Customer Reviews

Beyond the Secret: Spiritual Power and the Law of Attraction

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a very spiritual book, a look at the power of attraction from the aspect of the communication of your spirit within with your ego. If you are of a specific religious faith, you might feel this is grazing on your set beliefs, but it is possible to look at the book within the bounds of your own system if you rename some of the concepts.

Having said that, the part of the book that really appealed to me was a chapter on tapping into feelings. Sometimes, it's your mental state that creates the possibility of something happening. This may be the initial step missing when you set out to accomplish something. The author lists eight feelings: sorrow, anger, joy, jealousy, being overwhelmed, fear, happiness and confusion. There is a short explanation of what might be holding you back in each of these feelings, for example, sorrow might be a need to release something that is holding you back.

Where this book differs from a lot of the "Law of Attraction" books is a clear path to deal with those feelings to clear the way to plan what you wish to accomplish. If you've been reading books in this subject "Beyond the Secret" may be more comprehensible and actionable than many of the other books on the topic.

I couldn't disagree with the some of the other reviews on here more. I also found that one of reviewer here really distorted a lot of what the author had to say. It's more like she just skimmed the book and I wonder if she even really read it or just started reacting and then skipped the real message here. I felt the author expressed in a number of places that we can go ahead and have the things we want just don't play the "See Me" ego game in doing so. Plus, as I read this book I didn't get the impression at all that the author was saying money was bad for you. In fact, she said in many places go ahead and have a billion dollars even if your motivation is to use it in service. And when she writes about the Law of Service and the Law of Sacrifice she says how it should be a joyful giving, not a guilt based one. But, if people already feel guilty about how they are spending and consuming, then nothing will stop them from feeling it. Certainly not this book. As they have shown they will only react, get upset, and feel even worse. But, if you want to rethink things and consider how the law of attraction can be used in a more spiritual way, then this book is for you!

Thank you Lisa Love for writing this book, without which I could not fully appreciate the works of Esther and Jerry Hicks. I gave it a two star only because of the potential of the unread portion, although I'll never know.

The first reviewer was very gentle her choice of phrases: . . ."you might feel this is grazing on your set beliefs. . ." Boy is that an understatement in my case.

I do believe that feeling your way to abundance, whether material or spiritual, is the fundamental principal behind manifesting your desires. Focusing on the positive side of everything no matter what is going on around you is key to this. I also think that a natural result of becoming a more positive person will make you more compassionate, loving and spiritual and you will naturally help others more by being that way.

What left me cold in the very first chapter are the contradictions made by the author.

EXERPT: Spirit encompasses everything that is! Everything lives within it and is a part of it. It has been called "God," "Allah," "The Force," and a multitude of other names. Essentially you are Spirit, and Spirit is you!

That said, the author goes on to make this statement only two pages later:

"Remember the law of attraction is neutral. Though you can use it to get whatever you wish for, it doesn't always give you what Spirit wishes for you."

WHAT!?!

Spirit is me and I am spirit right? So, if this is true, (and I firmly believe that it is) it is not even possible for Spirit to desire something that I myself do not desire and vice versa. In fact, spirit can not even distinguish between the reality that I imagine and the reality that I am living so how can it make choices for me? Spirit is not something outside of me that controls me and tells me what I should and should not desire or how it should be used. The job of "Spirit" is to respond to the thoughts I am thinking and make that my reality.

The word "ego" is also referred to quite a bit and the author goes on to discuss her belief that we are hear to serve others and that those with money have a moral obligation to take care of those who don't. But, if I am the creator of my world and I have money because I manifested it in my life than would it not also be true that those who do not have money have manifested that reality into their lives? My having money, a place to live, and other nice things is not depriving someone else of the opportunity to manifest those things in their life. Seems to me our obligation would be to teach them how but then again that would be forcing our beliefs on someone else.

The author is right about the law of attraction being neutral. You will manifest that which you focus upon the most and if your focus is on the lack of something rather than the abundance of it then you will continue to manifest the lack of it until you change the way you think about it.

Besides the multitude of tangents the author seems to go off on, I found it difficult to get past her own personal bias toward those who have manifested material abundance, good looking spouses (as she puts it, but isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?), expensive cars, and houses on the beach in their lives. She did talk about being jilted by a lover who chose a woman of means over her. WOW! That explains a few things right there!

I don't imagine there are many people in this world who never think about having any of those things and what's wrong with it? Money brings freedom and having it is not depriving someone else of it. It does not mean that people who have it lead irresponsible or lackluster lives nor does it mean that we should all go live as monks in order to curb the ego from wanting it! Anyone who thinks money isn't important in this world is kidding themselves.

