I really like what Wayne Dyer has to say, even though the language can be a bit flowery for me. The simple reminder that we are "of spirit" and so should try to remain "in spirit" in all that we do - it's lovely. His writing conveys a clear sense of individual purpose and bliss.
But strangely not of a communal purpose. I couldn't help but think as I was listening (to his audio book): here's a guy who doesn't tolerate negativity in his life much. And he celebrates freedom of spirit above all things. How does he deal with long-term commitments, especially when they feel burdensome or difficult? Is he an actual model for living a committed life with others? Because those connections are truly important - to have and to sustain.
Sadly, it was hard for me to view Dr. Dyer as an inspiring guru when I discovered he'd been married three times. Free and sincere spirit? Maybe. Enduring model? Not really.
Also, condescension appears in this book, toward drudgery, the ordinary, and ordinary people. Dr. Dyer seems sincere in his belief that we can all transcend and become enlightened, spiritual beings here on earth, and yet comes off as insulated from ordinary struggles. He lives in financial security on a Hawaiian island, is a sought-after inspirational speaker and best-selling author, and occupies an unusual niche as one of the most prominent messengers of spirituality in the modern era. He views himself as chosen for this purpose.
In one sequence I bristled when he describes the "angels" who had entered his life that have helped him fulfill his purpose, among them his editor, publisher, accountant, and personal assistant. They are, he insists, fulfilling their higher purpose by attending to his needs: by painstakingly transcribing his handwritten manuscripts (because Dyer refuses to adapt and use a computer), by fielding the cacophony of appearance requests, by attending to onerous logistics, and by translating his numerous financial transactions into something simple and worry-free.
It is hard to hear him celebrate how he has eliminated senseless drudgery from his life - and you can too! - while also seeing how he has offloaded repulsive items onto others. In a bizarre rationalization, he then calls these mundane tasks their chosen purpose, a proper application of their God-given skills. Come again? When is drudgery ordinary and when is it a higher calling? It was hard not to see Dyer's logic as self-serving.
That said, I listened to his incredible story about a monarch butterfly in the car with my three school-aged daughters, and they were rapt. They understood on a basic level his message: that nature and the universe has something special in store for us, if only we will listen. And that we can choose to be grateful and positive, and that in so doing, we will inspire others to be the same. For them, his message was both convincing and, dare I say, inspirational! They were moved more than from a church service, said they really liked what we were listening to, and all the back-seat bickering ended. On some level, I knew that each girl would be a better, more loving and open person that morning on account of Dr. Dyer's message. And for me too, that was true.