by Matthew Capezutto, PhD

We often thank luck for good things that happen to us and blame luck for our misfortunes. Have you ever thought that luck might be the product of our own minds or the effects of predetermined events dictated by energetic, spiritual, or theistic forces?

These are questions I have contemplated since I began to realize that what I have considered luck (good or bad) in my experiences might really be the result of my own unconscious beliefs, what I attract to myself through my thoughts, and (my) God blessing me with good graces or pointedly challenging me for reasons that make sense only after considerable introspection into how I am living when these challenges are bestowed upon me.

In the following paragraphs I will discuss the influence of the unconscious mind, energetic attraction, spiritual beliefs, and belief in a higher power on what typically is experienced as luck.

The Unconscious Forces Responsible for Luck
The power of the unconscious mind is a concept that is generally accepted in our society. We all do things that don’t make sense and for which there is no conscious explanation. For example, you likely have on occasion done things like forgotten something you needed for work, used words you did not mean to use, or referred to your spouse as your mother or father in conversation. These are some simple examples of how what is stored in the unconscious mind is expressed in ways that are beyond our control. Therapists work to help us understand our unconscious mind so that it does not need to be expressed in defeating ways and can be used to enhance our lives.

So how does this relate to luck? Let me explain. If you are plagued by unconscious fear, doubt, or pessimism, you likely will have experiences that both illustrate these states of mind and allow the feelings to be expressed. In other words, you might experience bad luck.

Conversely, if you are confident, hopeful, and optimistic, your experience will be contrary, and you might experience good luck. You see, our unconscious feelings direct us to act out in ways that will represent them. So if you have negative unconscious feelings you will seek experiences that can be considered to be the result of bad luck, whereas positive unconscious feelings will cause you to seek good experiences.

Although we do not have direct access to our unconscious mind, we do have the ability to engage in some introspection (self-exploration) to explore what thoughts and feelings directed our actions that were experienced as luck when good or bad luck strikes

Energetic Attraction
We are all comprised of energy. If you don’t believe it, just feel your pulse. Your pulse is confirmation that your heart is beating, and your heart is beating because it is charged with energy. In fact, energy is stored in every molecule in our bodies, and is expended in every action and reaction. This same energy connects us to the world.

Some energy is negative, some is positive. If you emit negative energy, you will receive negative energy in return in the form of bad luck experiences. If you emit positive energy, you will attract good energy and good luck. It sounds simple and it is if you believe in the power of energetic attraction. If you do not believe, then you will not be able to benefit from this phenomenon.

I have enjoyed the benefits of energetic attraction more in recent time by choosing to face every day with a positive attitude, no matter what challenges lie ahead or what negativity others around me may be giving off to the world. It takes practice, however, because we are all inclined to act in ways that are most comfortable to us, even if they are negative. Be sure to challenge yourself every day to generate positive energy through positive thoughts and actions to experience the benefits of energetic attraction.

Spiritual Beliefs  
To be spiritual is to believe that there are forces beyond us that influence our lives. Are you spiritual? Do you believe events are predetermined or that forces align to affect outcomes? If so, then you might understand why sometimes you have good luck and sometimes it’s bad.

Spiritual philosophy suggests that things happen for specific reasons, and we have little control in such instances. While this knowledge or belief in spirituality might not give you control of what type of luck you will have, it will help you understand that your experience, good or bad, was necessary to affect change in some related way—perhaps to help someone or align your life with forces that will help you in the future. Subscription to this spiritual philosophy will help you accept good luck experiences and tolerate bad luck experiences without further contemplation. You can apply this to your next bad luck experience to change any related negative energy you might emit as a result.

Belief in a Higher Power
Belief in a higher power takes spirituality to the next level. If you believe that God dictates every event in your life, then you will accept your good and bad luck as necessary predetermined experiences. God might bless you with positive experiences as reward for good deeds or because you believe in his or her strength and best interest for you.

On the other hand, you will accept God’s challenges as messages that he or she wants you to pay attention to something important, or that good results will come from your personal challenge. You also might believe that these challenges are cues to restore your belief and confidence in God and ask for help and guidance if you are off track.

In the case of belief in a higher power, luck essentially does not exist, and everything happens for God’s reason. This state of mind eliminates the curiosity about luck, but might encourage “why me” questions to God when you are faced with challenges. You can use these as cues to examine your faith and make necessary adjustments through insight you gain from these experiences.

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Matthew Capezzuto, PhD, LISW is a psychotherapist, relationship counselor, psychology instructor, and former bodybuilder. He has counseled thousands of individuals and couples on how to achieve health and prosperity in their lives and relationships. He has also helped individuals achieve their fitness goals through personal coaching and training. Dr. Capezzuto continues to counsel people in his private practice and is a principle member of Roadmaps To SUCCESS, the leading source for information on health, wealth, and happiness. For further information about Dr. Capezzuto, please visit www.roadmapstosuccess.com

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