There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem
Wayne W. Dyer, 2001, Quill, Harper Collins Publishers
 
Reviewed by Tonya Foust Mead

Mr. Dyer starts the book with a touching Foreword whereby he explains his physical challenges while embarking on the task of writing another potential bestselling book.  An avid exerciser, it appears as though Dyer was literally ‘brought to his knees’ by a heart attack. In spite of the knee jerk human reaction  (denial and self pity) to physical immobility and mortality, Dyer  obtained inner strength by reminding [himself] over and over of the title ‘There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem.’
 
Dyer presents the following ten arguments:
 
1)         Everything in the universe is energy.
2)         Solids appear as such due to slower frequencies or vibrations. Most problems arise from this category.
3)         Light and thought, comprised of faster frequencies are less visible.
4)         Frequencies of the Spirit are the fastest.
5)         Faster or Spirit-filled frequencies can nullify the problems presented by lower/slower frequencies.
6)         Everyone has the power to increase his/her energy to eradicate problems.
7)         To realize your power to solve problems, the understanding of a few basic principles is a requirement.
8)         Free will offers one the opportunity to align oneself with a high energy field or a low one.
9)         All problems are merely illusions to keep us separate from our Spirit source- God.
10)       Illusions are based upon faulty thinking and can be dissipated with Truth.
 
Dyer is aware that intellectual recognition of these ten arguments and the daily application of them are two different concepts. To merge the two ideas, Dyer expanded upon the teachings of Patanjali  who reportedly lived on earth several thousand years ago. How to Know God: the Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali, written between the fourth century B.C. and the fourth century A.D. presents a doctrine of faith teachings that Dye believes when drawn upon will enable commoners to transcend the limitations of the world of solid forms and limitations.  
 
Dyer also used as a reference, Valerie Hunt’s book, Infinite Mind: Science of Human Vibration to contend that every healthy body is in constant motion; an interactive electrodynamics’ field of energy—not static organs and immovable tissue. Once this concept is understood, Dyer claims that the reader  can gain access to and utilize faster vibrating energy to solve problems. To make this concept actionable; below is just a few of  Dyer’s suggestions:
 
Decontamination of One’s Mind
It is argued  that to increase one’s energy it is necessary to decontaminate  one’s mind.
 
Daily Spirit-Building Practice
After cleansing the mind thoroughly and on a routine basis, to maintain this purity of intention through requires the daily practice of Spirit.
 
Give Preference for Spiritual Inclinations
Dyer advises his readers to let go of earthy ‘common sense’, intellectual rationalizations by yielding to spiritual guidance and direction.
 
Radiate More Energy by Releasing  Old Thought Patterns
Draining thought patterns of anger, resentment, fear, past failures should be replaced by feelings of love.
 
Be the Spirit
Own the spirit. By recognizing one’s seamless connection to God, energy levels may be raised exponentially.
 
Slow your Mind to Accelerate Your Energy Vibrations
Quiet contemplation will enable the reader,  according to Dyer,  to stop the endless mind chatter thereby rising one’s  energy frequencies  to harmony, love and peace.
 
Finally, in the last section of the book, Dyer cites the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi as examples of practical applications of speeding up one’s energy levels.
 
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith:
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.
 
Conclusion
 
The avid student of mysticism and spiritual science will recognize many of the key concepts written in There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem as a simplified version of  major works. But then, do popular self help books do more than regurgitate Biblical parables, paraphrase scriptures and the teachings of Buddha and others? Sometimes serious students in the pursuit of a better union with God must read and re-read various spiritual guides to strengthen the depth of knowledge acquired.  A kernel here and a kernel there, when taken together will feed the soul. If this then is true, this book, would be considered worthy of review.  Some master story-tellers and professional gurus run the risk of borderline sacrilege when they reduce complex human and intricately designed spiritual organisms to simplistic concepts. Largely in part due to his personal health crisis at the time he penned this book, Dyer does not meet this fate. The sincerity of his words bleeds through the pages as a red herring.
 

Dr. Mead, PhD, MBA, MA www.ishareknowledge.com is a consultant specializing in human behavior, school and social psychology. She can be contacted at: tonya@ishareknowledge.com