Influence The World Around You Through The Power Of Your Concentration
This interesting work from 1908 takes quite a practical approach to the idea of mind power. Whereas most of the early New Thought metaphysicians tend to write in the mystical tradition, Atkinson seems to concentrate on explaining mental phenomena from an angle where science meets the occult.He starts out with the law of vibration by first demolishing the tenets of materialism and then by comparing mental power to scientific theories of vibration with analogy to sight and sound. He claims that there exists a scientific explanation behind the beliefs of mental science, beliefs that belong in the field of physical science more than in metaphysics. Atkinson quotes some of the scientists of his own time in support of what was then known about vibrationary rates.
He explains the different types of thought waves and the atmospheres that seem to inhabit places. The two main factors in the manifestation of mental influence are concentration and mental imaging, both of which the author explores in detail. He also discusses the two general forms of the use of mental influence that he calls "fascination" and "hypnotism." Influencing at a distance, like distance healing, is also covered.
A particularly interesting chapter is the one on mass influencing, where certain ideas and beliefs can spread far and wide amongst large sections of a population. Atkinson also points out how advertising and sales techniques draw upon this ancient knowledge of thought power. He then shows how vitally important it is for the individual to be resistant or at least aware of the various currents of ideas prevalent at any given time.
He discusses white and black magic and concludes the book with a chapter on psychic protection. He urges the reader to look up to the higher self for aid and strength in order to avoid being affected by the waves of feeling or emotion sweeping over the public mind, which have a tendency to stampede people into adopting certain ideas. By affirming the flame of the spirit of the great I Am within, the individual can protect her or himself and remain firmly rooted in a healthy state of independence.
Atkinson 's insight is timeless. Considering that this book was published in 1908 with the tragic 20th century still to come, many of his ideas were ahead of their time and strangely prescient. The science of quantum physics has only added to the legitimacy of his wise words insofar as it confirms that everything is energy.
As mentioned before, Atkinson takes a very practical approach to explaining the mechanics of thought power and in this way appears to lean to the occult side of esoteric science more than the mystical. I do not mean this in a negative way, as his observations and conclusions are similar to those of the other early teachers of New Thought. He is certainly an advocate of what William James called The Religion of Healthy Mindedness.
Atkinson's contribution in this book is particularly valuable in explaining how fashions, trends and certain good or evil thought patterns can spread around the world, how susceptible the individual is, and what one can do to stay immune. I highly recommend this thought provoking book.
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu