It’s no secret that I am a fan of Abraham-Hicks. I’ve written about her/them before and shared different thoughts that they generate in me on a regular a basis. But every now and then someone will ask me why I continue to listen to them over and over. That’s when it occurred to me that I have never shared some of the overriding themes that I most appreciate and what keeps me coming back for more. What I think it boils down to are the following five messages that are woven into every lecture—and why I believe that these messages offer both encouragement and support for us all.
Again, for those of you who have not read my previous posts on their work, the source of Abraham-Hicks is a woman named Esther Hicks. Hicks, along with her late husband Jerry, began what she calls “tapping into Infinite Intelligence” back in the mid-1980s. Hicks calls the messages she receives “the teachings of Abraham.” And regardless of whether the true source of this inspiration comes from Hick’s own mind or something beyond, most of the material is uplifting and helpful to millions of people around the world—including me. Do I accept it all? Absolutely not. But then again, there is no author/speaker/teacher that I accept 100%. But that doesn’t stop me from keeping my mind open to any message that adds practical benefits to my life.
With that in mind, here are five reoccurring themes from Abraham-Hicks that I find most helpful.
#1 Unconditional love and acceptance. The number one reason I continue to listen to their message is for the ongoing words of unconditional love and acceptance. And trust me—I have been studying positive, uplifting and spiritual messages for most of my life. My explorations have touched on all the world’s major religions, lots of new age ones, many of the popular philosophers, pop-psychologists, writers and dozens of motivational speakers. While many of them offer inspiring messages and encourage us to love each other as we love ourselves—none top Abraham-Hicks in my humble opinion.
Why? The best way to explain it might be from my first impression of their work. When I first heard about them and read a bit of their first book I wasn’t impressed. At first glance the message seems extremely materialistic and self-centered. Whoever thought that was a good idea? If you’ve ever read and/or watched the movie The Secret, with its message of Law of Attraction, and frequently promoted by Abraham-Hicks, makes the Universe sound like a slot machine that pays off if you follow the right directions. In other words, once you figure out the “law” it is all about getting, getting, getting.
Then for some reason years later I happened across one of their lectures on the internet and listened. Then I found another and listened again. And behind the message of Law of Attraction I began hearing that it was more about “The Universe” saying yes and affirming whatever we choose– unconditionally, rather than just about getting.
Now if I haven’t lost you completely, and I hope I haven’t, then let me explain what I’ve learned through the years. Sure, a lot of people are drawn to them and Law of Attraction (LOA) because it seems like a formula for getting “stuff.” Stuff might be money, relationships, better jobs or just a big fancy house. The thing is, Abraham-Hicks doesn’t care. Abraham-Hicks never judges and says, oh, you can’t have that. She never suggests that wanting isn’t spiritual, nice or what a good person should even think of asking for. Instead, Abraham-Hicks teaches that the Universe responds to our thoughts and desires with a big “Yes!” That pure message of love is about as close to witnessing a mother’s unconditional acceptance that I have ever imagined. Sure lots of people use it strictly to get more stuff and that sounds incredibly greedy. But that is mostly entry-level LOA. And you know what? If you keep listening to Abraham you will find that the message goes far beyond that—and if you have the ability and desire to go further—you find that it isn’t about getting all that stuff at all. Instead, it leads to is the second theme that I appreciate.
#2 No matter what it is that we think we want or desire, what we really want is the feeling (s) we think it will bring—not the thing itself. Whoa! If you were thinking that LOA or Abraham-Hicks was materialistic and selfish, this one might cause you to pause a bit. I don’t think the message hit me hard until I had listened to dozens of her lectures. Slowly I began to realize that true unconditional love and acceptance doesn’t judge us in any way—including our materialistic wants and desires. It loves us regardless.
If you are anything like me and raised in a Christian Religion you know that even though the message there is one of unconditional love and acceptance—it always seems to come with a very high level of conditions and rules. I also found traces of those conditions and expectations in other religions and philosophies I studied. Not so with Abraham-Hicks. You are loved. You are accepted. There are no rules except we reap what we sow. What we send out we get back. It is done unto us what we believe. We are not punished for our beliefs, but by our beliefs.
