As a young boy growing up in India, I would sometimes sit on the steps of our sweltering verandah and look up at the wide blue Maharashtrian sky. I would let my mind wander around the cloud clusters in a day-dreaming trance, casually wishing I had a toy drum of my own, or a new cricket bat or hockey stick, spinning top, scooter, catapult or kite to fly. To my surprise my silent wishes would sooner or later be granted by my parents or relatives. After each wish materialised, I would make another wish, rejoicing when every one of them came true.
Without knowing it all those years ago I was apparently indulging in something called "the law of attraction" according to an internet site I spotted the other day. It made fascinating reading, backed by video explanations on how to communicate with the universe making "ask ... believe ... receive" appeals.
Do we really have benevolent friends up there, ready to reward us if they think we deserve it? We often see tennis players and footballers look up at the sky after a triumph and say a silent "thank you". It also seems that expressing your gratitude to the universe for everything good you already have in your life will bring you even more pleasant surprises and blessings from our friends in high places.
Isn't life wonderful?
Rudy Otter
By email
