The Secret Teachers aren't on a Pedestal!

by vpsean
1 replies
Hey guys,

Two real questions for all whom read this …

1. I'd like to know … how many of you here put the teachers of the Secret up on a pedestal and think of them as incredibly, extraordinary people who achieved every level of abundance imaginable?

2. That's question one, and question two is, how many of you see their level of success as potentially unreachable and hard to grasp?

From the hundreds of students I've worked with I've found that a lot of people are in these mindsets.

The thing is, they're not that different. They are completely normal people, many of whom have their own challenges, ups and downs, and can have 'freak outs' just the same, and really … are just like any one here.

"Where they're at" is not some piece of nirvana that is unattainable, and I can tell you that some of them aren't even in the 'nirvana state' they appear to be.

How do I know? In 2007 I set out an intention to be mentored by one of the teachers of the Secret. Within just a few months I began work with that person and continued to do so for 1.5 years as the person's right hand man (literally) . It was also through a series of experiences that I developed a number of friends of people whom I consider family now that are on the transformational leadership council (which many of the teachers from the secret are on), which was founded by Jack Canfield.

The teachings of the person whom I worked with I do appreciate … and I don't have any hang-ups about them - however, the actual person? For reasons I won't get into, I actually prefer not to associate my name with them anymore (no it wasn't James Ray btw, so we can narrow that one down ;-).

During the year and a half I was working with them, it was fantastic … I learned a LOT about the Law of Attraction and success and it was directly through those experiences that lead me to becoming a teacher myself.

However, I learned a lot of things about the opposite of success and happiness as well … as I found out this person whom I had once put on a pedestal was not what they seemed to be by any means. Over that time that I was working with the person as the right hand man, around 60 people had jumped ship from his company … including two presidents, his co-founder, two marketing directors, two sales managers, coaches, franchise owners, the franchise director, customer service representatives, executive administrator, assistant, and a plethora of employees, and … I really can't remember it all … but there were other significant positions as well.

Why am I telling you this? It's not to bash on the person by any means (if I was I'd be saying who it was). I appreciate him and his teachings, and I appreciate the learnings I got from him … and, in addition, it was from 2007-2009 that this experience was - people change … people evolve … and people can go through hardships at any point in their life in which they begin to react negatively for a time being that wasn't how they used to be, or how they will be for their entire life (REMEMBER THIS for anyone you may have resentment towards … everyone changes to some degree, some greater than others) …

The point is also to not tear teachers down by any means!

The point is this - to help you realize that the level of success and 'nirvana' you perceive to be theirs is not outside of the realm of possibility. Their 'success' is not out there and unachievable … don't for one second think, "oh no! I have down days and get depressed every now and then so therefor I'll never have success." -- No no no … Listen, it's not about how many times you fail … it's about how many times you stand back up.

Some other thoughts of highly successful people:


Like I said I've got many friends on the transformational leadership council … people I consider very dear to me and are at all ranges of success. I also know people who were once billionaires, some people who are well on their way to being billionaires, and others who have changed the lives of millions of people through their teachings either through books or online programs …

What I've generally found to be the most successful of them are:

* Those who Appreciate others
* Those who have sincere Gratitude for the blessings in their life
* Those who are respectful to others
* Those who are loving
* Those who are not so 'black and white' with their beliefs but walk a middle path
* Those whom are joyful
* Those whom are giving

One man who was a former billionaire and mentor of mine … his wealth was decreasing, and in hindsight I can see darn well why! He wasn't appreciating the people he worked with … he was trying to take advantage of others, and I'm sure many other things I couldn't see. Needless to say I didn't keep this person as a mentor for long, as he no longer served me in my life (I suggest you all 'release' the people whom no longer serve your greater life purpose -- if they're holding you back or not appreciating you, let them go … it doesn't have to be mean or vindictive … but you don't have to maintain constant contact with those whom don't uplift and inspire you)

On another note, a family whom live in what I consider to be absolute paradise (I wouldn't consider their home a 'house,' -- I'd consider it a fortress with one of the most beautiful home views I've ever seen!) -- and is nearing the billion dollar mark -- they are THE MOST loving, grateful, appreciative, and giving family I've ever met. True prosperity here guys. Their mission in life is FAR beyond them and just 'what they can get' … but have an extreme mission for fixing the problems they see on this earth that are holding us back as a worldly community.

