Key Takeaways
1. Thoughts and Feelings Shape Your Reality
Thoughts are real things. Thoughts change situations.
The power of thought. Our thoughts and feelings have a profound impact on our experiences and the world around us. This concept is supported by quantum physics, which shows that everything is energy and interconnected. Dr. Masaru Emoto's water crystal experiments demonstrate how thoughts and words can physically alter the structure of water molecules.
Creating your reality. The Law of Attraction suggests that we attract experiences that match our dominant thoughts and emotions. This means that focusing on positive outcomes and feelings can lead to more positive experiences in life. Conversely, dwelling on negative thoughts can attract unwanted situations.
Key aspects of shaping your reality:
- Maintain a positive mindset
- Visualize desired outcomes
- Feel the emotions associated with your goals
- Practice gratitude for what you have
- Release negative thoughts and resistance
2. The Subconscious Mind Controls Your Life
In a battle between willpower and your subconscious mind, your subconscious will always win.
Understanding the subconscious. The subconscious mind is like a powerful recorder, storing all our experiences, beliefs, and habits. It controls 99% of our brain power and influences our behaviors, decisions, and even our physical health. This explains why deeply ingrained patterns and beliefs can be challenging to change through willpower alone.
Reprogramming for success. To create lasting change in our lives, we need to work with our subconscious mind. This involves consistently feeding it positive thoughts, emotions, and visualizations. By doing so, we can gradually shift our underlying beliefs and attract more positive experiences.
Techniques for influencing the subconscious:
- Affirmations
- Visualization
- Meditation
- Hypnosis
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
3. Acceptance and Forgiveness Are Powerful Tools
Acceptance is power.
The power of acceptance. Resisting or fighting against our current circumstances often leads to more frustration and stagnation. Acceptance, on the other hand, allows us to release negative emotions and opens the door for positive change. It doesn't mean giving up; rather, it's acknowledging the present situation as a starting point for growth.
Forgiveness as liberation. Holding onto grudges and resentment only hurts ourselves. Forgiveness is not about condoning harmful actions but freeing ourselves from the burden of negative emotions. It allows us to move forward and create space for more positive experiences.
Benefits of acceptance and forgiveness:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved relationships
- Increased emotional well-being
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Greater personal growth and resilience
4. Gratitude Transforms Lives
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "Thank you", it will be enough.
The power of appreciation. Gratitude is a powerful force that can quickly elevate our vibration and attract more positive experiences into our lives. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, creating a sense of abundance and contentment.
Practicing gratitude daily. Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine can have profound effects on our overall well-being and success. It's not about ignoring life's challenges but finding something to appreciate even in difficult situations.
Ways to cultivate gratitude:
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Create a gratitude board with photos and mementos
- Express thanks for small, everyday occurrences
- Practice gratitude meditation
- Share your appreciation with others
5. Living in the Present Moment Unlocks Universal Energy
When you find love, you are in the present. And if you can find the present, you find love.
The power of now. Living in the present moment allows us to tap into the full power of the universe. When we're fully engaged in the here and now, we release resistance, judgment, and worry about the past or future. This state of presence opens us up to inspiration, joy, and love.
Breaking free from time constraints. Recognizing that the future doesn't actually exist can be liberating. It encourages us to focus on making the most of each moment rather than postponing happiness or success for some imagined future time.
Benefits of present moment awareness:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Increased creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Enhanced relationships and communication
- Greater appreciation for life's simple pleasures
- Improved overall well-being and happiness
6. Everything in the Universe Is Connected
The whole Universe is a living, breathing, conscious thing.
Quantum entanglement. Modern physics has shown that at the subatomic level, particles remain connected and influence each other instantaneously, regardless of distance. This phenomenon, known as "entanglement," suggests that everything in the universe is interconnected at a fundamental level.
Practical implications. Understanding our interconnectedness can profoundly impact how we view ourselves and our relationships with others and the world around us. It encourages a sense of unity, compassion, and responsibility for our actions.
Evidence of universal connection:
- Quantum physics experiments
- Studies on the effects of meditation on crime rates
- Plant consciousness research
- Healing studies demonstrating non-local effects
- Traditional wisdom from various cultures and spiritual traditions
7. Self-Compassion Is Key to Personal Growth
The problem is not that God judges you; the problem is that you judge you.
Moving beyond self-esteem. While traditional psychology has focused on building self-esteem, recent research suggests that self-compassion may be a more effective approach. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times, rather than harsh self-judgment.
