by Stephanie Brail

I've been a fan of Wayne Dyer's for a while but have not read much of his recent stuff. I used to have an audio course of his on cassette tape that I really enjoyed. He's a kind soul with a gentle energy that has always been appealing.

So I was very interested to read one of his more recent books, The Power of Intention, given to me by a friend of mine. Wayne looks older than what I remember - and I have to say, I actually kind of miss his old cheesy 70s mustache. But, he's evolved with the times, and he's gotten trendy. He's also unfortunately gotten on the “Law of Attraction” bandwagon, which is evidenced by his homage to Esther and Jerry Hicks in the back of the book.

The "Law of Attraction" has been so overdone in coaching circles lately that it's become the default mantra for many in the self-help biz. "Like attracts like," they say. (Hm. So whatever happened to "opposites attract"?)

I just think the world is more complex than one simple statement that "like attracts like."

As much as I think positive thinking is powerful, as much as I think intention is an amazing force, and as much as I believe visualization can effect personal change...I don't think these things are infallible.

But people respond to soundbites, so I'm wondering if there is some sort of snappy way to say, "Well, yes, thinking positive is great but be realistic and don't expect to become a supermodel when you are a 60-year-old overweight man with a harelip!"

How about something like, "Manifest all you want, but remember God has the final say."

Or: "Think positively, but be open for something else to happen."

After The Secret came out, I started a small website called "The Intention Project" to focus on using the power of intention to help make the world a better place. (One of my big beefs with The Secret was the use of spiritual power and mental focus to obtain personal wealth and "stuff" rather than helping others).

I have recently expanded this website to allow visitors to post their own intentions to share with others. Then, the website community can focus on putting positive energy on these intentions. The intentions can be for yourself, your loved ones, or the world.

This is a free service. I hope you will stop by and share an intention or some positive energy. It's also a good place to put those New Year's Resolutions out to the world!

http://www.intentionproject.com