Dear Impish one,
You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the "imp" in you - especially this month your kinship
with Spring flowers - Irises, Magnolias, Primroses...

 

You're receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to it,
you're a member of "The Imp Community" online, or a friend
passed it on. Sign up or unsubscribe at the end.

 

A special welcome to new subscribers! Earlier editions are
archived:  http://www.theimpjournal.com/archives/

 

Are you this month's totebag winner? Check Part 3.

 

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Last June The Imp shared "The Secret" with you.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/archives/issue-40.htm
Since then, the movie has sold out around the world and has also
had its share of criticism.

 

One critic states, "This glorification of navel-gazing goes beyond
the self-evident value of positive thinking into the cultivation
of delusional magical thinking" and asserts that the film coddles
those who believe the universe owes them something.

 

A few months ago I participated in a seminar by Mike Dooley, one of
the speakers in "The Secret". He strongly states that you can't sit
back and expect the Universe to live your life, you have to go out
into the world to "leverage the Universe and engage the magic"
(the title of an audio program available from his website
http://www.tut.com ).

 

The following exercise is adapted from his audio program:
At the top of a page, write a goal you want to achieve. Draw a line
down the middle of the page. Write your name on one side and "The
Universe" on the other side.

 

On your side write down all the things you can think of that you
can do such as networking, honing skills, reading, visualizing the
end result, getting coaching, etc.

 

The Universe's side is the "HOW". For example, the circumstances
you want to attract, the type of people you want to have cross your
path. The synchronicities. The specific HOW is up to the Universe.

 

It is never enough just on your own doing the things on your side.
And the Universe can't do it alone. Mike suggests the reason you
are doing your part is a way of summoning the Universe, to bring it
into the action. Your actions are not the "HOW" that makes your
dream come true.

 

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. You can start
with baby steps.

 

Getting back to "The Secret", what excited me about the film (and
from previously reading a number of books about The Law of
Attraction) was, in Marianne Williamson's words,"...we are powerful
beyond measure." One writer who share this sentiment wrote, "We
are moving into an era where the world needs hope, and movies like
"The Secret" hint at the greatness inside each and every one of us.
This writer goes on to say that the critics are doing a disservice
to all those who are numbed by a steady diet of negativity and
fear-based media.

 

The Imp is about "the greatness inside each and every one of us"!

 

Power, of course, can be used for ill or good. We can learn from
criticism. Is this movie, as some critics say, about "spiritualiz-
ing avarice? Justifying unbridled greed? Encouraging private
fantasy in scheming for personal gain? A blatant celebration of
materialism and individualism?"

 

we can choose the opposite focus.

 

We can choose to use The Law of Attraction as a tool to serve our
fellow human beings, other creatures and the Earth. We can create
a stronger sense of community.

 

 

The Imp and I would love to know your thoughts about "The Secret".
Are you consciously striving to use the Law of Attraction
(rather than by default)? How has it IMPacted your life?
with Law of Attraction in the subject
line.

 

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I've scrapped the original Q&A for this month in favor of sharing
this e-mail:

 

Hello Bev,
I know that I dropped off the face of the earth for awhile, and
haven't responded to your attempts at contact.  It's been a
particularly rough period for me.

 

As I fight to surface from the depths of crisis and despair, I have
gained some clarity on a number of things, and have discovered that
there is something I need to clear with you.

 

Last fall, when I shared with you that I'd experienced an assault/
robbery/sexual assault, you responded with some concern and empathy,
but also commented @ my responsibility in attracting that into my
life.  As I recall, I reacted with some anger at the time, and
indicated that I thought you were blaming the victim.  

 

I was also surprised that you as a Counsellor would have chosen
that moment to make a comment like that, and chosen that orientation. 
The experience has diminished my sense of safety with you, and raised
some big concerns for me about following up on the offered coaching. 
I am choosing to share that with you in the hope that it raises your
awareness about the impact of your statement on this vulnerable woman,
and any other vulnerable folks you may run into in your practice.

 

Since then, I've been exposed to the concept of "The Secret", the
philosophy of which I think you were espousing.  I have had many
reactions to its tenets.

 

While I agree there's some merit in shifting one's thoughts, self-
talk and behaviours as a way to change one's vision and experience,
there was much that I was uncomfortable with ... most especially the
"blame the victim" possibility, and the lack of a realistic socio-
political view of the real circumstances that exist outside our-
selves. 

 

I recently found a website in which a Rabbi posted three different
blogs on the Secret and his disagreements, and it really resonated
for me.  I'm attaching it all as one Word document.  I'd appreciate
if you'd read it ... he is far more eloquent and well-read than I.
Thanks,"A"

 

Dear "A",
Thank you very much for so honestly sharing with me. I certainly
did not intend to "blame the victim" and i apologize for adding to
your grief. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. (And as i write these
words the tears come...)
 
