The Power of Intention

The Power of Intention Plot Summary

Introduction

Have you ever felt that despite your best efforts, your goals remain just beyond reach? Many of us experience this frustrating disconnect between our desires and our reality. We set intentions, make plans, and work diligently, yet somehow the universe seems uncooperative. This sense of separation from our deepest aspirations isn't just disappointing—it's a signal that we may be missing a fundamental understanding of how intention truly works. The truth is that intention isn't merely a personal desire or mental exercise—it's a field of energy that permeates everything in existence. When we learn to align with this field rather than struggling against it, we discover an extraordinary power that has been available to us all along. This power doesn't require superhuman effort or special talents, but rather a shift in perspective and a willingness to reconnect with our source. Throughout these pages, you'll discover how to polish your connecting link to intention and become a co-creator of your life experience, manifesting your desires with grace and ease rather than strain and struggle.

Chapter 1: Understand the Seven Faces of Intention

Intention is not what most people think it is. It's not a determined ego grasping for what it wants through sheer force of will. Rather, intention is a field of energy that can be accessed when we align ourselves with its nature. To truly understand intention, we must first recognize its seven fundamental aspects or "faces." The first face of intention is creativity. The universal mind is constantly creating, bringing form from formlessness. When you observe nature, you see this creative force everywhere—in the acorn becoming an oak, in the apple blossom transforming into fruit. This same creative energy flows through you. The second face is kindness. The field of intention is inherently kind, wanting all its creations to flourish. Research has shown that acts of kindness produce serotonin not just in the giver and receiver, but even in observers of kindness. The third face is love—not sentimental emotion, but the fundamental connecting force of the universe. The fourth face is beauty, which seeks expression in all things. The fifth face is expansion, as the universe is continuously growing and evolving. The sixth face is unlimited abundance—there is no scarcity in the field of intention. And finally, the seventh face is receptivity—the field of intention is open to all, excluding no one. Dr. Wayne Dyer shares a profound experience that illuminated his understanding of intention. While awaiting a cardiac procedure after suffering a mild heart attack, he read two sentences in a book by Carlos Castaneda that transformed his perspective: "Intent is a force that exists in the universe. When sorcerers beckon intent, it comes to them and sets up the path for attainment, which means that sorcerers always accomplish what they set out to do." This insight struck him with such clarity that he had the sentences printed on a card, which he carried with him into surgery. He realized that intention wasn't something he needed to force or strain to achieve—it was an existing field of energy he could align with. To connect with intention, we must match its qualities. If intention is creative, we must be creative. If intention is kind, we must be kind. By embodying these seven faces in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we create a vibrational harmony with the field of intention. This isn't about forcing outcomes through willpower but about aligning ourselves with the creative force of the universe. When we do this, we find that what we desire begins flowing to us with remarkable ease, as if the universe itself is conspiring to help us succeed. The power of intention becomes accessible when we recognize that we are not separate from it. We are expressions of this field, temporarily taking form in physical bodies. By remembering our connection to this source and living in harmony with its nature, we activate dormant forces within us that make the seemingly impossible possible.

Chapter 2: Overcome Obstacles to Connection

William Blake once wrote: "Does a firm persuasion that a thing is so, make it so? He replied, 'All poets believe that it does. And in ages of imagination, this firm persuasion removed mountains; But many are not capable of a firm persuasion of anything.'" This profound insight reveals why some people struggle to connect with the power of intention while others seem to manifest their desires with remarkable ease. The obstacles that prevent us from connecting to intention are largely self-imposed, though often unconscious. The first major barrier lies in our inner speech—the constant dialogue we maintain with ourselves. When this inner conversation focuses on what's missing in our life rather than what we intend to create, we create resistance to the flow of intention. For example, thoughts like "I don't have enough money" or "My partner is grouchy and boring" keep us vibrating at a frequency that attracts more lack and dissatisfaction. To overcome this obstacle, we must shift our inner dialogue to statements that match the energy of intention: "I intend to attract unlimited abundance" or "I intend to focus on what I love about my partner." Dr. Dyer describes a revealing experience at an airline counter. After his original flight was canceled, he was transferred to another airline with seven heavy boxes of books and materials. The new airline's policy allowed only two checked items per passenger. Rather than becoming frustrated or demanding, he chose to maintain a "holy relationship" with the agent—seeing her as connected to him at a spiritual level. He expressed genuine understanding of her position and invited her to an upcoming lecture. The energy shifted dramatically. Not only did she check all his boxes, but she told him afterward: "When you wheeled up that cart with all those boxes, I was determined you weren't going to get them on that plane, and after a few moments of being with you, I would've carried them out and put them on the plane myself if I had to." Another significant obstacle is our energy level. Everything in the universe is energy vibrating at different frequencies. Higher energy nullifies and converts lower energy, not the other way around. When we operate at low energy levels characterized by shame, fear, anger, or desire, we create resistance to the high-energy field of intention. To raise our energy, we must become conscious of what lowers it—toxic foods, negative media, low-energy environments, and especially low-energy thoughts. By deliberately choosing higher-energy activities like meditation, spending time in nature, and extending kindness without expectation of return, we elevate our vibration to match that of intention. The third major obstacle is self-importance. In "The Fire from Within," Carlos Castaneda quotes his teacher: "Self-importance is man's greatest enemy. What weakens him is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of his fellow man. Self-importance requires that one spend most of one's life offended by something or someone." This ego-driven sense of separateness disconnects us from intention. To overcome it, we must stop being offended by others, let go of our need to win, release our attachment to being right, abandon feelings of superiority, and detach from our reputation. By monitoring our inner dialogue, lightening moments of doubt, being aware of low energy, talking to our ego, and viewing obstacles as opportunities, we can systematically remove these barriers. The process isn't always easy—we've spent years, perhaps decades, reinforcing these patterns. But with awareness and consistent practice, we can polish our connecting link to intention and allow its power to flow through us unimpeded.