The power of self-acceptance. When we accept ourselves, flaws and all, we create a foundation for genuine happiness and growth. This doesn't mean we don't strive for improvement, but we do so from a place of love and acceptance rather than criticism and shame.
Components of self-compassion:
- Mindfulness: Awareness of our thoughts and feelings without judgment
- Common humanity: Recognizing that everyone struggles and makes mistakes
- Self-kindness: Treating ourselves with the same care we'd offer a good friend
- Letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
- Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations
8. Inspiration Comes When You're Open and Relaxed
The secret to finding solutions – creative solutions, financial solutions, relationship solutions – is twofold. You have to want it, and your mind needs to be in a relaxed state of anticipation.
The power of relaxation. When we're relaxed and open, we allow our subconscious mind to work on problems and generate creative solutions. This explains why ideas often come to us when we're in the shower, on a walk, or just waking up.
Cultivating inspiration. By regularly creating space for relaxation and openness in our lives, we can increase our access to inspiration and creative insights. This involves letting go of our ego's need to control and trusting in the process.
Ways to invite inspiration:
- Practice meditation or mindfulness
- Engage in activities that put you in a "flow" state
- Take regular breaks from intense focus
- Spend time in nature
- Cultivate curiosity and wonder in everyday life
9. The Heart Plays a Crucial Role in Our Lives
Your heart not only knows things; it remembers them.
Heart-brain connection. Recent research has shown that the heart has its own complex nervous system and can influence brain function and overall health. The heart's electromagnetic field is much stronger than that of the brain and can affect those around us.
Heart intelligence. Traditional cultures have long recognized the importance of the heart in wisdom, intuition, and decision-making. Modern science is now catching up, revealing the heart's role in emotional processing and overall well-being.
Fascinating heart facts:
- The heart's electromagnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than the brain's
- Heart cells can beat independently of brain signals
- The heart starts beating in the embryo before the brain is formed
- Heart transplant recipients sometimes report personality changes similar to their donors
- Practices like heart-focused meditation can improve overall health and well-being
Last updated:
FAQ
1. What’s "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews about?
- Core Message: The book explains how our thoughts and, more importantly, our feelings shape our life experiences, drawing on both spiritual wisdom and scientific research.
- Law of Attraction: Matthews explores the Law of Attraction, emphasizing that we attract what we feel, not just what we think.
- Practical Guidance: It offers practical advice on how to change your feelings and beliefs to create a happier, more successful life.
- Accessible Style: The book uses stories, humor, and illustrations to make complex ideas easy to understand and apply.
2. Why should I read "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews?
- Understand Life’s Patterns: The book helps readers recognize why the same positive or negative patterns keep repeating in their lives.
- Empowerment: It empowers you to take control of your happiness, relationships, health, and success by changing your inner world.
- Science Meets Spirituality: Matthews bridges the gap between quantum physics and ancient spiritual teachings, making the concepts relatable and actionable.
- Practical Tools: The book provides simple, actionable steps to improve your mindset, feelings, and ultimately, your life circumstances.
3. What are the key takeaways from "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews?
- Feelings Create Reality: Your feelings, more than your thoughts, are the driving force behind what you attract and experience in life.
- Subconscious Programming: Your subconscious beliefs and patterns, often formed in childhood, control much of your behavior and outcomes.
- Change from Within: To change your life, you must first change how you feel and what you believe about yourself and the world.
- Gratitude, Acceptance, and Detachment: Practicing gratitude, accepting your current situation, and letting go of desperation are essential for positive change.
4. How does Andrew Matthews define the Law of Attraction in "How Life Works"?
- Feeling is the Magnet: Matthews emphasizes that it’s not just thinking about what you want, but feeling as if you already have it that attracts it into your life.
- Vibration and Energy: Everything in the universe, including thoughts and feelings, is energy with a unique vibration; like attracts like.
- Subconscious Reprogramming: The subconscious mind is reprogrammed through repeated feelings, not just affirmations or willpower.
- Practical Examples: The book provides real-life stories and analogies to illustrate how the Law of Attraction operates in everyday situations.
5. What role does the subconscious mind play in "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews?
- Primary Controller: The subconscious mind is described as the main driver of your habits, beliefs, and life outcomes, often overpowering conscious willpower.
- Early Programming: Most subconscious patterns are formed before age six, making early experiences and messages from others highly influential.
- Literal Interpreter: The subconscious takes instructions literally, so repeated thoughts and feelings—positive or negative—become your reality.
- Change is Possible: Matthews stresses that you are not your patterns and that you can change your subconscious programming by changing your feelings and beliefs.
6. How does "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews explain the connection between thoughts, feelings, and reality?
