What is the law of attraction meaning? Can your thoughts alter your reality? 
What if your thoughts alone could change your surroundings or even your life? It may sound far-fetched but that’s exactly what the law of attraction claims to do.
So, what is the law of attraction and how does it work? Is the law of attraction really real? Is it possible your thoughts can influence your life?
This post is all about the law of attraction meaning & methods!
What is the Law of Attraction?
The law of attraction is a universal law that dictates like attracts like. It’s based on the notion that everything in life is energy so whatever energy you encompass you attract. If you focus on the good, you attract more positive experiences; if you focus on the bad you attract negative circumstances.
When you consider this from a psychological standpoint, it makes sense. It’s essentially the foundation of therapeutic practices such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the idea that our negative thought patterns keep us stuck in a negative loop. CBT works to rewire our thoughts into more positive ones, therefore creating new thought patterns and attracting more positivity into our lives.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, the law of attraction is always in motion. Most people utilize it entirely unconsciously, but those who are aware often use it to manifest their life’s desires. The law of attraction can be used to attract money, status, a job, a relationship, or anything else you set your mind to.
How Does the Law of Attraction Work?
The law of attraction is made up of 3 main laws that dictate its function. These laws are:
1. Like Attracts Like
The most simple of these laws is that like attracts like. This is the basic foundation of the law of attraction. The thoughts that you harbour attract those energies back to you and magnify them.
Think of it this way, if you think negative judgmental thoughts, you’ll likely attract other people in your life who think the same way. Because you judge, you will also be judged. You’ll likely also attract judgmental friends only increasing your judgements towards others. The same is true of the opposite, if you surround yourself with positive people, it will encourage more positivity in yourself.
It’s important to be aware of your thoughts because they do manifest in your life. Think of the kind of person you want to be, and you’ll attract more of that energy into your life.
2. Nature Abhors a Vacuum
As stated by Aristotle, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” The ancient philosopher observed that nature requires all space to be filled, even if just by air. The universe allows for no empty space, not even our thoughts. Our thoughts always land somewhere, they are never simply vacant. Therefore, our thoughts are always manifesting whether we like it or not.
Because space must always be filled it does us well to remove anything negative to make space for something more positive. Think about how refreshed you feel when you tidy up your room or clean out your closet. It feels great to get rid of all the unnecessary clutter and free up room for something new!
3. The Present is Always Perfect
This is probably where most people go wrong when it comes to utilizing the law of attraction. The present is always perfect, you can’t change the past or predict the future. All you have is this present moment, so you better make the best of it!
You can’t manifest from a place of lack. So, if you desire something that feels out of reach you’re never going to obtain it. To manifest something you have to feel as though you already have it; that it’s a guarantee. If you’re coming from a place of want the universe is only going to give you the experience of wanting and never having.
Law of Attraction Techniques
There are many ways you can utilize the law of attraction. It begins with first being aware of your thoughts and what you want to manifest.
Visualization
Visualization is a great tool for manifesting. Think of the outcome you desire and how it will feel when you get it. Imagine it in as much detail as you can, really experience how that moment feels and you just might manifest it.
You can even create a vision board for a more hands-on approach to manifesting your desires!
Be Grateful
Gratefulness is of huge advantage when it comes to the law of attraction, if you can be grateful for the amazing things you have they’ll continue to flow effortlessly to you!
Gratitude journaling is another helpful approach, by writing down the things you’re grateful for it brings an action to the thought and helps it to manifest.
Reframe Situations From Negative to Positive
So much good can come just from reframing your outlook on life. Try to find the positive in every situation and you’ll attract more positivity into your life.
Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are a helpful way to shift our mindset and alter our subconscious beliefs. Affirmations are “I” statements you repeat to yourself about your goals or desires. Affirmations are always stated in the present tense using active, rather than passive, voice. So, rather than saying, “I want to be successful.” or “I will be successful.” the correct affirmation would be, “I am successful.”.
Acting as If
Have you ever heard someone say, “Dress for the job you want.”? Well, the same principle applies here, if you act like you already have something you’re more likely to obtain it. So, think of who you would be if you already had the things you want and be that person now.
Surrender & Accept
The only thing left to do is leave it up to the universe. It’s best to put your manifestation out of your mind after using these techniques and trust that the universe will handle it. If you’re constantly wondering when your manifestation will arrive, it won’t. Remember, the present is always perfect and your manifestation is already yours!
Related Post: The Law of Detachment Definition
Is the Law of Attraction Real?
Like with most spiritual concepts, there’s no empirical evidence to prove the law of attraction exists so it’s widely considered pseudoscience. It has its bearing in cognitive reframing techniques such as CBT, and visualization methods that help to replace negative thought patterns, but the idea that one can attract specific items or experiences into their life using this law has yet to be proven beyond anecdotal evidence.
So, what do you believe? Have you used the law of attraction? Has it worked for you?
Law of Attraction Books
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The Secret
By Rhonda Byrne
The Secret is the book and documentary that brought the law of attraction into the mainstream. This book discusses the well-kept secret hidden within spiritual teachings, religious texts, and philosophies throughout history. It’ll also tell you how to use this secret in many aspects of your own life from money to relationships, and so much more!
The Power Of Now
By Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Now is one of my all-time favourite books. It guides you to focus on the present moment and out of the confines of the mind, allowing you to better attract peace and growth through the simple power of being. It really is a must-read!
Ask and It is Given
By Esther & Jerry Hicks
Ask and It is Given has been considered the modern-day blueprint for manifesting. This book teaches you how to manifest relationships, health, finances and career opportunities using the law of attraction. It’s said to be derived from channeled messages from Abraham, a non-physical entity that communicates through Esther & Jerry.
I’ve listened to many talks by Esther Hicks and her wisdom and advice are always incredibly helpful and thought provoking. I’m sure this book is much the same.
As you can see, there are many different methods to utilize the law of attraction. Remember, your thoughts hold power, so be sure to use them wisely.
Post by Morgan Peters
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