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Power vs. Force

Power vs. Force

by David R. Hawkins 2014 416 pages
4.14
12k+ ratings
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10 minutes

Key Takeaways

1. Consciousness can be measured and mapped on a scale from 1 to 1000

The critical response point in the scale of consciousness calibrates at level 200, which is the level associated with integrity and courage.

Measuring consciousness. Dr. David Hawkins developed a method to calibrate levels of human consciousness on a logarithmic scale from 1 to 1000. This scale correlates with specific emotions, perceptions, and worldviews:

  • 1-200: Destructive, force-oriented levels (e.g., shame, guilt, fear)
  • 200-500: Neutral to positive levels (e.g., courage, reason, love)
  • 500-1000: Enlightened states (e.g., joy, peace, enlightenment)

The critical level of 200 marks the transition from force to power, from destructive to constructive influence. Understanding this scale allows individuals and societies to assess their current state and strive for higher levels of awareness and effectiveness.

2. Power attracts, while force repels in human interactions

Force is seductive because it emanates a certain glamour, whether that glamour is manifested in the guise of false patriotism, prestige, or dominance; conversely, true power is often quite unglamourous.

Power vs. Force. Power and force are fundamentally different approaches to achieving goals and influencing others:

  • Force: Coercive, temporary, creates resistance
  • Power: Attractive, enduring, inspires cooperation

Power is associated with:

  • Integrity
  • Compassion
  • Wisdom
  • Long-term effectiveness

Force is associated with:

  • Control
  • Dominance
  • Short-term gains
  • Eventual failure

Understanding this distinction helps individuals and leaders choose more effective and sustainable methods of influence and problem-solving.

3. Attractor patterns shape our reality and influence our choices

Attractors create context. In essence, this means that one's motive, which arises from the principles that one is committed to, determines one's capacity to understand and, therefore, gives significance to one's actions.

Attractor fields. Our reality is shaped by invisible energy patterns called attractor fields. These fields influence our perceptions, decisions, and behaviors:

  • High-energy attractors: Associated with positive emotions, growth, and empowerment
  • Low-energy attractors: Associated with negative emotions, limitation, and weakness

Key aspects of attractor fields:

  • They operate at both individual and collective levels
  • They can be changed through conscious choice and alignment with higher principles
  • Understanding attractor fields helps explain why some people and societies thrive while others struggle

By recognizing and aligning with positive attractor fields, individuals and groups can create more fulfilling and successful lives.

4. The level of truth in religions and philosophies can be calibrated

The level of truth originally expounded by Jesus Christ calibrates at 1,000—the highest level attainable on this plane. By the second century, the level of truth of the practice of his teachings had dropped to 930, and by the sixth century, to 540.

Calibrating truth. Hawkins's method allows for the calibration of truth levels in various teachings, philosophies, and religious practices:

  • Original teachings of great spiritual leaders often calibrate at the highest levels (900-1000)
  • Over time, the truth level of religious practices tends to decline
  • Different interpretations and sects within religions can have vastly different calibrations

Examples of calibrations:

  • Buddhism: 960 (Mahayana), 890 (Zen)
  • Hinduism: 850
  • Judaism: 499 (modern practice)
  • Islam: 720 (Koran), 130 (militant fundamentalism)

This calibration system provides a tool for evaluating the spiritual potency and integrity of various belief systems, helping seekers discern more authentic and transformative paths.

5. Kinesiological testing reveals the body's innate wisdom

The human central nervous system clearly has an exquisitely sensitive capacity to differentiate between life-supportive and life-destructive patterns.

Muscle testing. Kinesiological testing, or muscle testing, is a method that taps into the body's inherent ability to distinguish truth from falsehood:

  • The technique involves applying gentle pressure to an extended arm while making statements
  • The arm remains strong in response to true statements and goes weak for false ones
  • This method bypasses conscious beliefs and accesses a deeper level of knowing

Applications of kinesiological testing:

  • Personal decision-making
  • Evaluating information and ideas
  • Health and nutrition choices
  • Spiritual and philosophical inquiry

While controversial in some circles, this technique offers a unique way to access information beyond the limitations of the conscious mind.

6. Alignment with higher consciousness leads to personal and societal growth

Every leap has to have a platform to originate from. Pain exists to promote evolution; its cumulative effect finally forces us in a new direction, although the mechanism may be very slow.