But lest you think that such a message leads to us all acting in selfish and hurtful ways to others and ourselves, that leads me to the third of their basic themes.
#3 All our suffering comes from our sloppy or erroneous thinking. Abraham-Hicks isn’t the first to bring up this fundamental truth. For thousands of years the teachings of Buddha and other ancient religions have been sharing that if we can get our thinking in alignment with the fundamental nature of the universe then we can eliminate the pain and suffering that we experience. Of course, how we get rid of that erroneous thinking usually differs from teacher to teacher, but the message stays the same. If we continue to hang on to certain thoughts, emotions, and their corresponding actions, then we will either experience peace and the rewards of that, or the direct opposite.
That then leads to the fourth message I find most valuable.
# 4 We came to create reality, not accept it. Now I get that on the surface that sounds a bit crazy. Surely, you and I can’t change reality? The thing is, Abraham-Hicks teaches that the only reality that exists for me is “mine.” And the same goes for you. Obviously, I can’t change the is-ness of present conditions, and I certainly can’t change anyone else, but I can control my own mental perceptions. And the level I am able to do that, the more I create my own individual reality and corresponding future. I certainly can’t stop a bullet with my bare hands or jump off a mountain without facing the law of gravity in a dire way, but again, how I view and interpret any experience in my life is my creation.
Of course, it isn’t just about interpretation either. I either participate and design my life in ways that I intend, or I let the people around me and their interpretations tell me what I should and should not do. If I trust that the source of creation flows through me, not some other anointed being telling me how it should be, then I co-create my reality. I am not the source of it, I am only allowing it to work through me. This message is incredibly liberating if you give yourself permission to follow it down the rabbit hole. And finally this leads to the fifth message of value.
#5 Our ultimate intention while here on Earth is alignment with our Source (no matter what we call Source). Like I mentioned earlier, my first impression of Abraham-Hicks was that it was all about me-me-me. Yet, the more I listened the more I kept hearing the broader perspective of what they teach. The vast majority of us are raised in families where we are taught that someone outside ourselves knows what is best for us and if we don’t comply, then we are bad, sinful, or at least wrong. It’s there if we don’t do everything our parents tell us, regardless of how wise our parents really are. Those same messages lie in our school system, many religious systems, our peers and certainly our culture. Over and over and over we are taught that we must play by the rules and commandments set up by other people and institutions if we want to be loved, have friends, be successful and even to go to heaven.
Abraham-Hicks says no. We came for our own alignment and when we find that deep connection you might think that would lead to anarchy on every level—again the message is no. In fact, Abraham-Hicks teaches that the most horrendous actions by anyone come from those who are cut off and disconnected from their Source. Once connected, no one would ever cause harm or hurt to any other living being.
I get that there are lots of messages in the world today that may or may not be helpful. But I can honestly say that since I began listening to Abraham-Hicks I have found a deeper peace about who I truly I am. And I can’t help but believe the more accepting of myself I am, then the more accepting I am for others. I’ve become far less likely to think anyone else controls my happiness and wellbeing, and far more likely to look within. I have also developed a much deeper relationship with my inner being and am far more in touch with my feelings.
Regardless of where the teachings of Abraham-Hicks originate, they have made a positive difference in my life. As always, the SMART approach is to keep an open mind, find what works well for us, and then do our best to live those ideas 365.
Okay, your turn. Have you ever listened to Abraham-Hicks or read any of their books? What do you think or is their ideas just too much for you? Do you like to explore new ideas no matter where they come from? What messages have you found in your life that help you get through the day and stay optimistic for the future? Please share any thoughts you have in the comments below.
Yes! Like you, I regularly listen to Abraham Hicks material. Listening, I feel recentered and clear. After living in the world for a while, I’ve lost a bit of me clarity and recharge with listening again. My life has enriched immensely over the past 26 years or so of doing that.
The “Secret”, I watched it initially on Ko Samui island. It felt ‘off” to me? Some international viewers from Europe commented on how “Americanized” it was. Sometime later, I discovered the original version of the “Secret” which included Abraham. It was a very different energy and experience.
Thank you for sharing. You have chosen very helpful themes!
I could not agree more. Since I learned to create my own perception of reality-it IS my reality.
