The 7 Universal Laws Explained: A Guide for Personal Growth
The seven laws that are most commonly discussed work together as a cohesive whole. They build upon one another to create a comprehensive worldview. Let’s walk through each one with a spirit of gentle inquiry, focusing on how they can serve as prompts for reflection in our daily lives.
1. The Law of Mentalism
The Idea: This is the foundational law, suggesting that “all is mind; the universe is mental.” It proposes that everything we see and experience in the physical world began as a thought. Our reality, in this view, is a manifestation of a universal consciousness, and our own minds are a part of that. On a personal level, this law emphasizes the power of our thoughts to shape our experience of life.
A Gentle Practice: Take a moment with a journal or a quiet mind. Ask yourself: “What is one core belief I hold about my ability to find peace or joy in this stage of my life?” Notice how this single belief colors your thoughts, feelings, and even your actions throughout the day. You are not judging the belief, simply observing its power. This is the first step in conscious creation.
2. The Law of Correspondence
The Idea: Often summarized as “as above, so below; as within, so without,” this law suggests that patterns repeat across the universe. The patterns we see in the galaxies are reflected in the patterns of an atom. On a personal level, it means our outer world is a mirror of our inner world. A life filled with chaos and conflict on the outside may reflect inner turmoil, while a life of peace and harmony often stems from an inner state of balance.
A Gentle Practice: A simple mindful check-in can illuminate this law. Look around your immediate physical space right now. Your desk, your room, your car. Is it orderly or cluttered? Peaceful or hectic? Gently ask: “How might this outer environment be reflecting my inner emotional state today?” This isn’t about creating a perfectly tidy home, but about using your outer world as a compassionate clue to what’s happening inside you.
3. The Law of Vibration
The Idea: This law states that nothing is ever truly still; everything is in constant motion, vibrating at a specific frequency. Thoughts, feelings, and objects all have their own unique vibrational energy. So, what is the law of vibration? It’s the principle that like energies are attracted to one another. Feelings of joy, love, and gratitude are seen as having a high vibration, while feelings of fear, anger, and grief are seen as having a lower one. The goal is not to deny lower vibrational feelings—as they are a natural part of being human—but to consciously cultivate higher ones.
A Gentle Practice: Try a simple energy-shifting exercise. When you are feeling heavy or sad, put on a piece of music that you know, without fail, lifts your spirits. It could be a joyful song from your youth or a calming piece of classical music. Close your eyes and just listen for three minutes. Notice the subtle, or perhaps significant, shift in your body and your mood. You have just intentionally engaged with the Law of Vibration.
4. The Law of Polarity
The Idea: This principle posits that everything has an opposite, and that these opposites are actually two sides of the same coin. Hot and cold are both degrees of temperature. Light and dark are both aspects of illumination. Similarly, courage and fear, joy and sorrow, are inseparable. Understanding this law can help us find the good within the bad and maintain perspective during challenging times. It teaches us that without the valleys, we could not appreciate the peaks.
A Gentle Practice: Think of a situation in your life that currently feels difficult. Without denying the pain or frustration, gently ask: “Is there a hidden lesson here? Is there a small point of light, strength, or opportunity that exists because of this challenge?” This is not about toxic positivity; it is a powerful practice in resilience and finding meaning in hardship.
5. The Law of Rhythm
The Idea: Everything flows, out and in. The tide comes in, and the tide goes out. Seasons change. Economies have cycles of boom and bust. This law reminds us that life is in constant, rhythmic motion. There will be times of growth and times of rest, times of joy and times of sorrow. When we are in a difficult phase, this law brings the comforting assurance that, like the tide, it will eventually turn. It encourages us not to resist these natural cycles.
A Safety Cue for Grief: This law is especially important when grieving. Healing is not a straight line. There will be good days followed by difficult ones. The Law of Rhythm reminds us to be patient and compassionate with ourselves. If you are in a “winter” of your grief, do not force yourself to feel “spring.” Instead, ask: “What do I need to feel safe and supported in this season?” Resources on grief and coping can be found at the American Psychological Association (APA).
6. The Law of Cause and Effect
The Idea: Also known as karma, this is perhaps the most well-known law. It states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Every thought, word, and deed we put out into the world creates a ripple effect and eventually returns to us. This is not about punishment, but about consequence. It empowers us by highlighting that we are the creators of our lives through the choices we make each day. The seeds we plant today will become the garden we live in tomorrow.
A Gentle Practice: Consider a quality you wish to experience more of in your life—perhaps more connection, kindness, or peace. Now, ask yourself: “What is one small ’cause’ I can create today to bring about that ‘effect’?” To feel more connected, you could send a thoughtful text to a friend. To feel more peace, you could spend five minutes in silent reflection. This grounds the law in small, intentional, and empowering actions.
7. The Law of Gender
The Idea: This law has nothing to do with physical gender. It refers to the masculine and feminine energies that exist in all things. The masculine principle is about doing, giving, and asserting, while the feminine principle is about being, receiving, and nurturing. A balanced life requires both energies. We need to be able to take action (masculine) and also be able to rest and receive (feminine). Too much of one leads to imbalance—burnout from too much doing, or stagnation from too much being.
A Gentle Practice: Reflect on your past week. Where were you primarily operating from? Were you in “doing” mode, ticking off lists and managing tasks? Or were you in “being” mode, resting, receiving, and allowing? Ask yourself: “What would bring more balance to my week ahead? Do I need to schedule time to take action on a goal, or do I need to schedule time for pure, unstructured rest?”
