A Quantum Look at “A Christmas Story”

The concept of how we program the Universe to provide what we want—and allow others to program us—took a wild turn after watching A Christmas Story for about the zillionth time during the holiday season.

Ralphie used the theory of quantum physics (see The Secret) to put out his desire. He wanted an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. Like any good little manifester, he told everyone exactly what he wanted. He slipped an advertisement into one of his parents’ magazines, told his mom at breakfast, wrote an essay for school (got a C+, by the way), and told Santa at the local department store. He put forth the thought to the Universe: “I want an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock—and I expect you to provide it.”

Good idea, right?

Ah, but Ralphie didn’t take into account programming from the authority figures in his life: Mom, Dad, Santa, and his teacher Mrs. Shields. The programming we receive from the people we consider authority figures can defeat even our strongest desires.

Every time Ralphie put out the thought, “I want an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock”, an authority figure said, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Counter programming.

And so, on Christmas morning, after all the presents had been opened, Ralphie’s dad pointed out a present hidden in the corner. Ralphie excitedly tore off the paper and there it was: an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. The Universe had provided exactly what he had asked for, and he immediately began to load it. He took the rifle out to the back yard and picked his target. He’d reached his goal; he’d proved to the world that he could manifest what he really, truly wanted.

That’s the crucial time. You’ve attained your goal, and obtained what you asked for—but…

Do you enjoy your success? Do you celebrate? Do you move on to the next challenge?

Or do you remember what other people said? Do you fulfill their “prophecies” (really, their opinions) that “you’ll shoot your eye out”? Do you accept their outcome?

Ralphie took careful aim and pulled the trigger. The first BB hit the metal sign, ricochetted, and … “I shot my eye out!” Well, broke his glasses, a symbol of self-blinding.

The next time you ask the Universe for what you want, consider counter programming from others; consider how that might modify your outcome.