Evolutionary consciousness. Personal and societal growth occurs through alignment with higher levels of consciousness:

  • Lower levels (below 200) are characterized by suffering, limitation, and conflict
  • Higher levels (above 200) promote healing, creativity, and cooperation
  • The journey from lower to higher levels often involves challenges and "dark nights of the soul"

Key factors in raising consciousness:

  • Willingness to change and grow
  • Exposure to higher energy fields (e.g., through spiritual practices or association with evolved individuals)
  • Letting go of limiting beliefs and negative emotions

As individuals and societies align with higher consciousness, they naturally solve problems and create more harmonious and fulfilling experiences.

7. The pursuit of truth requires discernment and integrity

Mankind lacks the capacity to recognize the difference between truth and falsehood.

Discerning truth. Developing the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood is crucial for personal and collective evolution:

  • The intellect alone is often insufficient for discerning truth
  • Emotional and spiritual intelligence play crucial roles in truth-seeking
  • Integrity (calibrating above 200) is a prerequisite for accurate discernment

Practices for enhancing discernment:

  • Regular use of kinesiological testing
  • Cultivating humility and openness to new information
  • Developing critical thinking skills
  • Aligning with higher principles and values

By honing our capacity for discernment, we can navigate the complex landscape of information and ideas more effectively, leading to better decision-making and personal growth.

8. Transcending ego and embracing love are keys to spiritual evolution

The irony of human experience is in how fiercely the ego fights to preserve the illusion of a separate, individual "I"—even though this is not only a metaphysical impossibility but the wellspring of all suffering.

Beyond ego. Spiritual evolution involves moving beyond the limitations of the ego and embracing a more expansive sense of self:

  • The ego creates a false sense of separation and limitation
  • Transcending ego allows for the experience of unity and unconditional love
  • This shift in perspective leads to greater peace, joy, and effectiveness in life

Steps toward transcendence:

  1. Recognizing the ego's mechanisms and limitations
  2. Cultivating compassion and forgiveness
  3. Practicing presence and mindfulness
  4. Aligning with higher principles and values
  5. Serving others and contributing to the greater good

As individuals progress on this path, they naturally become sources of inspiration and positive influence in the world.

9. Our thoughts and attitudes directly impact our health and wellbeing

Ignorance does not yield to attack, but it dissipates in the light, and nothing dissolves dishonesty faster than the simple act of revealing the truth.

Mind-body connection. Our mental and emotional states have a profound impact on our physical health:

  • Positive thoughts and emotions strengthen the body's energy systems
  • Negative thoughts and emotions weaken the body and can lead to illness
  • Healing often involves addressing both physical and psychological factors

Practices for enhancing wellbeing:

  • Cultivating gratitude and positive emotions
  • Addressing and releasing negative emotions
  • Aligning with higher principles and values
  • Making conscious choices about diet, exercise, and lifestyle
  • Using kinesiological testing to guide health decisions

By recognizing the intimate connection between mind and body, we can take a more holistic approach to health and healing.

10. Humanity's collective consciousness is rising, offering hope for the future

To become more conscious is the greatest gift anyone can give to the world; moreover, in a ripple effect, the gift comes back to its source.

Collective evolution. Hawkins's research suggests that humanity's collective consciousness is slowly but steadily rising:

  • The average level of consciousness was stuck at 190 for centuries
  • In the mid-1980s, it jumped to 207, crossing the critical threshold of 200
  • This shift offers hope for addressing global challenges and creating a more harmonious world

Factors contributing to rising consciousness:

  • Increased access to information and spiritual teachings
  • Growing awareness of global interconnectedness
  • Widespread adoption of practices like meditation and yoga
  • Individual efforts to raise personal consciousness

As more people commit to personal growth and alignment with higher principles, the collective consciousness continues to rise, creating a more positive future for all.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.14 out of 5
Average of 12k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Power vs. Force receives mixed reviews. Many readers find it transformative, praising its insights on consciousness levels and human behavior. They appreciate Hawkins' scale of consciousness and its applications. However, critics label it pseudoscience, questioning the validity of applied kinesiology and the author's claims. Some find the writing style difficult or the concepts far-fetched. Despite polarized opinions, many readers acknowledge the book's thought-provoking nature and its potential to inspire personal growth, even if they don't fully accept all its ideas.

Your rating:

About the Author

David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. was a renowned psychiatrist, physician, researcher, and spiritual teacher. He founded the Institute for Spiritual Research and the Path of Devotional Nonduality. Hawkins lectured globally, advised religious institutions, and contributed to international diplomacy. His pioneering work in medicine, particularly in mental health, led to numerous awards and recognition. He co-authored "Orthomolecular Psychiatry" with Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling, initiating a new psychiatric field. Hawkins received various honors, including knighthood in the Sovereign Order of the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem. His research and teachings on consciousness, spirituality, and human behavior garnered widespread attention and influence.

Other books by David R. Hawkins

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