Secrets, prophecies, recoveries and the like

[jawnbc]

From time to time in the public sphere something emerges, a thing or concept that purports to explain Everything™. Here in North America these things often owe some aspect of their lineage to Oprah and her ilk--if Oprah says it's something, well it is. Oh, and thanks for Dr. Phil Oprah, he's healing America. *cough*

One such thing is The Secret (Google it if you want to find out its specifics and/or buy the associated media): I come not to bury The Secret, nor to praise it. Some may find it heretical for an academic to saying what I'm about to say: there's something there, folks. It's not all smoke and mirrors. And no, not just because the DVD is circulating like a po-mo Japanesque horror movie. But don't fret: I don't think you'll die if you watch it. Unless you get someone else to watch it after you. Which is sort of the model that YouTube works under, non?

But I digress. Before there was The Secret there was the Celetine Prophecy. Before that paradigm shift, before that co-dependency, before that rolfing, before that EST. And self-help groups. And 12 step programmes. Lather, rinse, repeat. There are many among us who seem to have as desperate need to prove these...notions...are baseless as there are people who view them as The Answer To All Their Problems Ever. Putting the paradox of their equal orthodoces aside, the gist of such critiques invariably reduce to one idea:

This isn't true all the time for all humanity, and has no basis in fact (evidence!) therefore it's invalid.

Yes. Fine. Good. Except...very few human experiences are universalized. Even at the cellular level. Virii and bacteria act differently in men and women's bodies, in persons with different genetic make-ups, and in well-fed versus malnourished people. We all need oxygen, but millions live at an altitude that would leave me gasping (what happens to them at sea level...do they get hyper?). So the one-size doesn't fit all argument doesn't hold water. Leaky bucket.

In fact, I think that sort of critique is missing the point: people's lives that have been substantively improved by things like The Secret are evidence of its value. We should be asking what are the specific things that are of value, to whom, why and how. Because I have to tell you, when I found out The Secret, I wasn't shocked, or surprised. I already knew it. And knew how it had dramatically improve my life for the better. Actually, it saved my life. Except for me it was something acquired through spiritual boot camp. Which started through Alcoholics Anonymous (I am not longer a member, hence anonymity isn't a concern), included many years of psychiatric care (therapeutic talk, but also medication. Even today), and much prayer and meditation.

A lot of people would read this sort of entry and say "ach, just another religious freak." OK great...except I'm not religious. I don't participate in the religion of my childhood because I do not believe the central tenets of its faith, not because of its homophobia,...though that probably would have been a dealbreaker for me eventually. I don't believe in God, which is why I write it Gawd. I don't have any inclination to worship or chat or annoy with relentless Christmas wish list prayers, any deity personified. I believe in a Creator, but have no idea what form it/they might take...nor do I care to know. I merely believe in a greatness beyond my comprehension, one which, by the way, doesn't manipulate me like a puppet on a string.

Many years ago I underwent a spiritual transformation. That instigated a process that continues today. In my case it has not led to membership in a community of practice with specific articles of faith or rituals. it has also, paradoxically, require me to be take even more responsibility for my being, my time on this earth. Over these last 17 years I have learnt so many things, perhaps none more valuable then this:

If something doesn't work for you me, but does for someone else, why the fuck do you I need to poke holes in it for them?

If what they're pursuing requires them to tithe vast sums of money, or sign away their autonomy, or makes them vulnerable to violence, of course that has to be challenged. But $50 for a book and/or DVD? Big deal...if someone can find something transformative there, that's a good thing. Whereas most of the carping on about these things is really about your my ego.

Comments

[garpu.livejournal.com]

I really try to make an attempt not to bash other people's religions. God knows I'm not always successful where evangelicals and megachurches are concerned. That series of Oprah shows was on when I was out with the flu, and I caught bits of it. The whole thing was kind of "meh" with me, but I really didn't like how Oprah and the Secret people were attacking one obviously Christian woman. If it works for her, and she's happy, why do they care? Then again, I'm not a fan of the Oprah show.

[sahara-harp.livejournal.com]

I saw "The Secret" almost a year ago and I remember thinking a similar thing to you - hey, I already know this to be true! I think what is good about it, despite its recent oprahization, is that for people who need reminding of the basic concepts it has a group of very motivational speakers who can remind us of our power. It makes me feel good to reinforce the concepts presented in it, and if it creates the same motivation in other people that makes me happy.

[slate-canada.livejournal.com]

People substantively improve their lives all the time by joining religions, they may wallow in holy light and be the truest epitome of personal happiness. Some of those persons, as part of this transformation may go on to do wonderful productive things on behalf of the human race. Then again some of them will find their happiness in lighting crosses on people's lawns. I'm sure any religious movement found its genesis in the altruistic.

