The Magic Paperback – 6 Mar. 2012

In the book, The Magic, Rhonda Byrne talks about gratitude and then invites the reader to spend a period of 28 days completing various practices. Some of these daily practices are performed throughout the remaining period, while others are simply performed on the same day at which they are assigned. It is clear, however, that it is the author's intention that some or most of these daily practices are to be incorporated into the reader's everyday life and thus eventually become habitual.With that being said, the Magic is a book which is to be read in 28 days. It is therefore quite easy to find the time to read the daily practices; and since each practice does not necessarily consume a lot of time, it is quite manageable to allocate the time to read- and complete these daily practices.In the book, the author makes some bold claims; which can basically be summed up to the idea that by feeling and being more grateful, one will attract more favorable things, situations, experiences, circumstances, people etc. into one's life. At this point I can neither confirm nor refuse this claim; the universe has certainly not showered me with hundreds of thousands of dollars just yet. But then again; I have managed to save about 80% on the purchase of a new bed, I managed to quit a 20 year old bad habit and I received unexpected help in paying the expenses connected with my daughter's baptism next Sunday (just to mention some of the things that happened to me recently). Whether or not these incidences can be attributed to these "magical practices" I have been performing, I just cannot say for sure; maybe these occurrences would have happened either way?In order to substanciate the author's claim, about gratitude actually adding more value to one's life, I would say that one needs to carry on the practices for an extended period of time and then make some reasonable comparison between one's everyday results after- and prior to the point where one has initiated this process of internalizing gratitude. If a noticeable change is observed, then perhaps the claim is sound.Another bold claim is that the author speaks of the law of attraction as a mathematical law. She says (quote): "...when you ask for a magnificent outcome and feel sincerely grateful for it, you are using the mathematical law of attraction..." This claim is really the only part of the book that actually bothers me.I happen to study mathematics at the university and though I am not familiar with the entire field of mathematics (it is quite enormous), I feel extremely confident that I will never come across any "theorem of attraction". I am sure that the author intents to say that the law of attraction is mathematically precise. But it is surely too bold a claim to say that the law of attraction is an actual part of the field of mathematics - in fact, that would sort of be a nonsense claim. I think that the author should have consulted an actual mathematician to verify the parts of her book where she makes a connection between mathematics and the law of attraction. The author herself states that mathematics is precise and she is absolutely correct. But this means that once you decide to step into the field of mathematics, you need to watch your step, because you cannot allow yourself to arrive at conclusions which are not currently proven according to the strict rules which form the strength of this field. In other words; if the law of attraction were actually a mathematical law (or theorem), then this law would have been soundly based on some mathematical proof or proofs. I dare to claim that no such proofs exist and hence no such mathematical law exists (and if it does, I would sure love to see it).When it comes to the law of attraction, I believe it is very important that one is able to separate mathematics, science and spirituality. The law of attraction is first and foremost a spiritual concept and it has remained a spiritual concept up until the point where science introduced the field of quantum physics. The field of quantum physics was then a path through which the law of attraction could enter the field of science and upgrade its status from being spiritual concept to being a scientific theory. However, theories are not to be confused with reality (whatever that is). Rather, theories are accepted interpretations of reality and within the field of science, scientists themselves disagree on which theories we should rely on. There is such a thing as conflicting theories and there are certainly scientists who do not acknowledge the field of quantum physics and most certainly scientists who refuse to acknowledge the law of attraction as a scientifically sound idea. Though the law of attraction may be recognized as a theory, this does not imply that it has been proven. It simply means that it is an organized collection of ideas which has not been disproven or falsified. Science is a field that evolves; theories enter and leave this field all the time. So one should certainly not confuse theories with truth or reality - a recognized theory today could be falsified tomorrow. At this time, the law of attraction is neither more nor less than exactly that - a scientific theory at most - and there is a very distinct line between science and mathematics. To my knowledge, the law of attraction has not crossed that line and as a final note on this matter; mathematics does not give a hoot about reality anyway - mathematics exists in a realm of its own with a complete disregard of what "reality" has to say.What I mean to say, is that the author is close to overstepping her bounds with the connections she describes between the law of attraction, science and mathematics. She makes no effort to emphasize the fact that the law of attraction is a theory at most. Rather, she advocates that the law of attraction is real and then uses mathematics and science to support this claim. Regardless of what the author feels in regards to the existence of such a law, I would see no harm in her actually stating the fact that she is advocating a theory: It may be true and it may be not and if you want truth, then do not turn to science, go to church.But despite my above objections, The Magic has actually become one of my favorite books. The reason for this being, that I have actually gained value from reading it and by performing the suggested practices. I am naturally not talking about attracting stuff, nor am I talking about gaining knowledge about the suggested law of attraction. I am talking about the fact that I have gained a greater sense of appreciation for things, situations, circumstances and people that I had previously taken for granted. A very interesting point that the author makes is; that if you are not grateful for someone or something in your life, then you are taking them for granted. This is certainly a point that I have decided to take to heart. I dare to make the bold claim that reading this book can certainly make you a wealthier person. But I would make sure to point out that this increase in wealth is to be measured by the increase of appreciation for the things which are already part of your life. If you are currently taking things and people for granted, then these must be deemed worthless to you and hence you must, in a sense, live and experience poverty regardless of how much stuff you horded or how many people are a part of your everyday life. As you raise your appreciation for these things and people, you actually add value to them and hence become wealthier - even if no new person enters your life, even if not a single extra penny finds its way to your pocket and even if not a single extra item becomes part of your current possessions. This is the value I gained and it is certainly more than enough.I would say that the book will be appreciated by anyone who is willing to completely disregard the "using-the-law-of-attraction-to-get-me-more-stuff-I-think-I-need-to-fulfill-me" mentality and who is, instead, determined to simply raise their current level of appreciation. I suspect that people who read this book with an expectation that they will somehow magically be showered with riches, will most likely be disappointed and miss the actual message of the book. I would say that the various practices and information about gratitude is, in and of its own, reason enough to read this book. This is, for sure, exactly where the author is able to deliver on her promises.So my verdict is: Purchase, read and use this book if you wish to raise your level of gratitude. If this happens to attract favorable things, circumstances, situations, people etc. into your life, then simply consider it an added bonus. I think the author did a great job on this book.Thank you, Rhonda.