Hi Francine! I didn’t know you were a fan of Abraham-Hicks! We’ll have to chat more about it when we get back to AZ! ~Kathy
Love how you explained Abraham Hicks
I’m also a big Abraham Hicks fan
Kathy, one of the things that I appreciate about your blog is that you are constantly seeking to understand more deeply, and that you want to share what you have learned with others. I think your approach is a great example of lifelong learning, which in itself is a contributor to health and well-being.
Jude
Hi Jude! So happy to see MOST of your comments coming through these days. And yes, it’s pretty obvious that live long learning is a HUGE intention of mine. I am just so very grateful that there are readers like you who are willing to check in now and then and share some of your thoughts. That’s one of the BEST parts of blogging. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, I have read some of the teachings and found them quite inspirational. I’ve never been a big fan of listening to stuff, but perhaps I should look at some of the YouTube lectures if you think they are even better than the written stuff. Listening to Podcasts and exploring YouTube are things I’ve said I would do more this next year – See, the Universe if providing me with inputs!
Hi Pat! I agree about the Listening thing. I don’t regularly listen to any blogs that post by video either. And although I subscribe for lots of podcasts, I’m pretty picky. Chances are good that if I didn’t walk 2+ miles every day with Kloe I wouldn’t do it much at all. But what it does is take a fairly routine practice (I usually take the same walk every morning) and make it something I look forward to. And when it’s REALLY hot in the summertime here in the desert and I have to get up really early to take my walks, about the only thing that keeps me moving are good talks. And because I am so frugal I like free! Which is what I get with youtube videos. I have a program called audio hijack that allows me to record just the audio part and I put them in my iphone and listen wirelessly. I highly recommend listening to inspiring talks while working out or doing any form of exercise. It really helps me. And YES to the Universe providing you with input!!! ~Kathy
I have read Abraham’s Daily Messages for years. There is almost always something to ponder. I will confess that I like the shorter messages. Two paragraphs or more and my mind wanders.
Hi Tisha! Nice to hear from you. And while we are all suffering a bit from “attention deficit disorder” these days, I know you know that what we find value in doing we take the time for it. I can’t even imagine all the time it takes for you to create some of your needlepoint works of art. But it’s important to you right? It’s so easy to get addicted to “easy” but sometimes the greatest gifts are in things that require a bit more effort. May we all find those things that are so important to us! ~Kathy
I seriously love, love LOVE Abraham! Two of her videos got me through two of the roughest times of my life. This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-93aYiKcXk and this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HgRVpwvD9E. I am putting those back on my mp3 player right now! 🙂
Hi Bethany! Good for you for finding and recognizing something in Abraham-Hicks message that has been extremely helpful to you. I’ll have to check out the links you shared to see if they are ones that I have listened to in the past. After listening to so many through the years I’m no longer sure. But I really appreciate the format of her lectures with all the questions and answers because no matter how many times she says the same thing, it flows from a different perspective to different people. You would think you would get bored with it but she keeps the message flowing and doesn’t allow it to bog down at all. Always some new little tidbit that I can add to my “toolbox” for a good life. ~Kathy
Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, the Secret, all have been influential in my life for decades. I recently began to listen to Hicks on Youtube (I agree, they are better than her books), but still, I’m grateful to you for so succinctly condensing it for us! Thanks, Kathy. I’ve actually saved and printed parts of #2 and #3 for my daily reference. Words to live by!
Hi Diane! Isn’t it true that we all have the advantage of learning from so many people and influences these days? And yes, the longer we have been on the planet we have been able to experiment with what works and is most helpful to us. I am not at all surprised that you have read and learned from some of the same authors/speakers that I have. I’ll bet we would have LOTS to talk about if we ever got together for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
That would be wonderful! Unfortunately time and distance get in the way! Meanwhile, blogging will fill in nicely.
I knew you were a big fan of Abraham Kathy – and I really like how you’ve broken down some of his teaching into more digestable bites. I think there’s a lot to be said for making the most of our reality – and for directing our thoughts into proactive and positive channels.
