Book Review

by Mark J. Peyton

"Power vs. Force"
The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior
By David R. Hawkins, M. D., Ph.D.

Recently I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Wayne Dyer speak during his visit to San Antonio. I have read several of his books and watched his lectures on public television but having the opportunity to see him in person was a very uplifting experience. During his lecture, he demonstrated an amazing, simple kinesiology technique for testing the validity and power level of a statement or question based on the research done by David R. Hawkins, M. D., and Ph.D. Dr. Hawkins has presented the results of his extensive research in his book "Power vs. Force" published by Veritas Publishing.

I have read many books on metaphysics and spiritualism. "Power vs. Force" has affected me more deeply than any before it. The gist of this work is that there is definitely a collective consciousness and that as spirits, living in human form, we have ready access to it. Through this simple test we can finally have answers to almost any question we can conceive and rate the relative power (positive "attractor" energy or negative "detractor" energy). We can validate and ascertain the power of books, movies, records, politicians, products, foods and life decisions. The implications of having access to this type of information is far reaching in all areas of life; business, spirituality, relationships, health and happiness.

Let us begin with a definition. The American Heritage Dictionary defines kinesiology as the study of muscles and their movements, especially as applied to physical conditioning. In simple terms, muscles will respond strongly to positive stimuli and weakly to negative stimuli. In the tests outlined in "Power vs. Force" the subject is asked to hold their right arm perpendicular to their body and resist downward pressure applied with two fingers by the administrator. The subject has little problem in resisting the downward pressure normally. But when the subject is asked a yes/no question the results could be surprising. For instance, if the subject was asked if his name is John Smith and he replies "yes" when his name is really James Johnson the administrator had little problem in moving the subject's arm downward. His muscles simply "go weak".

Wayne Dyer used this test in several different ways. In one instance he asked the subject to think of an emotionally painful time in their life. The subject instantly went weak. When asked to think of an uplifting time, the subject always remained strong. The most amazing test to me was with two envelopes. The subject was asked to hold each to his chest. One envelope gave a strong response while with the other; the subject went instantly weak. The envelope on which the subject went strong contained organic vitamin C. The other envelope contained Sweet n Low sugar substitute. Similar tests have been done with; organically grown apples versus apples treated with pesticides and sealed pictures of Hitler and Abe Lincoln. These are but a small sample of the tests that have been conducted.

Through Dr. Hawkins' extensive research, he developed a logarithmic power level rating system of from 1-1,000. Anything below 200 was determined to be "detractor" energy and anything that rated over 200 "attractor" energy. It is interesting to note that before the fairly recent "harmonic convergence" the overall power level of consciousness of the human race was rated at 190. After the harmonic convergence it rose to 204. My question is, did the alignment of the stars create this leap of consciousness or was it just the thought of it that elevated humanity. Whatever the answer the fact is that something wonderful happened! The important point is that now we have a tool with which to measure our progress.

"Power vs. Force" provides the reader with insight on how to use this wonderful tool in everyday life. Dr. Hawkins developed a "Map of Consciousness" which rates the various power levels of ideas and attitudes. On the lower end of the spectrum, shame is rated at 20, guilt at 30, apathy at 50 and fear at 100. On the upper end, reason at 400, love at 500, joy at 540, peace at 600 and enlightenment from 700-1000. This map gives the reader the ability to examine his or her beliefs and attitudes and determine where their power level is currently. Once you know where you are you can set a goal of where you want to be.

Dr. Hawkins put "Power vs. Force" to it's own test, line by line, paragraph by paragraph and chapter by chapter. The overall power level of the book is rated at 740, very powerful! He states that just by reading the book, the average reader will raise his level of consciousness by an amazing 35 points. Remember that this is a logrithmic scale so 35 points are an incredible leap! For this reason alone "Power vs. Force" is a must read for anyone on a spiritual path.

"Power vs. Force" is self-published by Dr. Hawkins and can be hard to find. Locally, in San Antonio, it can be found or special ordered at the Unlimited Thought Bookstore. It is published by Veritas Publishing, 151 Keller Lane, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. The LCCN number is 94-90492 and the ISBN number is 0-9643261-1-6.

Happy reading and smiling thoughts! Mark J. Peyton