How the New Thought Movement Impacts Our World Today
We've been talking about the New Thought Movement and the contributors that have shaped our world even today. People like Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Wallace Wattles, Earnest Holmes, and our beloved Eric Butterworth to just name a few. Just to recap as we end this series here is an overview pulling it altogether for you. A separate blog post will include a list of influential authors and speakers for you to review.
Where It Began and Where We Are Now
The New Thought Movement has been around for over a century, but its ideas still influence how we think, live, and even breathe in 2024. From manifestation gurus on social media to the self-help section at your favorite bookstore, New Thought teachings have found their way into modern life in ways you might not expect. So buckle up—let’s explore how this old-school movement is shaking things up in today’s world, with a touch of humor to keep things light!
What is the New Thought Movement?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The New Thought Movement is like the OG of positive thinking. Born in the mid-19th century, this philosophical and spiritual movement focuses on the idea that our thoughts can shape our reality. Yes, the New Thought pioneers were the early adopters of the "your vibe attracts your tribe" mentality. Some big names like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Phineas Quimby, and Emilie Cady taught that a higher power (whatever you want to call it) exists within each of us, and tapping into that divine energy can help us live happier, healthier lives. Positive thinking, visualizing success, and aligning with good vibes—these weren’t just buzzwords to them, they were life-changing principles.
The Impact on Self-Help and Personal Development
If you’ve ever wandered into a bookstore (or more realistically, scrolled through Amazon), you’ve probably noticed the self-help aisle overflowing with books that sound eerily familiar to New Thought teachings. That’s no accident! From Rhonda Byrne's “The Secret” to Tony Robbins, modern self-help owes a massive debt to the New Thought pioneers.
The whole concept of “you become what you think about” is practically the cornerstone of personal development today. Whether it’s affirmations, visualization, or even the popularity of vision boards (glue stick not included), you’re tapping into the same ideas that were circulating in New Thought circles back in the 1800s. Think of it like this: New Thought is the grandma of the self-help movement, giving sage advice with a pinch of tough love.
Of course, today we’ve jazzed things up. Instead of talking about the “divine mind,” we use phrases like “the Universe has your back,” but the essence remains the same. Now, we just have more Instagram-friendly graphics to go along with it.
Mindfulness and Meditation—They’ve Got Roots in New Thought, Too!
Mindfulness is the modern-day wellness darling. Meditation apps like Headspace and Calm have millions of subscribers, and even corporations encourage their employees to meditate for better productivity. But what you might not know is that the New Thought Movement was ahead of the curve when it came to integrating mind, body, and spirit practices.
People like Ernest Holmes, founder of the Science of Mind (a New Thought offshoot), believed in the power of connecting with a universal presence to achieve peace and health. Fast-forward to today, and it’s no wonder so many meditation practices echo these ideas. New Thought practitioners have been talking about calming the mind, focusing inward, and connecting with a higher power long before meditation was cool.
Health and Wellness: Thinking Yourself Better
Speaking of health, New Thought teachings have had a sneaky impact on how we approach wellness in 2024. While we’re not suggesting you throw out your doctor’s number and cure your next cold with pure positivity (not the best plan), there’s an undeniable influence in how mind-body practices are mainstream now.
The idea that our thoughts influence our physical health has paved the way for practices like holistic medicine, alternative therapies, and even placebo research. Sure, the early New Thought practitioners may have taken it a bit far by claiming that you could heal everything with positive thinking, but modern science is showing there’s actually something to it. Techniques like positive psychology and neuroplasticity are modern iterations of the belief that your mindset can literally change your brain—and by extension, your health.
Now, in 2024, you'll find fitness influencers, yogis, and even life coaches all peddling versions of this New Thought gem: Change your thoughts, change your life.
Manifestation—The Buzzword That Just Won’t Quit
We can’t talk about New Thought’s impact today without mentioning manifestation. Seriously, it’s like the catchphrase of the decade. Go ahead, type "manifestation" into YouTube or TikTok, and you’ll be bombarded with videos on how to attract your soulmate, a million dollars, or even a private jet (hey, aim high, right?).
While manifestation might seem like a modern craze, it’s deeply rooted in New Thought teachings. The idea that you attract what you think about is basically the foundation of the movement. The Law of Attraction is a direct descendant of New Thought principles, teaching that like attracts like, and that our thoughts have the power to shape our reality.
Now, in fairness, the New Thought Movement might not have anticipated influencers charging $299 for a “Manifest Your Dream Life” workshop, but hey, who can resist a little entrepreneurial spirit?
The Corporate World and New Thought: Yep, It’s There Too!
You might be surprised to learn that New Thought ideas have even made their way into corporate culture. Terms like “growth mindset”, “abundance mentality”, and even the rise of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in workplaces can be traced back to New Thought principles. Companies like Google and Apple have incorporated mindfulness and positive psychology into their work environments, promoting ideas that align with the New Thought belief in the power of mindset.
In the cutthroat world of corporate success, positivity and visualization aren’t just woo-woo ideas anymore—they’re tools for achieving goals. And who knew the journey from manifesting health and happiness would lead us straight into the boardroom?
The Power of Prayer—With a Modern Twist
While many think of prayer as something tied to traditional religion, New Thought has a different take. Instead of pleading for divine intervention, New Thought prayer is about affirmative prayer—declaring that what you want is already true. It’s a powerful, positive way of aligning with what you desire, and in 2024, this idea is still thriving, especially in movements like Unity and Religious Science.
In fact, the rise of non-religious spirituality owes a lot to New Thought. You don’t have to be in a church to pray or to believe in the power of positive energy and good thoughts. Whether it’s through apps, guided meditations, or simply quiet reflection, this modern twist on prayer is all around us.
Conclusion: New Thought in 2024? Still Going Strong!
While the New Thought Movement might have started in a different era, its teachings continue to shape our world in ways both big and small. Whether you’re crafting a vision board, taking a yoga class, or diving into the latest self-help bestseller, New Thought’s influence is undeniable. It’s an idea that refuses to stay in the past—and frankly, we’re here for it!
So next time you catch yourself repeating affirmations in the mirror, just remember, you’re not just following a trend—you’re participating in a centuries-old philosophy. New Thought for the modern age? Absolutely!
References:
- Byrne, Rhonda. *The Secret*. Atria Books, 2006.
- Holmes, Ernest. *The Science of Mind*. TarcherPerigee, 2011 (Original work published in 1926).
- Trine, Ralph Waldo. *In Tune with the Infinite*. Putnam, 1897.