P ssst… When is a secret not a secret?
      With all the publicity and excitement over The Secret, this book will be quite liberating. From the opening paragraphs, it gets straight to the point and asks all the questions you were afraid to ask about the seemingly mysterious Law of Attraction and many other metaphysical conundrums. It comes from the learned essayists of the Teachings of Abraham.
      Abraham is a group of non-physical entities who channel teachings and answer questions through Esther and Jerry Hicks. The Hicks are the authors of Ask and It Is Given, The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent and Money, and the Law of Attraction. They also provide seminars, workshops, DVDs and numerous other publications.
      Their popularity no doubt stems from their completely down-to-earth approach to some pretty complex issues facing us all. These areas cover prosperity, relationships, loss, health and everything in-between.
      The material is in five sections reflecting the linear progression of the undertaking of conscious creation. Firstly, there is a brief history of how the Hicks came to be the spokespeople and channel for the group called Abraham. This will be of interest to potential channels and those who want to know where they are coming from.
      Section two outlines the Law of Attraction in very accessible language, stating in no uncertain terms that it is necessary to know what you want before you can attract that thing into your life.
      In the question and answers, the concept of your Emotional Guidance System is addressed, as well as how to fashion your own Creative Workshop. Especially sensible questions are answered, such as: How does the Victim Attract the Robber? What Causes Worldwide Unwanted Events? Isn’t it Selfish to Want More Joy? The answers may not always be what the reader expects or thinks they want, but in my estimation they are valid and taken with an open mind and heart will work. In reading this, I found a personal surprise within myself that was previously hidden. I had been using some of the very elements of the Law of Attraction from a very early age.
      Once again, as this reviewer has found in so many metaphysical self-help concepts, the strategy for success is to be precise and specific in what you truly want. Be brief and attentive to your goal as if it has already happened. Don’t allow ANY negative thoughts and emotions to cloud the process. Your feelings and expectations are of critical importance. Regard your goal as if it is inevitable and cannot be avoided.
      Part three defines and answers questions on the next critical element of the process. This is the Science of Deliberate Creation.
      This deals with our random thoughts and emotions which are creating things around us constantly due to the Law of Attraction. These do not have an off switch. The reader will be instructed in how to see the process and consciously guide it so that we can attract only the things we actually want into our lives.
      The difference between tolerating and allowing is answered, and the possibility of undoing past programming is discussed in detail. Once again, there are questions and answers that address most of the areas that any sensible person would query.
      Part four deals with the Art of Allowing. This is an art because it takes attentive application of certain techniques.
      It is easy to buy into negativity over people or circumstances you don’t like. We are taught from an early age to follow our dreams as long as they don’t hurt anyone else. The Golden rule predominates. Can that cause us to deviate from personal fulfilment? Is it possible to reach our goal and still allow others to reach theirs? The difference between tolerating and allowing is further described and clarified. I was particularly interested in the surprising answers given on injustice, criminal behaviour and warfare.
      Part five is a very nitty gritty section on Segment Intending. This means that you can begin to send forth positive intentions to accomplish some rather ordinary activities during your daily life.
      This might mean permitting yourself to drive your car more safely or sitting an exam while allowing yourself to retrieve appropriate and correct information. The activities you pursue in your life are always diverse. Segment Intending makes a lot of sense, both in the moment and for your future actions in regard to any specific activity. We all work, study, play, cook and love. Within all of these areas resides an infinite possibility of discretionary activities or intentions. You are shown how to tailor the process of your intending with your thoughts and emotions to make best use of your energies.
      All the above elements applied in concert lead to an understanding of the whole of the Law of Attraction.
      I recommend this book to anyone who wants to optimise their journey as a physical being in this life. It is a road map to empowerment and the fulfilment of desires. How truly wonderful it is to discover that you really can have it all. There is enough to go around.
      If this book touches a chord in you, you may also like to view Abraham in action through Esther Hicks on the DVD ‘The Law of Attraction in Action’.
      This is a 2 DVD set that illustrates the concepts in the book and has pertinent questions and answers from an actual seminar and workshop. I observed that Esther Hicks channels in a way that is quite without the idiosyncratic writhing, huffing and puffing that many other channels display. Rather reassuring to be sure.
      Recommended if you want to have it all. It’s up to you. Make the choice.