Some Food for Thought

The Laws of Attraction, the Laws of Abundance, Karma and so on.

This interlude in time that we are experiencing is igniting what I refer to as an idealized spirituality where opposing concepts in many new age theories will either make or break you during this crisis in humanity. I should first begin by sharing that my studies in various traditions come from the sages and saints of old. I found it challenging for me in the 90’s to grasp onto much of what I refer to as ‘New Age’. Please know that I respect other belief systems and the paradigms that assist each of us on our journeys. I just may not agree with everything  I read. For me, many of the conceptualizations around reality seek to avoid suffering and create paradigms where cause and effect mirror one’s thought processes, past incarnations, suppressed emotions etc. As someone who has practiced the healing arts for almost twenty five years and experienced ecstatic states into the natures of good and evil amidst the spirit world, I have seen things that cannot be put into words. Some years ago, I had a friendship with a well known author in the mind/body/spirit field. He, like many before him, emphatically stated that all illness was a direct result of thoughts and emotions. When he ended up in the hospital due to illness, he called me, very ashamed, and wanting to keep his illness secret. I have had countless conversations with colleagues, clients etc over the years on these subjects relating to the laws of attraction, abundance etc and for the ones that put into practice these belief systems, when they ‘fail’ in their endeavors to achieve their intentions, the unworthiness that arises causes a disassociation of self so great, that struggling with the disappointment and being present with the unworthiness is not something that is easily recognizable. A dualistic reality is created where the seeker is in complete control of all that happens or all that will manifest for them in their futures, a mindset where powerlessness does not have to exist and if it does, then perhaps they are doing something wrong.  I observe and in my work, I do share with clients the origins of their illnesses as I am able to perceive them. And yes, I might be contradicting myself here but thoughts and emotions do influence illnesses and life paths, as well as ancestral miams and collective karma, but they are just a minute part of the whole of this vast spiritual construct in which we are not given the complete understanding of the universal laws at work. I share with every person I work with that I can offer a glimpse into the multi dimensional experience of their soul and physicality, but to remember it is only a glimpse. If we were to understand the nature of how the universe worked in its entirety, then many things would be different. Suffice it to say many of the sages and saints I have read never professed to have all the answers surrounding God/universe and humanity. Many of these precepts serve to help us feel more empowered in our lives. Don’t get me wrong. I am all for empowerment. But when I hear clients in despair especially during this time and questioning karma, all the work they have done on ‘attracting’ abundance or other things in their lives and how it could all just disintegrate during a pandemic, I gently remind them of other countries, other world populations and some of the history of the world. The genocides that have taken place throughout time. The history of oppression.

I have been to countries where people live in squalor but their prayers and love for each other along with gratitude for what they are given keep them moving forward. So why didn’t the Laws of Abundance work for them? Were their prayers not powerful enough? Did they attract their suffering? Friends from war torn countries have shared their stories with me, gathering their families in prayer to keep them safe. Do these same New Age theories not apply to them?

Please understand I am a firm believer in prayer and have seen it work miracles. But the miracles I have seen at work are of the internal kind. If the external world receives a physical manifestation from these prayers, then I say Amen. And I have witnessed that many times as well. There have been studies done on the power of thought and emotion, all extremely valid. It is our interpretation that these theories will lead us out of physical suffering and despair which continues that cycle of suffering if that does not happen. As though access to this kind of energy has some sort of magical power, and the ones who reap its benefits in this physical realm must surely be closer to God. And for those who continue to send out positive thoughts and intentions and still suffer in this physical world – do they not have access to the same magical energies?

New age concepts can lead the seeker to a form of escapism from many realities. We need to have answers to conditioning that brings about suffering or struggle. A few of my clients having a hard time through this pandemic told me this week they were signing up for some webinars on attracting more abundance into their lives or protecting them from this pandemic. Again, whatever works for the seeker. But even if we did have all the answers, it will not eradicate suffering. It will not eradicate those emotions we fear most within us. This is life. A culmination of birth and rebirth, beginnings and endings, mysteries that might never make sense to the seeker. There is definitely power to positive thoughts, love, service, a great power indeed. I write about it all the time. All I am suggesting is to allow space within you to accept the other mysteries that life affords you, those having to do with struggle and suffering so that when it comes your way, you will be ready to receive it and work with it, heal with it, and be present with it in your daily lives.