Review: The Power of Intention
Posted on December 10, 2010 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Life Design,Review
Before I get started on the content of the book, I want to say that this particular book is a great example of art enhancing text — and demonstrates why I will never go fully digital in my reading. The vibrant colors and sweeping artwork are worth a look on their own.
This book is divided into three well-organized sections. The first, Essentials of Intention is followed by the Putting Intention To Work. The Connection, the last section and chapter, pulls it together.
Section 1: Essentials of Intention
The first section consists of six chapters, walking through the basics of essentials.
In Chapter 1, Viewing Intention From A New Perspective, he takes the concept of intention from where most people view it, a personal plan, and hooks it into a universal concept of spirituality. What struck me most about this chapter is that this concept was presented in a way that takes it beyond a particular belief system and into universal terminology. (I am by no means a comparative religion scholar, but have familiarity with the basic tenets of many religions; this concept Dr. Dyer presents resonates of the basics of several belief systems, including Buddhism, Taoism, earth-centered paths, and Christianity.)
Chapter 2, The Seven Faces of Intention, explains what Dr. Dyer believes happens when we live in such a way that we are connected to the universal force he calls intention. It is a short chapter, but packed full of tight prose.
Connecting to Intention intersperses some really amazing stories with how Dr. Dyer thinks we can connect to the seven faces of intention laid out in the chapter before.
Obstacles to Connecting to Attention goes through, in great details, things that sink our energy and will make this fail. Even if you don’t believe in the rest of the book or its premise, this chapter is just a solid explanation of things that can really sap every person: dwelling in the past, being envious, living as others think as examples. He then gives the solid advice that all of us hear to have a healthy life: eat well, avoid negativity, be conscious of what you are thinking, and meditate.
Your Impact on Others When Connected to Intention and Intention and Infinity talk about the far-reaching consequences of living a life of intention, or in sync with the universal energy.
Section 2: Putting Intention To Work
This section is the majority of the book. Dr. Dyer takes the principles laid out in the first section and goes through step-by-step how to apply the principles to the big areas of life: self-respect, purposeful life, relationships, attracting abundance, stress-free living, attracting ideal people, healing and self-expression.
Section 3: The Connection
This chapter, which he actually recommends the reader read first, is a snapshot of the type of person who lives this type of life.
Summary
Up until now, I have been very skeptical of the intention craze. It seemed to me that too many people were taking the fad as a “all your wishes will come true” way out of being responsible for making things happen. If all of our wishes come true just by thinking about them, there would be a whole lot more lottery winners.
At the same time, I have always held the belief that what I put out comes back to me. When I am having a really bad attitude, things happen to make it worse, or justify it. When I do a kindness, the kindness always seems to come back to me, although that was never my goal. So Dr. Dyer’s definition of intention does make a certain kind of sense to me. But I am really having to stretch my mind and think about all the implications of what he is saying, and figure out how it fits in with my spiritual beliefs.
How can this book apply to the readers of this blog? I asked myself that question after realizing what this book could mean. The answer lies in that fourth chapter, which talks about the obstacles. If I did truly show my authentic self to all, my life would be simpler. If I let go of expections, my life would be more productive in the truly important things. If I made sure I ate well, meditated, and avoided toxic people, I would definitely have more energy to be present in my life.
But for those who are looking for a better way, this book has some ideas worth considering. It’s been a long time since I read a book that made me think this hard, and I think I will be the better for it.
Book Information
Book: The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way
Author: Dr. Wayne Dyer
Publisher: Hay House, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1401925963
Disclosure:
Hay House Publishing provided me with a free copy of the book enable me to write this review.
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