Law of Attraction: How the Law of Attraction Works
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jan 12, 2023 • 2 min read
The law of attraction is a philosophy that promotes positive change. Learn about the core principles of the law of attraction and how to use this philosophy.
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What Is the Law of Attraction?
The law of attraction is a spiritual philosophy that asserts positive thinking results in positive outcomes. The law also suggests the reverse is true: Negative thoughts can produce unwanted consequences. This philosophy hinges on the belief that thoughts are a kind of energy and that positive energy can attract positive things to occur and vice versa.
Spiritualist Andrew Jackson Davis wrote about the concept in the 1855 book The Great Harmonia. Australian writer Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 documentary The Secret (2006) and subsequent bestselling book of the same name popularized the philosophy of the law of attraction in the twenty-first century. Her trending formulation of this philosophy reached a large audience after her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2007.
3 Laws of Attraction
Practitioners and subscribers to the law of attraction claim the following universal laws as foundational to the philosophy:
- 1. Like attracts like. This principle, sometimes known as the law of magnetism, states that similar things are naturally attracted to each other. This central tenet explains how the law of attraction works and why positive emotions can result in positive change and success stories, while negative thoughts and feelings result in negative experiences.
- 2. Nature abhors a vacuum. Based on the premise that your mind and your life cannot have empty space, this law states that removing negative things from your mind can make space for positive thoughts.
- 3. The present is always perfect. The present is the best time to improve your mentality. Being present is the best mental state to affect change.
How to Use the Law of Attraction
The variations on how to use the law of attraction to affect your life are wide-ranging. Consider the following ways to practice the philosophy:
- Acknowledge negative thoughts. Start by recognizing any negative thoughts without judgment. Identifying negative thinking can help you combat cognitive distortions and positively reframe thoughts.
- Create positive affirmations. Daily mantras or positive affirmations are a powerful way to change your thinking and foster positive thinking. Practicing positive affirmations is a form of self-care that involves making positive statements about yourself to combat limiting beliefs, challenge negative self-talk, and increase self-esteem.
- Make a vision board. If there is an aspect of your life you want to improve, use visualization or a vision board to help you realize your goals.
- Practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal or practicing mindfulness can help you focus on the positives, even in adverse situations.
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