I'm not on board with this whole "if it works for you fine" school. Programmes like "The Secret" simply deserve to have holes poked in it. Anything that enjoys the popularity and success it has should be criticized! Especially when persons like Oprah are endorsing. Packaging a collage of people running through time hiding scrolls is nothing more than a fairy tale, there is nothing in that fifty dollar glossy packaged scam that is the least bit empirical or credible. In fact, portraying images of a little boy wishing with all his heart for a red bike and having it magically appear at his door, is down right irresponsible.

You said it yourself that no human experience is universalized yet THIS is exactly what they want you to swallow. To suggest that a woman in a rice field on the other side of the planet can accumulate the same material wealth (which btw, is EXACTLY what this 'new religion' is about - getting rich) as that of an educated white male in North America, offends me profoundly.

Your point is taken. You are right, this is only a fad, and just like the Celestine Prophesy, et cetera, all before, it shall likely pass. I certainly have squandered more than fifty dollars on my own foolish pursuits. I worry about today's malleable audiences, so easily bent and crimped by foolish ideas and magical promises. Those that managed to distill the part of the message that was in fact valuable likely never needed to watch it in the first place and see the rest of it for the claptrap that it is.

Rhonda Byrne has uncovered no clandestine secret. She is a capitalist and nothing more. I'm sure Jim Jones would be proud of her.

[jawnbc]

Of course there are flaws, even inconsistencies. One huge issue I take with nearly all these frameworks is their presumption that no one's life is so dominated by violence, hunger, or homelessness that a subsistence existence precludes one's mind set from significantly impacting the quality of their lives. Doesn't change that for a lot of people, these sorts of shifts in perception are not only possible...they're positive.

Hey, I don't have a capitalist bone in my body. Except, on occasion, my husband's. Or the odd stranger in a towel the night.

[sunsmogseahorse.livejournal.com]

My love, once again you've pierced the pith of the matter.

[slate-canada.livejournal.com]

Wow, someone is behind on their reading!

[sunsmogseahorse.livejournal.com]

No, just going through old emails.

[jamaisneutral.livejournal.com]

The Secret? Never heard of it... I gather it's something we'll have to look forward to.

My professor psychoanalysis at uni called everything you just mentioned (incl alcoholics anonymous) cults that take people away from their own true feelings and neuroses. Coping mechanisms in a way.

[stoplabelingme.livejournal.com]

Nothing annoys me more than when Oprah gets her finger into a pie I actually wanted a slice of.

First, there were the huge "Oprah's Book Club Selection!" Tags on every copy of East of Eden they're selling nowadays (how did she "discover" an enduring classic?)Now everyone and their mom is either praising or bashing the Secret, many without having learned any more about it than was shown during the hour of the Oprah special.

Dave's mom and her partner made us watch the dvd last Thanksgiving and, though extremely sceptical at first, we figured there was no harm in giving it a shot. Weird as it seems, we HAVE noticed results.

My reasoning is that "the Secret" is really just another term for positive thinking. Whether the universe physically SENDS you the things you want is debateable, but one thing I do know is true: If you dwell on problems all you see is problems, if you focus on goals you have a wide enough view to find solutions.

It never hurts to gain perspective. I'm glad Dave's mom showed us the video - and that you know about it too.

[rhyce.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your post. It was well written. I had never heard of it before this. Of course I googled it and found out more about it, and it seems to be the next Davinci Code. I think these things are good, even if they do have holes and flaws in them, because ultimately it gets people to think and question the reality of their own being. And I think that is important from time to time. I hate the word religion, and I don't think this is a religion per se, but a way of thinking, just as useful and beneficial as a concept as say..Healthy Living. A choice to eat well and exercise to feel positive inside. It seems to me to be the same thing.

Ok, now I'm going to go actually watch it.

[toneyvr.livejournal.com]

Exactly! But I do object if it Others others. And too many of these Secrets preach, that now one has embraced this True Way, that one has become better/holier/deservinger/enlighteneder... than thou.

[devcubber.livejournal.com]

if something doesn't work for you me, but does for someone else, why the fuck do you I need to poke holes in it for them?

ahhhh, je t'adore, encore, encore.......

[jawnbc]

toi aussi ma belle... *bizous*

Im-pertinent quote

[toneyvr.livejournal.com]

In the youtube clip, did you see the kid ogling the bikes? Well it reminded me of a lovely quote by the comedian Emo Philips: "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked for forgiveness".

Re: Im-pertinent quote

[jawnbc]

Great quote!