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How Life Works

How Life Works

by Andrew Matthews 2014 169 pages
4.36
500+ ratings
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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:

Review Summary

4.36 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

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.

Your rating:

About the Author

Andrew Matthews is a renowned author and illustrator of self-help books. He gained popularity with his book "Be Happy" and has since written multiple bestsellers on personal development. Matthews is known for his simple, enthusiastic writing style that resonates with readers of all ages. He often incorporates humor and cartoons into his work to make complex concepts more accessible. Matthews' books focus on themes of happiness, positivity, and personal growth. His approach combines practical advice with elements of positive psychology and Eastern philosophy. Matthews' work has been translated into numerous languages, reaching a global audience. He is also a sought-after speaker, delivering presentations on happiness and success worldwide.

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