- Thoughts Spark Feelings: Thoughts are the seeds that, when repeated, generate feelings; these feelings then become the dominant energy you emit.
- Feelings Attract Experiences: The universe responds to your dominant feelings, bringing you experiences that match your emotional state.
- Scientific Support: The book references quantum physics and experiments (like Dr. Emoto’s water crystals) to show that thoughts and feelings can affect physical reality.
- Practical Application: By consciously choosing better-feeling thoughts and focusing on gratitude, you can shift your emotional state and attract better outcomes.
7. What practical steps does Andrew Matthews recommend in "How Life Works" to change your life?
- Focus on Feeling Good: Make it your mission to feel a little better each day, even if you can’t jump from despair to joy overnight.
- Visualize and Imagine: Regularly imagine your goals as already achieved, and immerse yourself in the feelings of success, love, or abundance.
- Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal or board, and give thanks for both big and small things to elevate your vibration.
- Let Go and Detach: Pursue your goals with enthusiasm but without desperation; trust that the right opportunities will come at the right time.
8. How does "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews address setbacks, negative patterns, and resistance?
- Patterns Repeat: The book explains that recurring negative experiences are the result of subconscious patterns and beliefs.
- Resistance Blocks Flow: Resisting or fighting against circumstances creates energetic blockages, making it harder for positive change to occur.
- Acceptance is Key: Accepting your current situation, rather than resenting it, allows energy to flow and opens the door to new opportunities.
- Learn from Pain: Matthews suggests that crises and setbacks are often catalysts for growth and teachable moments that help us realign with our true power.
9. What is the importance of gratitude, acceptance, and forgiveness in "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews?
- Gratitude Elevates Vibration: Regular gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance, attracting more good things into your life.
- Acceptance Releases Resistance: Accepting where you are, even if it’s not ideal, dissolves resistance and allows positive change to begin.
- Forgiveness Frees You: Forgiving others (and yourself) is not about condoning bad behavior, but about freeing yourself from resentment and negative energy.
- Practical Exercises: The book offers simple practices like gratitude journaling and looking for good qualities in others to foster these attitudes.
10. How does "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews blend science and spirituality?
- Quantum Physics: Matthews references quantum physics to explain how everything is energy and interconnected, supporting the idea that thoughts and feelings affect reality.
- Ancient Wisdom: The book draws on spiritual teachings from various traditions, showing that concepts like prayer, detachment, and love are universal and practical.
- Scientific Experiments: Examples like Dr. Emoto’s water crystal experiments and placebo studies illustrate the tangible effects of belief and emotion.
- Unified Message: Both science and spirituality, according to Matthews, point to the same truth: you are a powerful creator of your own experience.
11. What are the most important concepts and methods in "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews?
- Feeling is the Secret: The core method is to generate the feeling of your wish fulfilled, as if your goal is already achieved.
- Detachment and Allowing: Let go of desperation and allow things to unfold, trusting that the universe is working in your favor.
- Mirror Principle: The world reflects your inner state; to change your outer world, change how you feel about yourself.
- Small Steps and Consistency: Build belief and positive feelings through small, daily actions and affirmations, rather than expecting instant transformation.
12. What are the best quotes from "How Life Works" by Andrew Matthews and what do they mean?
- “When you are feeling angry or depressed and you ask yourself, ‘What else can go wrong?’ the answer is, ‘Quite a lot!’” – This highlights the importance of your emotional state in attracting further experiences.
- “Experience follows feeling. Feeling is the prayer.” – Matthews emphasizes that your feelings are the true drivers of what you manifest in life.
- “You are not separate from anything. You don’t have to go anywhere to find the power of the Universe. You find it by feeling different.” – This quote encapsulates the book’s message that everything you seek is already within you, accessible through your feelings.
- “The world believes, ‘Success makes you happy.’ The truth is; happiness makes you successful.” – Matthews reverses the common belief, stressing that inner happiness is the foundation for outer achievement.
- “Love yourself. Your life depends on it.” – Self-love is presented as the cornerstone for a fulfilling and successful life, affecting every experience you have.
Review Summary
How Life Works receives mostly positive reviews for its simple, engaging writing style and motivational message. Readers appreciate Matthews' use of cartoons and real-life examples to illustrate concepts about positivity and the power of thoughts. Many find the book transformative and easy to understand. Some critics argue it oversimplifies complex issues or relies too heavily on pseudoscience. Overall, reviewers recommend it as an uplifting, accessible self-help book that can potentially change one's perspective on life and happiness.
Similar Books
About the Author
Other books by Andrew Matthews
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
