This book promises to change your life in the introduction. Following on from the title it says within its pages there is to be found the secret to a peaceful, happy and abundant life. Despite finding yourself disappointed with your previous efforts, this time you have spent your money on this Mabel Katz’ book. I am not sure it is the readers efforts in this case that will be found lacking.
What follows is a strange mix of platitudes and testimony from individuals living 'zero frequency.' The author is a devotee of her particular interpretation of Ho'oponopono. Which is to make ("ho'o") right with yourself and others ("pono, pono"). A thorough assessment of ho'oponopono is beyond the scope of this review and Katz has herself decided that the ancient Hawaiian indigenous practice is in need of a "more practical modern way..."(5% kindle), and thus developed her Zero Frequency method. It is difficult to forget this is her distinct version as every time Zero Frequency is mentioned on a page it comes with its own trademark symbol which is distinctive and a touch distracting. It does at least help the reader understand clearly, this is a book written with a mission, accompanying website and extra material available to purchase.
The author has helpfully in the first chapter written a brief testimonial of herself including, "My astrological sun sign is Virgo, which makes me down to earth and good at foreseeing all the negatives." This is a strange boast to make of a book imploring the reader to plan for nothing, live in the present and have the universe drop gifts upon you for taking onboard the trademarked contradictory insights of the author.
There is an odd exposition of why zero is so powerful and this was the chosen trademark. "Those who ascribe to numerology believe that numbers have vibrations. The number zero resonates with the vibrations of eternity...zero is the symbol of infinity...it brings us closer to God...of nothingness in that all answers are revealed...at zero you connect to the wisdom of the universe." It is a strange metaphysics Katz describes. It appears to be an attempt to appeal to all worldviews but succeeds only in being incoherent.
At 6% there is the particularly pernicious line used by many a hoodwinker. "Once you have an awareness to understand this truth, and the courage to embrace it..." Once you are a true believer then you are able to access all the fruits of zero frequency, if you fail to then that is on you, not the trademarked insights.
I am unsure what genre this would fall in. Usually it would be labelled personal growth but the author herself states that this is not that sort of book as they fail, and people become frustrated trying to follow the actions. This is for people who feel it is 'time to be your authentic self.' (kindle 9%), and who want to 'give the gift of their authentic self' (kindle 23%) to others. Do not 'engage with people who doubt you.' (kindle 12%) the author implores, so be careful. If anyone thinks your authentic self is not recognisably delightful by others, be prepared to cut them off.
There are elements of monism, Buddhism, deism, pantheism, and stoicism. It is very clear that being able to assess and interrogate propositions is not the goal. "Zero Frequency is an experience that can be neither described nor explained in terms of logic. Your intellect will struggle to understand the simple concepts in this book but for success you must put your conscious mind aside and allow your heart to guide you...the secret is inside you." (kindle 22%)
Section headings for example Susan Jeffers’ 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' (kindle 63%) acknowledge this book is a rehash of others material and ideas. Beyond the trademark of zero frequency there is nothing original here. The usual tropes of not worrying what people think of you, that we cause our own suffering and should be appreciative of our present situations, to let go of negativity, regret nothing, hug yourself, follow your bliss, be nice to yourself are all oft repeated. There is a particularly weird section on forgiveness (kindle 43%) that the hurts we feel that need forgiveness are not real, so we can forgive secretly as that is easier that in person, a weird non sequitur. Yet later Pope Francis is quoted favourably calling for all to practice courage and dialogue, in contradiction to the way Katz's zero frequency deals with forgiveness previously. Katz writes it requires humility to allow God to guide us, but 'remember when I say God I mean that part of you that really knows better.' (Kindle 63%) It take humility to know you know everything already?
It is difficult to know who to recommend this to. The title touts Zero Frequency it is the 'easy' way, but I would suggest that zero is the truthful and helpful insight here. Perhaps the thoughtful reader would find more substantial material in the classic spiritual reading material of Buddhism and Stoicism. Katz herself uses examples of in book of authors who have written successfully on similar themes and beginning there might help some. I am not sure what knowledge I’d gained by the conclusion of the book, other than to commend Mabel Katz for testifying to feeling more flourished in her own life and relationships. Not that the way of zero frequency is about others though…just me me me.