval product. I wonder if she really understands the power she has. A power it appears many of us followers do not believe we possess.
Are we literally power deficient? Are Americans bankrupt? Bankrupt in the sense we cannot even realize that The Secret is nothing more than what most parents and teachers have told us time and time again - which makes The Secret not a secret. It is recycled verbiage used to help us understand that we are “POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE”. Didn’t you get this message from a teacher by the name of Mr. Watson or Mr. Tucker? Any teacher? Perhaps you were not paying attention on the day the teacher shared The Secret-like knowledge with us. I will venture to say that most of you reading this exceedingly tardy critique received the message and got the point: ‘If you conspicuously radiate positive thoughts good things will happen.’
The Secret was a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - twice. I found myself reading it while driving. Reading it at Whole Foods. Reading it after hanging out. I know those Waffle House employees think I am crazy: intoxicated, eating grits, and reading Rhonda Byrne’s masterpiece. Not only was I reminded of what my 6th and 11th grade teachers (Watson & Tucker) drilled into my head, I was also reminded that humans are so weak, so flawed, and so desperate. Of course we are brilliant and talented, but we are frail and at times lost because of the world we have created. We are constantly searching for the next best thing to help us feel good about where we are in our lives. We can’t seem to shine like we are divinely summoned to. The spirit that illuminates within us can be manifested if only we would remember the secrets we have been told - and then ACT.
The bleached blonde-hair creator of The Secret does not stress ACTION. No, she and her ensemble of metaphysics instructors, authors, consultants, philosophers, businessmen, and motivational speakers aggressively command the readers to think in conformity with what the universe is trying to bring them. If the reader does something to the contrary he/she generates and attracts the opposite of what the atmosphere is attempting to present to them. Basically, this means that we are responsible for what is attracted to us. Working for it is an afterthought that doesn’t have to be put into action. Inconsequently, part of the secret I was told years ago included working for what you want. Envisioning it is fine, and I support that – however, not actively seeking your wants, dreams, hopes, and desires is a waste of time. No one; and let me repeat: No One has the ability to SEE oneself into a million dollar home. In this world, to get that home one must work. Thinking about acquiring it is useless, and it will not come into existence unless you are a beneficiary of unhealthy wealth.
Yes, useless. Almost as useless as the example one of the contributors interjects in the book regarding losing weight. According to this positive thinker, all we have to do is eliminate “fat thoughts”, and the law of attraction will some how shrink our bellies. Well, after reading this section of the book I almost threw it out the window. Thankfully, my commitment to finish all books that I start took over. I continued to read. Learning several things here and there, but constantly contemplating why this book is changing the landscape of self-help therapy. Then I thought about my not so positive opinions of human beings, and I also thought about myself: In the midst of the ugliness of this universe I need to create more pleasantness in my life. That’s all I needed to continue.
My continuation lead me to conduct additional research. In my investigation I came across this paraphrased quote: “Everything that surrounds you right now in your life, including the things you’re complaining about, you’ve attracted.” A talking head from The Secret ensemble said this on the Larry King Show. Some of you are probably thinking, ‘well, what he/she said makes sense.’ Does it, really? If your answer to my question is YES allow me to challenge you.
So, did the raped woman attract the rape? Do the starving kids in Africa attract their starvation? Did the latest kidnapped child attract the kidnapping? If your answer to all three questions is ‘No’ please be informed that according to Dr. Joe Vitale, a contributor for the book and film, you are incorrect. Flat out wrong. Surprisingly, he believes that all the innocent people mentioned in my challenging questions ATTRACTED the event just by being on the “same frequency” as the act/crime/brutality. Frequency? Even with this craziness I still finished the book. It was not solely because of the commitment I made years ago. I finished it because the book supports the changes I have recently made in my life.
The Law of Attraction can be dissected in many ways. Whatever way you decide to slice it please just remember that The Secret is NOT a secret. It has been around for years, and it is one of the most simplistic concepts ever shared with the world. So simple that too many of us have overlooked it with our arrogance and know-it-all mentalities.
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the arrogance that kept me from picking up this book sooner.
About the Author
Brian E. Payne is a native of the former furniture town, Thomasville, NC. Brian received his bachelor’s in Physical Education/Health at High Point University and a master’s in Divinity from Howard University. While at High Point, Brian was a dynamic campus leader and he became a Five-Time Track and Field All-American, and received an invitation to compete in the 1991 Olympic Track & Field Trials. Immediately upon graduating from High Point University, Payne worked for the YMCA of Thomasville as a Youth Fitness Director, with an array of responsibilities ranging from teen fitness to adult health education. After one year at the YMCA, he entered the Peace Corps. In Antigua, Payne was responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Education curriculum. He also worked as a Peace Corps trainer for incoming trainees, host country teachers, and host government community leaders. In his most recent service with the Peace Corps, Brian served as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting Office. He was responsible for coordinating all recruitment activities within six states and two United States territories. Prior to the Recruitment Coordinator position, Brian served in various capacities within Peace Corps. As a testament to his leadership qualities and productivity Brian was granted the maximum tour of service (8 ½ years). He is a devoted father of one, and a prolific writer. Several of his writings have been published in a monthly newspaper that’s dedicated to sharing local information, community highlights, and stories. The papers target audience is African American. He is also a frequent contributor for a daily newspaper in North Carolina, and just recently was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Brian is currently working on completing his first book of commentaries and a second book addressing the power and complexities of Christianity: Exposing Christianity, My Way of Sharing an Alternative to the Church’s Truth. Several of his writings are housed on his blog: Muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com. He welcomes you to visit, read, and comment. -Brian E. Payne Brian can be reached at 202-271-5360 or by email at payne0323@aol.com.
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