Hi Leanne! I know Abraham-Hicks might be a little “out there” for you but I think you are open-minded enough to recognize good and helpful information no matter where it comes from. We would all do well to do exactly the same. Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
Kathy – I have never heard of Abraham-Hicks but will look up. Many of your points remind me of the Creating Abundance book by Deepak Chopra that I reviewed earlier this week. The ‘abundance’ is so much more than money and material goods. As you know, I was raised in the traditions with a high level of conditions and rules — but during my time in Asia, I also integrated much of the Taoist philosophy into my being. Abraham-Hicks sounds aligned with some of those concepts as well. Thanks for the introduction. I will explore!
Hi Janet! You’re right. Thom is much more of a Taoist than I am and he completely agrees that much of the message from Abraham-Hicks aligns with it. I think in some ways it aligns with many of the more positive and unconditional messages of most religions and philosophies but as always, it’s the interpretations that make the biggest difference in people’s lives. I’m sure that some people hear the LOA message from a very materialistic and self-centered way–but again, I think you can do that with just about any other as well. Ultimately, I think much of it depends upon how it is taught and whether or not people feel empowered enough to question and then study the deeper messages to discover whether whatever they are willing to believe to make sure it resonates with them. Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
I have been a student of the law of attraction and have listened to Abraham-Hicks for years on Hayhouse radio and also on YouTube. I so agree with what you have written! The idea that we are all searching for a feeling is as concept that really has stuck with me over the years. Danielle LaPorte’s book “The Desire Map” is all about going after what you want to feel. She has you go through a process to come up with the key feeling words you are after.
I have had some incredible attraction moments which have happened when I got very clear about my desires and then just let it go. This is stuff I just can’t ignore. The movie also left me cold and I feel Abraham -Hicks is the best source of explanation I have found. I also have enjoyed listening to the Jess Lively podcast as she went through learning about LOA.
Hi Jenifer. Yes that awareness of our feelings as a wonderful indicator of our alignment is very powerful to me too. I haven’t read LaPorte’s book but have read some of her work. And I have listened to some of Jess Liv’s work as well. There’s a lot of stuff out there for students who want to explore more but there are hundreds of lectures on Youtube as well. Thank you for sharing your experience of the work with all of us. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Thank you for giving us this deeper look into Abraham-Hicks. I only know about them superficially. Like you, my initial reaction was that they were overly focused on attracting money/material goods. Thank you for encouraging us all to take a second look.
Hi Donna. Exactly. I’m not sure what it was that gave me the reason to give them another try. But I’m glad I did. Then again, I can tell from listening to their lectures that some people don’t want anything more from her/them than attracting money/material goods. But as I mentioned, I finally got it that at least from their perspective, unconditional acceptance means TOTAL unconditional acceptance and most of us have a difficult time getting to that level of love. (at least I do!!!!) ~Kathy
#3 All our suffering comes from our sloppy or erroneous thinking. Ouch
I want to listen or read Abraham-Hicks and remind myself that no “one else controls my happiness and wellbeing…
Hi Gary! I know we don’t always like to hear this one. It reminds me of the book by Wayne Dyer–Your Erroneous Zones– too. Of course the good news is that if we can clean up our sloppy thinking then we can improve just about any experience. And oh yeah, you know that reminding myself that no one else controls my happiness is an ongoing life experience. ~Kathy
I am familiar with the Secret and I have a friend who was devoted to it and listened to it all the time hoping her outcome would change in her life. But I have never gone past the Secret. Thanks for sharing Kathy !
Hi Haralee. It is my understanding that the movie was originally based on Abraham-Hicks work but when they were asked to sign certain copyright/control statements by the producers they decided to back out. Like I said in the post, I didn’t care for the movie at all. I have since changed my mind about their message (obviously) but that comes mainly from listening to their recorded lectures/presentations. ~Kathy
I love the quote you used. I’ve heard of Abraham-Hicks but clearly need to investigate more because I feel those things too. Thanks for reminding me!
Hi Janet. Yes I freely admit that in the beginning, I wasn’t at all enamored. And I don’t really care for the books either. I think it is her presentations that hooked me. There are hundreds on Youtube for free. She always starts with an opening, and then takes questions comments from the audience–so even when the themes are the same, the real world applications are always interesting. At least to me. ~Kathy
Never heard of this person before, Kathy. I will search them out.
Thanks!
Deb
Hi Deb! I get that she/they aren’t for everyone but I would be curious to hear your thoughts when you do. ~Kathy