Uncanny timing - just before checking my email, I had just finished
writing my article for this month's newsletter on the topic of
criticism of The Secret.
 
With your permission, I would like to use your letter to me
(completely as is and without your name) in my Coaching Q&A column.
If any of my readers wish to read the attachment, I can email it to
them.
 
Having read the attachment, I'm appalled at some of the things
quoted that are in the book. I haven't read the book, I've just seen
the film.
Sincerely, Bev

 

Hello again Bev,
Thank you so much for your openness to hearing what I had to say ...
I appreciate that and your integrity I see in you, and absolutely
accept your understanding of my perspective and your obviously
heartfelt apology. 

 

I know it may not have been easy to "hear", but it felt like I
wanted to honour both of us enough to share my truth.

 

I also want to acknowledge that I was making an assumption that
your statement came from "The Secret" ... I seem to be hearing
about it everywhere I turn these days. 

 

I am astounded and impressed that you would want to include my
comments in a public forum, and do give you my permission to do
so anonymously. 

 

However, I have no need for you to publicly flay yourself.  There
have been many times in my life that a comment of mine has had some
unintended result, or that I spoke before my brain was engaged, and
in that we can share our humanity. 

 

I think that you have shown yourself as the person of integrity
and compassion and wisdom that I believed you to be, and I am not
carrying the pain anymore --- perhaps for me, this is an opportunity
to do the letting-go that is such a challenge in my life. I do find
myself wishing that I had been able to get clear and communicate my
truth to you much sooner, and in not having done so, I am certainly
guilty of hurting myself.

 

If you choose to post my original email, I think it only fair to you
that you publish your response and this (my response to your response). 
How you have heard and acknowledged my concerns has increased my
respect for you, and my openness to doing some work together. "A"

 

Thank you, "A", from the bottom of my heart. Bev

 

Dear Reader, if you want a copy of the Word document "A" sent me
with "Criticism of The Secret" in the
subject line. (It is not as "tame" as the criticism on which I based
my article.)

 

What challenges are you facing on your journey to greater self-
empowerment? When your question is answered in this column, you'll
receive a complimentary 40-minute coaching session by phone or
a set of whimsical imp notecards.

 

Client names are changed to protect identity and maintain
confidentiality. Go ahead!
with "Coaching Question" in the subject line.

 

Your question will be answered promptly.
No waiting until the next newsletter.

 

Do you really have what it takes to live a life of Inspiration,
Magic and Passion? To find out, take The Imp's Quick Quiz and
apply for a complimentary 40 minute phone consultation.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/quick-quiz/

 

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3. News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners

 

For those of you here on Vancouver Island, I invite you to come
out and experience the Healing Arts Network Health Fair, Saturday
April 28th, 10am to 4pm at the Best Western Hotel in Courtenay.
Meet health practitioners. Ask questions. Sample products and
services. Enter prize draws. Look for "The Imp Boutique".
The Imp and I will focus on "Laughter is the best medicine."

 

There are 3 ways to win a "Live a Life of Inspiration, Magic and
Passion" tote bag.
1. Request game cards and mark your location on The Imp's guest
map. It's fun! There's only one rule to this game - don't get
caught doing it!
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm

 

2. During the first 2 months as a new subscriber.

 

3. When you purchase The Imp Journal: Guided Journal Writing for
Personal Empowerment, Vol.1

 

Did you know The Imp Journal provides a step-by-step plan for
personal growth with 23 weekly themes? And online bonuses!
http://www.theimpjournal.com/order-journal.htm

 

This month's winner is Peter D. with a "wizard" e-mail address.
Contact me with your postal address, Peter, and your tote bag will
be on its way promptly.

 

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4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

 

The Imp encourages you to write the quote on a card, read it
regularly, and then journal about your thoughts, insights,
feelings and, especially, actions.

 

"For all those years you've protected the seed, it's time to
become the beautiful flower..." Stephen C. Paul

 

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I mention a lot of great books. If you are interested in having
a copy for yourself, just use my direct quick-link to Amazon:
http://www.theimpjournal.com/gotoAmazon

 

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Who do you know that would enjoy this issue of "IMPressions"?
Just hit the forward button on your e-mail program...

 

Look for your next newsletter in mid-May.
Warmly, "The Imp and I", Beverley ;-)

 

Beverley Howden, M.Ed.
"The Imp Lady"
Author, Speaker, Personal Empowerment Facilitator
1-250-897-0992

 

The Imp, the delight of my life, came to me during the bleakest
period of my life. If you're rebuilding your life or reinventing
who you are, check out my other website
http://www.StartingLifeOver.com