The Power of Intention?

[Naturyl]

This is my first Lounge thread (believe it or not), as I'm normally a a GD and GD:P junkie... so bear with me. I realize it might have fit elsewhere, but I wanted to bring it up here in hopes of a light discussion, and just to get some general perspectives on what people think.

"The Power of Intention" is basically the concept that "thoughts create reality." It's more than just the idea that a "positive attitude" shapes the circumstances of our lives in ordinary ways. Rather, it's the idea that mind can somehow directly affect matter and allow us to "create reality" in a much more literal sense.

This brief 1 minute video by the Institute of Noetic Sciences introduces the concept. The presenter is Lynne McTaggart, author of "The Field," a book dealing with these ideas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UtYtP1Bs5Y

Personally, I'm deeply skeptical about all of this. However, I'm interested in hearing other people's perspectives on the idea. Also, I'm interested in talking about the kind of experiences people have had either with the concept itself or with people who believe in it. And because this is a Lounge thread, feel free to have some fun. :)

[evlbstrd]

1. Pffft.

I certainly didn't intend to be in my current circumstances.

[Naturyl]

2. Yeah, that's my main objection

I think it can lead to what is essentially a form of victim-blaming, and it is therefore very popular among a certain crowd. Of course, advocates respond that we are all "responsible for creating our own circumstances," although some of us do so unknowingly (without conscious thought), so we end up in situations we'd rather have avoided. I think that's just apologetics, though.

[evlbstrd]

3. I haven't met many who subscribe to the theory.

Those I have met are certifiable.