I found the book "Ask and It Is Given" by Jerry and Esther Hicks a far more compassionate read.

Gods, Prays which are manifestations and self center wanting not just for him but for the people around him. Your response leads to' such arrogance as though you have something against the Western sides. Not everyone is the same, everyone is individual, all searching one simple thing, happiness in any possible way and that happiness vibes, and effects other as well, so really what is your point?

Every once in a while, you come across a book, dvd, song or poem that changes your life and your perception on things for the better. This - however - is not one of those books.

When I first watched the Secret DVD, I was absolutely intrigued and inspired by the stories and teachings. It wet my lips and left me thirsty to learn more and go beyond the Secret. I purchased a copy of The Science of the Mind, The Answer, Harmonic Wealth (I love you James - but this book is terrible) and others. I eventually came across Beyond The Secret - quickly flipped through it - and thought it would be the Answer I was looking for.

It wasn't.

This book is no different than hundreds of other books I have read which were rooted in Christian theology. See - the author comes from a Christian background, and it's clear that its doctrines have left a stain on her sleeve. She speaks of "Spirit" the same way a Pastor would speak of God, and she mentions "Ego" the same way a Pastor might mention 'the flesh' or 'sin'. If the author believes in Christian ways - that's fine, but she should come out and say so. There's no need to write a book that teaches Christian views and doctrines but changes the name to make it more worldly....is there?

In short, this book leaves much to be desired. There is conflicting information, and Lisa herself admits...

"Who doesn't want a home to live in? Surely that request shouldn't be denied by Spirit. However, one reason I am currently motivated to write this book is because I don't have a residence and am sequestered at a friend's home, where I am massively focused on being productive because I hae no other choice. Wait a minute! Does the fact that I don't have my own home during this transitional time help me to be more productive and of service to a higher purpose that I am only beginning to understand this moment?"

So basically - she wrote a self help book because
1. The self that needed help was HER self
2. She was bored and didn't have anything better to do

The author also has this way of making you feel guilty for wanting what you want. She asks you to take a look at your intentions and motives for wanting the things you want - but then reminds you that there are people out there who don't have as much as you do. I'm all for charity, helping the homeless and others who are less fortunate - but I'm also for loving and caring for myself! If I can't take care of myself, how can I take care of others? Sure - intentions can be important - but dang it, sometimes I want a candy bar just cause I want a candy bar! I'm not buying a candy bar wondering if it will save the whales, free slaves or conquer world peace. I'm buying it because my evil, selfish ego wants me to have it. This is the gist of the book.

So - if you're one who is trying to escape religiousity or 'guilt based religions' as another Amazon reviewer put it - then you'll be able to sympathize with the author, though you may not necessarily agree with her.

If you're wanting to learn more about the Secret, laws of the universe and that sort of thing - then be aware that this is not the right book. The author doesn't even agree with the Secret and often gives her argument as to why.

BEYOND THE SECRET: SPIRITUAL POWER AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION considers further aspects of the Law of Attraction, expanding upon the initial concept to show it's more than just about acquiring wealth - it's about developing a real spirituality. Chapters provide the same steps that helped the author transform her own life, offering discussions that provide not only theory, but how to execute such theories in real-world scenarios. Any new age library will find it a popular lend.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book seemed to be written from a very traditional perspective as opposed to a metaphysical or New Thought perspective.

I have been searching for a really good book explaining the law of attraction and what it really means. this book hit it on the nail. it goes beyond the law of attraction and tells you how to be a better person while practicing the law of attraction. remember it's not all about wanting and getting it's about being a good person and achieving more by practicing "good spirited" things.

Dr. Lisa Love has lovingly written a book that is a soulful, wise companion to The Secret. She believes that we must go beyond a shallow take on the Law of Attraction. This book contains wisdom and depth and as an executive and life coach who teaches clients about the Law of Attraction linked with spirituality, I recommend it. I heard Dr. Love on NPR's New Dimensions radio and several of her quotes were so memorable that I have repeated them to my coaching clients. With compassion she talks about how unkind it is to those who are ill to tell them that they created it through the Law of Attraction, although she acknowledges a strong body/mind connection. Dr. Love spoke of how a terrible tragedy to Christopher Reeves ended up bringing so much good to the world because of his choice to become a spokesman. She urges us to approach the Law of Attraction with love, wisdom and our higher selves.
Michelle Prosser, author of Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting, Love Your God * Create Your Life * Find Your True Self
Excuse Me, Your God Is Waiting: Love Your God * Create Your Life * Find Your True Self

I just love Lisa Love's new book Beyond The Secret, as a fan of The Secret, it really does go beyond to a fuller understanding of the principles. It is well written and conversational, an easy read with a wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend this wonderful book.