Secret Buzz, Part Two

Following on my previous post about the movie, The Secret, and the debate that has sparked about it, I wanted to share the link for an excellent article and much-needed perspective on it from Cathy Pagano of Nine Muses.

Cathy's article, The Secret About the Secret, reviews several of the primary concerns about the one-dimensional nature -- and potential harm (and possibly less than savory underlying motives or strategies) -- of the movie and book that have become an enormous 'hit' in a world where there is a growing gap between 'rich' and 'poor' -- defined, of course, in purely financial terms. The Secret takes direct aim at people who, desperate for a sense of meaning and self-worth,  equate an abundant life with getting rich quick, and with as little effort or challenge as necessary, regardless of whether this is truly heartful or purposeful for the individual applying its magic without the requisite self-awareness.

Unlike much of the mainstream-media criticism of The Secret, which I found often shrill and too-quick to reactionary conclusions (Ladder of Inference, anyone?), Cathy's musings are graceful, thoughtful, and well worth a read. It is exactly this sort of perspective that helps to create a meaningful and actually helpful dialogue, as compared to the mud-slinging.

True abundance is multifaceted, and about much more than simply 'show me the money' and 'get me my McMansion' (but don't make me work too hard or be too patient in getting it, or think about whether it's really what will make me feel worthwhile).

True, full, heart-and-soul-centered abundance is a deep wellness, and a sense of real connection with the "All That Is" that weaves in and through all 'manifestations', including we the people. It includes wellness, wellbeing, and joy that transcends fleeting circumstances, no matter how 'good' or 'bad' we deem them to be in the short term. it includes the 'Wisdom to know the difference' between what's an 'ego want' and what's truly meaningful in our lives and to our sense of purpose and contribution to 'the world's deep need'.

I hope you enjoy Cathy's article, and I hope all of these dialogues are helpful to you in finding your own standard, definition, and adventurous pathway to real, lasting, unshakeable abundance.

Wishing you well and joyful!

Jamie