Latest news with #RhondaByrne
ABC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Manifesting is popular but some experts say it has a dark side
When Oprah Winfrey first read the Alice Walker novel The Colour Purple, she became obsessed with it. Speaking to Larry King on his talk show in 2009, she explained how she was cast in the 1985 Steven Spielberg film. "I ate, slept, thought all the time about The Colour Purple … when I moved to Chicago, I got a call asking me to audition [for the] movie, I had never gotten a call like that in my life from anybody," she says. Despite that stroke of luck, Winfrey was convinced she hadn't got the role. "I'm singing, praying and crying, and a woman comes out to me and says there is a phone call for me … It was [director] Steven Spielberg saying he wanted to see me in his office in California tomorrow." Oprah was offered her dream role playing Sofia in the film, which went on to be a box-office hit. Winfrey's interview on Larry King was about the self-help book she endorsed, The Secret, which had exploded in popularity at the time. Written by Australian author Rhonda Byrne, the book claimed to help readers harness the laws of attraction — essentially the belief that thought alone could help you get what you want. It's been nearly 20 years since the book was published, and the practice of manifestation and positive thinking continues to gain popularity across cultures. It can involve methods like being clear and intentional about your goals and practising rituals to help bring those goals into reality. The rituals are varied, but can include journalling, vocalising mantras, practising positive self-talk and creating vision boards. Manifesting is also big business with self-help professionals, like Mel Robbins and Gabrielle Bernstein, releasing countless books, podcasts and international speaking tours on how to do it. In a 2022 podcast episode about manifestation, Robbins claims the form of manifesting she promotes is "backed by neuroscience" and isn't just wishful thinking. "It is a tool that you are going to use precisely, intentionally, systematically with purpose, because you use manifesting to rewire your mind … to help you do the work to achieve your dreams." There's no denying that manifestation is popular, and the way that individuals use it in their own lives can be varied. But is there a dark side to the practice? Winfrey's public endorsement of The Secret on her widely watched show helped boost the book's popularity, but it was not without criticism. For example, when Kim Tinkham appeared on the show in 2007, she told Winfrey she was so moved by The Secret that she was going to forego cancer treatment, against her doctor's advice. Winfrey tried to talk her out of this, clarifying that she didn't think this was the message to take away from the book. Tinkham died in 2010. The insidious nature of our algorithmic feeds When discussing the book on King's show, Winfrey wanted to clarify her endorsement of The Secret, saying that the mistake it made was that it "tried to let that be the answer to all questions." She added: "The law of attraction is just one law, there are many laws working in the world". Laura D'Olimpio is an associate professor from the University of Birmingham and says she believes manifestation stops many people from learning. "I see manifesting as a form of wishful thinking and therefore, in my mind, it's an intellectual vice, because it's a way of thinking that interrupts our attainment of knowledge," she tells ABC Radio National's Future Tense. D'Olimpio claims that manifesting promotes self-centredness — and self-blame if it doesn't work. "The thing that strikes me about manifesting is that it really narrows down just on 'what I want'," she says. This approach worries her. Manifesting, like many self-help concepts, comes with rituals. One is the 369 manifestation method, which went viral on social media in 2021, and includes the act of writing down what you want to manifest three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon and nine times at night. D'Olimpio says rituals like the 369 method promote obsessive and compulsive thinking. "It seems to really encourage that obsessive ritual of trying to make this belief come into reality through the power of thought," she says. Along with Winfrey, celebrities including Ariana Grande, and Dua Lipa, have credited manifestation as one of the reasons for their success. For example, when Lipa headlined Glastonbury last year, she told the crowd, "I've written this moment down and wished for it and dreamt it and worked so hard". While it's a romanticised way to frame your dreams coming true, D'Olimpio has concerns that manifestation is a "closed theory", meaning that if it doesn't work, we won't know about it. "[Those that practise are] pointing to the outcome that they want to say, 'See, I'm right in manifesting'. But that's a form of confirmation bias," she says. "When it doesn't come about, they often say, 'Oh, well, it wasn't in my higher good or my best interest' … So you can't falsify it, which means that they're not deterred by instances where it doesn't come true." People turn to manifestation for a variety of reasons, and many do so in the hope that they can maintain a positive mindset and attract good things. And in recent years, it can feel like remaining optimistic is increasingly hard to achieve. People are grappling with the impacts of climate change, an increase in natural disasters and global conflicts, most notably Israel's war in Gaza. Humans need optimism to move forward, but there can be confusion about what that means, says author Sumit Paul-Choudhury. "Being positive about the future doesn't necessarily mean that you have to think that everything is fine and will turn out to be fine," he says. While thinking optimistically can be a segue into engaging with self-help materials that promote manifesting, Paul-Choudhury says people should aim for dispositional optimism instead. "It is this general approach to life in which you think that there are solutions to your problems and that there are always opportunities ahead," he says. "You're generally always believing that there are ways forward that seem to be associated with better outcomes." Paul-Choudhury says those who aim for this type of optimism and mindset are more likely to live happier lives. "People who rank reasonably strongly with that kind of optimism seem to live for longer." While D'Olimpio acknowledges there are valid concerns about manifestation, she doesn't want it to be viewed as criticism of optimism. She says there is an important role for optimism in our society, and that "manifesting distorts that positive thinking into thinking that thought alone can create reality". "I'm hoping that with education and other ways of opening up people's thinking, they can see that [manifesting] is a distorted version of positive thinking and very self-focused rather than community-based."