Arrived so fast, which was good because I could get straight into reading and action. Very thought provoking read.

Love love love

The MagicRhonda Byrne is the lady responsible for the popular film and bestselling book, The Secret and her sequel book The Power. Her experiences in life led her to discover the Law of Attraction which then turned her life around. Her amazing ability to see the best in everything, to feel love for everyone and everything and to help so many people across the world has given her a wonderful insight into how we can all change our lives for the better. Rhonda opens her book with a stunning revelation. After explaining how the Law of Attraction works, and revealing ow 'like attracts like' her amazing revelation is that the key to a truly abundant and happy life lies in the practice of gratitude.This might not sound like much of a revelation to start with but evidence shows that the more we practice gratitude and give thanks on a daily basis, the more abundance will begin to flow to us. As well as the well known metaphysical facts about energy, she bases her opinion on the evidence of her own life and many others who have transformed theirs since discovering the Law of Attraction.Rhonda's book features a course of exercises, helping us to practice gratitude so that we can improve every area of our lives and dissolve the problems or negative situations we're experiencing. Many of us believe we're already grateful but as Rhonda points out, she thought this was true of herself until she discovered the real power of gratitude and by practicing daily gratitude in every part of our lives, what a difference this can make.The exercises, designed to be followed every day for 28 days, help us to build an ' attitude of gratitude' almost like flexing and training a muscle in a gym. Before we start the daily exercise, the first thing Rhonda recommends is to be specific about our wants. Dividing our life into categories describe exactly what we'd like - she suggests Work, money, wealth, relationships, personal desires and material things.She then suggests on a daily basis every morning listing ten things we're grateful for (our Top Ten), and then writing down why we're grateful for them! Thinking about why we're grateful for something really helps to focus our mind and experience real gratitude. Rhonda also suggests we use a Gratitude Rock. This could be a smooth pebble or stone that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Keep it by your bedside and every night think of something that has happened that day that you're the most grateful for - hold the Gratitude Rock in your palm and give thanks for whatever it is you're thinking of.These daily acts of gratitude help our positive thoughts build up into a permanent uplifting and happy vibe, cultivating this amazing thankful attitude on a daily basis is well worth thinking about!Each day as well as writing down our Top Ten at the start of each day, and using the Gratitude Rock in the evening before we go to sleep at night, we get to practice a separate daily Gratitude. Every exercise is designed to help us appreciate and enhance a different area in our lives, from health and wealth to work and relationships. Have we got relationships in our lives that perhaps aren't what they should be? At work, how often do we harbour bad feelings about how things are? What about our finances and how we feel about money? Any fears, doubts or worries that we carry around with us, will be producing more of the same. Following the exercises in the Magic will change this situation by helping us to monitor our thoughts easily and so, by building up gradually over the 28 days, new ways of thinking become part of everyday life, allowing us to see the things we normally take for granted in a totally different light. Rhonda helps us to really appreciate what we have, even if it's not what we're ultimately aiming for and just by the simple act of practicing gratitude regularly, we start to attract more and more of the good stuff into our lives every day!There will always be sceptics about this type of book, but I believe the proof is in the pudding. I've started to do the exercises each day and already I feel different about my life - more optimistic, more joyous, more appreciative. Dont knock it until you try it, is what I say!!! I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants to develop themselves and positively enhance their lives for the better.

A great book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and brighten their mind. Stay strong🫶

I really hated "The Secret" and thought it was total junk - "wish for something and it happens" mantra I found both stupid and annoying.That said The Magic is by far a MUCH MUCH better book. Each day has exercises to do which don't take that long really so I committed to doing them for the last 28 days. Whilst I can't report any major earth shattering news what I can say is that by far it has made me far more AWARE of what I am doing/thinking in any given moment and there is a lot I was taking for granted.If you have about 15 mins per day to do the exercises I think other readers would find this book very worthwhile. I plan to continue with the exercises until at least Christmas.