New thought movement

The New Thought movement is a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It is characterized by a focus on the power of the mind and the importance of positive thinking in achieving personal and spiritual growth.

The New Thought movement was influenced by various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Christianity, Theosophy, and Eastern spirituality. It emphasized the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny through their thoughts, emotions, and actions. This idea was often expressed through the concept of "mind over matter," which held that the mind has the power to overcome physical and emotional challenges.

Some of the key principles of the New Thought movement include:

  1. The power of positive thinking: The movement emphasized the importance of having a positive and optimistic outlook on life, and the idea that positive thoughts can attract positive experiences and outcomes.
  2. The law of attraction: The movement believed that like attracts like, and that individuals can attract positive experiences and outcomes by focusing on positive thoughts and emotions.
  3. The importance of visualization: The movement emphasized the importance of visualization, or the practice of vividly imagining a desired outcome or experience, in order to manifest it in reality.
  4. The power of affirmations: The movement believed that repeating positive affirmations, or statements of intention, could help to manifest desired outcomes and experiences.
  5. The importance of spiritual growth: The movement emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and self-awareness, and the idea that individuals must cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world in order to achieve personal and spiritual growth.

Some of the key figures associated with the New Thought movement include:

  1. Phineas Quimby: A Christian minister and healer who is considered one of the founders of the New Thought movement.
  2. Emma Curtis Hopkins: A spiritual teacher and writer who was one of the first women to be ordained as a minister in the New Thought movement.
  3. Charles Fillmore: A spiritual teacher and writer who co-founded the Unity Church, a prominent New Thought denomination.
  4. Ernest Holmes: A spiritual teacher and writer who founded the Church of Religious Science, another prominent New Thought denomination.
  5. Louise Hay: A spiritual teacher and writer who is known for her work on the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction.

The New Thought movement has had a significant impact on modern spirituality and personal development, and its ideas and principles continue to be influential today.