Harmony Versus Balance

If you’ve seen The Secret, you might remember James Arthur Ray. He's the one who re-tells the story of Aladdin’s Lamp. Later in the film, he alludes to his principles of a harmonic life when he discusses people who are successful in some areas, but who are faring miserably in others, such as those with financial success whose personal lives “…stink. That’s a technical term, by the way.” Wealth, as we all know, isn’t just about money. In his new book, Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, he describes some of the theories beyond the Law of Attraction, like the Law of Polarity and the Law of Gestation, and he explains his theory of Harmonic Wealth®, which he developed after a lifetime devoted to studying science, religions, and spirituality, among a host of other things.

Ray describes the idea of balance as “bogus,” arguing that true balance isn't desirable because equilibrium across the board indicates stasis, not happiness or success. He describes his Five Pillars of Wealth: Financial, Relational, Mental, Physical, and Spiritual. “Without these five pillars, you might be rich, but you’ll never be wealthy,” he says, and he makes a good case for his theory. He encourages us to develop focus, open our eyes to our shortcomings, and to accept that sometimes we have to devote time to one area at the expense of another--temporarily. It's sound advice. Who can devote an equal amount of time or attention to each area of her life at all times? Huge numbers of people exhaust themselves trying. Ray’s theory calls for a more flexible, adaptable approach in a successful life. This is why he prefers the idea of harmony over balance; all the parts of our life must act together in concert, but in varying degrees at different times.

Ray cautions readers that while our attention may fluctuate between the pillars, they all need attention sooner or later. Letting one pillar collapse will bring the whole house down eventually. If one pillar is crumbling, how can you focus on the others? He points out, in several examples, how blindness to our weak spots and bad habits prevent us from moving forward in all areas. For instance, he challenges people to watch less television and use their time more constructively, pointing out that most people could invest that time into improving themselves or pursuing their dreams.

This is only a snippet of Ray’s overall theory. He discusses each pillar in depth, and he unifies his ideas with a practical spirituality that he has thoroughly explored. He’s not shy about revealing the personal experiences that shaped his life and ideas. I like Ray’s style. He comes across with an intelligent and friendly voice, but without any sugar coating. If you appreciate a direct, no-nonsense approach, you’ll like this book. His research into physics and other complex topics is impressive, as are his travels around the world to study the belief systems of every type of culture.

Naturally, as readers assume from the title, Ray addresses the financial pillar early in the book, but anyone who picks up Harmonic Wealth looking for a way to make quick money without any effort will be disappointed. Personal transformation is anything but effortless, and nothing short of transformation is what Ray advocates. Don’t wish for an easier life, he tells readers more than once. Wish to be a better person, one who can rise above the day-to-day dramas we inflict upon ourselves. Wise advice, indeed.