At the same time though, you know how they feel about money? Absolutely WONDERFULLY! Have you ever noticed how there's a lot of people who have a lot of hang ups about money because of their upbringing? Ie. "Money doesn't grow on trees," or the awful teaching (in my opinion and if anyone disagrees you're totally entitled to your opinion) "Money is the root of all evil." <-- They have no hang ups about money and fully believe in leading an incredibly prosperous life that includes both real love in their life, and true financial wealth as well …

Anyhow …

My discussion here from the original subject went on a bit of a tour here, but I'm hoping you got the main points:

* Success is NOT an illusive, esoteric, magical thing that you can't attain.
* The teachers of the Secret ALSO have their issues and challenges, and not all of them are all they're made out to be (at the same time, some of them are, I've met and befriended people of both camps: those whom are authentic … and those whom you would probably bet your money are authentic, but are not)
* True success begins from within, from a place of Love and Gratitude …

Hmm, and it just came to me --- Love & Gratitude … now that is a beautiful Yin-Yang isn't it? They can both be given and received …

Loving others and gratitude for others …
Loving yourself and gratitude for yourself …

Something to think about :-)

And by the way, I hope you guys are getting one other thing: that this is by NO MEANS a bash on the teachers of the Secret. Like I said, I've met people from both sides of the camp and the ones whom are on the authentic side, I sincerely enjoy, love and appreciate … Sarah (my love and biz partner) are actually publishing a book that features some of these teachers and other 'manifesting' authors which comes out in early July …

So take from this what you will … by no means should you start looking at the teachers with less respect … just take it with a grain of salt and to help you not put them and their success outside of you and your realm of possibility … and to also not give your power away to them. The teachers, myself included, are guides. Pointers. Messengers … take the messages that resonate with you and use them to your advantage in life and the better well being of all you come in touch with …

And most of all …

LOVE! :-)

With Love & Gratitude,
--Sean Patrick Simpson
www.AdventuresInManifesting.org
www.AlskaPublishing.com
#pedestal #secret #teachers #the secret
  • Profile picture of the author RickDayle
    Good Post!

    To answer your two questions: 1) Not Me. 2) also no.

    Though I certainly have a certain level of respect for these people, they are a far cry from having achieved the ultimate level, in my mind. Also, I don't see what they have achieved as unattainable, just requiring a lot of personal work and some element of luck in timing.

    As you've found out personally, most of our gurus, teachers and other people we look up to aren't necessarily what they first appear to be. Perhaps many once were (wholesome, truthful, caring individuals) but being in the limelight takes a toll on even the best prepared and diligent individuals.

    The picture I've seen often plays out as someone that started out sincere, and developed a program or concept that worked, and then became fairly popular, and recognized as a teacher. With popularity comes a certain expectation that they won't change, and typically brings money. For awhile, the money is novel and they tend to handle it well. After a bit of time, however, because of their popularity, they end up being besieged with all sorts of offers, demands, and requests for their time and/or money. Some handle this increased pressure pretty well, but typically not for very long.

    Sitting in a position where you have something that you've created/built yourself, or obtained through taking advantage of the right time and opportunities is a nice place to be... at least until people find out about it. Then the badgering starts. At first, it isn't usually intended, but there are a certain group of individuals that will try to take advantage of the good nature of the teacher. This starts with requests for time, information and such, but rapidly degrades to appeals for money. Some of these people truly are in need, but most really are not, and are just trying to scam the teacher. After being badgered long enough, it's hard for even the best balanced teacher to maintain a positive picture of life. As a result, they tend to become disassociative, driving even their close friends and relatives away.

    The other major group of teachers that aren't what they seem are those that have lost their humility as their fortunes increased. In esessence, they forget where they were or came from, and what they went through to become a teacher.

    Now, there are still a lot of teachers that really are all of what they seem to be, but you have to carefully look at the teachings to see what is being said, and look to see if there seem to be ulterior motives. Most of the time, there isn't a hidden agenda, but there are always a few bad apples in any barrel.

    Yes, as you've said, the teachers of the Secret (or any other major idea or path) all have their own issues, some of which may be in apparent conflict with your ideals.

    Of course, the most important point is that Success really is attainable, and not the elusive dream. It certainly helps if you can define success in a manner that can be achieved a step at a time, instead of just hoping a miracle will occur...
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