Mystery solved as locals discover 'The Secret'

By Anna Kaplan
Record Staff Writer
May 12, 2007

Everyone's talking about "The Secret." Oprah Winfrey has probed its depths; it even has been spoofed on "Saturday Night Live."

Now San Joaquin County residents are discovering it,and they say "The Secret" is drastically changing their lives for the better.

"I've been searching for a long time: in meditation, in the metaphysical properties of gemstones, even in Wicca," said Marsha Lavagnino, 57. "And then I find this, and I just don't need to have all this other stuff anymore."

If this leaves you simultaneously confused and intrigued, you'll be reassured to know that is the standard reaction to the popular film and book that repackage the idea of the power of positive thinking for a new generation of spiritual seekers.

"The Secret" is a 2006 independent film about the differences that employing the "law of attraction" can have in a person's life. The law basically asserts that people attract what they project. Think yourself poor, and you will be poor; think yourself rich, and the money will come.

"It's no secret, and it's not new," said Catherine Albanese, chairwoman of religious studies at University of California, Santa Barbara.

"The Secret" merely has updated the power of positive thinking first popularized by the late 19th century's New Thought Movement. Its current popularity stems from a combination of successful marketing and sociopolitical circumstances.

"The timing is right," Albanese said. "So much is out of our control, and someone comes along with a sweet little book that says you can have control."

In Stockton, "The Secret" movement consists of a group of women who started meeting last month to talk about the impact the law of attraction has had on their lives.

"You have the power to create the life you want," said group organizer Wendy Lieginger, 36. "I've been happier since watching (the movie), because I know I have the power to create my happiness."

Lavagnino said she grew up Catholic and sees Christian principles in her new spiritual path.

"It's all in the Bible: 'Ask and you shall receive,' " she said.

For more information, visitBy Anna Kaplan
Record Staff Writer
May 12, 2007 6:00 AM

Everyone's talking about "The Secret." Oprah Winfrey has probed its depths; it even has been spoofed on "Saturday Night Live."

Now San Joaquin County residents are discovering it, and they say "The Secret" is drastically changing their lives for the better.

"I've been searching for a long time: in meditation, in the metaphysical properties of gemstones, even in Wicca," said Marsha Lavagnino, 57. "And then I find this, and I just don't need to have all this other stuff anymore."
For more info

To San Joaquin Valley Personal Growth and Conscious Living group, visit www.law

ofattraction.meetup.com/238.

If this leaves you simultaneously confused and intrigued, you'll be reassured to know that is the standard reaction to the popular film and book that repackage the idea of the power of positive thinking for a new generation of spiritual seekers.

"The Secret" is a 2006 independent film about the differences that employing the "law of attraction" can have in a person's life. The law basically asserts that people attract what they project. Think yourself poor, and you will be poor; think yourself rich, and the money will come.

"It's no secret, and it's not new," said Catherine Albanese, chairwoman of religious studies at University of California, Santa Barbara.

"The Secret" merely has updated the power of positive thinking first popularized by the late 19th century's New Thought Movement. Its current popularity stems from a combination of successful marketing and sociopolitical circumstances.

"The timing is right," Albanese said. "So much is out of our control, and someone comes along with a sweet little book that says you can have control."

In Stockton, "The Secret" movement consists of a group of women who started meeting last month to talk about the impact the law of attraction has had on their lives.

"You have the power to create the life you want," said group organizer Wendy Lieginger, 36. "I've been happier since watching (the movie), because I know I have the power to create my happiness."

Lavagnino said she grew up Catholic and sees Christian principles in her new spiritual path.

"It's all in the Bible: 'Ask and you shall receive,' " she said.

For more information, visit: The San Joaquin Valley Personal Growth & Conscious Living Meetup Group