What we are reading today: ‘Power vs Force’
Author: David R Hawkins
“Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior” by the late David R. Hawkins, which was republished in 2014 and translated into 25 languages.
The author discusses how human understanding of power versus force can shape and guide behavior.
Originally published as Hawking’s doctoral dissertation in 1994, it is the fruit of his developing work since 1965.
This dense reading distinguishes between power and force, describing the former as a positive influence associated with higher levels of consciousness and the latter as a negative force characteristic of lower levels.
Hawking’s research findings are based on a tool called the “Kinesiology Response,” which helps to understand what respondents believe to be true. He also developed a map of consciousness, which he described as energy fields between which people switch.
At the bottom of the human emotion scale are low vibrational emotions such as shame, fear, grief, guilt, and apathy. Moving to other levels, according to Hawkins, are desire, pride, and anger, which are both stable and comfortable.
Affirmative action includes feelings of faith, forgiveness, optimism, and courage.
Map of Consciousness is based on research findings from nonlinear dynamics and quantum physics.
Hawkins was a physician, psychotherapist, lecturer and spiritual teacher. He spent his life researching human consciousness and spiritual development.
Hawking received the Physicians’ Recognition Award from the American Medical Association in 1992 and the Huxley Award in 1979 for his invaluable contribution to the alleviation of human suffering.
He founded the North Nassau Mental Health Center in 1958, the Federation of Mental Health Centers in 1963, the Academy of Orthomolecular Psychiatry in 1971, and the Institute for Applied Spiritual Studies in 1980.