Emirates Woman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Friday book club: 5 life-changing manifestation books for ambitious women
Welcome to the third edition of Friday Book Club, where we explore transformative reads designed for high-achieving, visionary women. This week, we're diving deep into the art of manifestation, the practice of aligning your thoughts, energy, and actions to create the extraordinary life you deserve. For the woman who refuses to settle, manifestation isn't just about wishing, it's about commanding your reality with intention, strategy, and unshakable belief. These five books are more than guides; they're blueprints for success, blending ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, and actionable steps to help you attract wealth, love, confidence, and boundless opportunities. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or a woman on a mission to elevate every aspect of her life, these reads will unlock your highest potential. Let's manifest greatness. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne Rhonda Byrne's The Secret isn't just a book, it's a cultural phenomenon that introduced millions to the Law of Attraction. Based on the principle that like attracts like, this book reveals how your thoughts shape your reality, whether in wealth, health, or happiness. Why we love it – Timeless wisdom from philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders. – Real-life success stories of people who transformed their lives using these principles. – Practical techniques to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Perfect for: The woman ready to rewire her thinking and embrace the power of her mind. Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life – Roxie Nafousi Roxie Nafousi, the 'Queen of Manifesting,' delivers a no-fluff, action-driven guide to turning dreams into reality. This isn't about passive wishing—it's about elevating your energy, removing self-sabotage, and aligning your actions with your vision. Why we love it – A 7-step framework (from clarity to surrender) designed for real results. – Journal prompts, exercises, and mindset shifts to break through limiting beliefs. – Focused on self-worth—because you can't manifest what you don't believe you deserve. Perfect for: The goal-getter who wants a structured, no-nonsense approach to manifestation. The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein Gabrielle Bernstein, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, teaches how to replace anxiety with divine trust. This book is for the woman who's tired of overthinking and ready to flow with life's magic. Why we love it – Lessons on surrendering control and embracing synchronicity. – How to turn fear into fuel and obstacles into opportunities. – Daily practices to cultivate intuition and recognize divine guidance. Perfect for: The spiritual powerhouse who wants to lead with faith, not force. Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation by Dr. James Doty Stanford neuroscientist Dr. James Doty proves manifestation isn't just mystical—it's backed by brain science. This book bridges spirituality and neuroscience, showing how meditation, visualization, and compassion rewire your mind for success. Why we love it – Proof that manifestation alters brain chemistry for greater focus and resilience. – How to use compassion as a superpower—because true success is collective. – A 6-step plan to train your brain for abundance. Perfect for: The analytical achiever who wants evidence-based manifestation strategies. Becoming Supernatural – Dr. Joe Dispenza Dr. Joe Dispenza takes manifestation to a quantum level, teaching how to transcend limitations and reprogram your biology. This is for the woman who wants next-level mastery over her reality. Why we love it – Meditations to shift into higher states of consciousness. – The science behind energy healing, chakras, and pineal gland activation. – How to dissolve past traumas that block your success. Perfect for : The trailblazer ready to evolve beyond ordinary limits. Manifestation isn't magic—it's mastery. These books offer everything from spiritual surrender to neuroscientific precision to practical step-by-step systems. Friday book club: Ultimate reads on investing and wealth building for the modern woman Stay tuned for next week's Friday Book Club, where we'll explore another must-read category for the modern woman. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Pinterest
News18
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Top 7 Lessons From Rhonda Byrne's The Secret
Rhonda Byrne's The Secret, a bestseller since its 2006 release, inspires millions to embrace abundance and empowerment.