Chapter 3: Raise Your Energy to Match Intention

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to radiate a positive energy that affects everyone around them? This isn't coincidental—it's the result of consciously elevating their vibrational frequency to match the field of intention. When you understand that everything is energy vibrating at different frequencies, you realize that raising your personal energy level is essential for connecting to the power of intention. Energy exists on a spectrum from low to high, slow to fast. At the lowest levels are emotions like shame, guilt, fear, and anger. At the highest levels are love, joy, peace, and enlightenment. Dr. Dyer explains that higher energy always nullifies and converts lower energy, similar to how light instantly dispels darkness when introduced to a dark room. This principle applies to our thoughts, emotions, and interactions—when we operate at higher energy levels, we naturally transform lower energies in ourselves and others. Consider the story of a wilderness camp counselor who told Dr. Dyer's daughter at the completion of her program: "Remember at all times that what you think and what you do affects other people." This truth extends beyond our immediate circle. Research by Dr. David Hawkins revealed that one person vibrating at the level of love counterbalances the negativity of 750,000 individuals operating at lower energies. Someone vibrating at the level of peace or enlightenment can counterbalance millions. This explains why being in the presence of highly spiritual individuals can feel so transformative—their energy field literally elevates everyone around them. Dr. Dyer shares a powerful personal experience of this principle in action. He once walked between two young men who were about to fight while a crowd urged them on. Simply humming "Surely the Presence of God Is in This Place" and radiating peaceful energy, he diffused the situation without confrontation. In another instance, he approached a woman screaming angrily at her toddler in a grocery store. Without saying a word, but radiating love and understanding, he witnessed her anger dissolve. These weren't coincidences but demonstrations of higher energy converting lower energy. To raise your own energy level, begin by becoming conscious of your thoughts, as they directly impact your vibrational frequency. Practice meditation regularly to make conscious contact with your Source. Be mindful of the foods you consume—highly processed, chemically treated foods lower your energy, while fresh, natural foods raise it. Retreat from low-energy substances like alcohol and drugs. Pay attention to the music you listen to and the media you consume, as these significantly affect your vibration. Create a high-energy home environment through prayer, inspirational readings, and uplifting art. Extend acts of kindness without expecting anything in return, and practice forgiveness to release the low energy of resentment. When you consistently maintain higher energy levels, you'll notice remarkable changes. Synchronicities will increase. The right people and opportunities will appear at just the right time. Problems that once seemed insurmountable will resolve with unexpected ease. Most importantly, you'll feel a deep sense of connection to the field of intention and all of life. As your energy rises, you become a conduit for the power of intention to flow through you, manifesting your desires while simultaneously uplifting everyone you encounter.

Chapter 4: Practice Being What You Desire

What if the secret to manifesting your desires isn't about striving and struggling, but about embodying the very thing you seek? This profound shift in perspective—from doing to being—lies at the heart of connecting with intention. When you become what you desire to attract, you create a magnetic resonance with the field of intention that naturally draws your desires to you. The universal mind of intention is always in a state of giving. It continuously converts formless energy into the myriad forms we see in our world. To align with this creative force, you must adopt its giving nature. If you want love, be loving. If you want abundance, be generous. If you want success, help others succeed. This isn't just poetic advice—it's how the energy of the universe operates. You can only attract what you're vibrationally matched with. Dr. Dyer illustrates this principle with a touching story about his daughter Skye. From early childhood, Skye knew she wanted to sing. It was her passion and purpose. While studying music at university, she felt increasingly constrained by academic theory and approached her father about leaving school to pursue her music directly. Rather than insisting she follow the conventional path, Dr. Dyer encouraged her to listen to her inner knowing and follow her heart. He advised her to serve others through her music rather than focusing on fame or money, and to "think from the end"—to act as if her desires were already fulfilled. When Skye expressed frustration at not having her own CD, he encouraged her to visualize the finished product and set a deadline. Soon, everything she needed—the studio, musicians, and inspiration—materialized, resulting in her CD "This Skye Has No Limits." This approach works because when you're inspired by a great purpose, you tap into the creative power of intention. The word "inspiration" literally means "in-spirit"—when you're inspired, you're connected to the spiritual source of all creation. Dr. Dyer recalls leaving a secure university professorship to pursue writing and public speaking. Though others saw this as risky, for him it wasn't a risk but a necessity—he couldn't feel fulfilled without following his heart. By trusting his inner knowing and having faith in the field of intention, all the details worked out, and the financial rewards flowed naturally. To practice being what you desire, start by affirming that you're here on purpose. Your existence isn't random—you emanated from the field of intention for a reason. Next, seize every opportunity to give your life away in service. When your primary motivation is to contribute rather than to receive, you align with the giving nature of intention. Align your purpose with the field by surrendering your ego's plans to the greater wisdom of universal mind. Ignore what others tell you about your purpose—only you can know what resonates in your heart. Remember that the universe is friendly and will work on your behalf when you align with it. Study the lives of purposeful people who inspire you, and act as if you're already living your intended life. Meditate regularly to stay connected to your source, and keep your thoughts and feelings in harmony with your actions. Finally, maintain an attitude of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and fulfill your purpose. When you shift from seeking purpose to being purposeful in each moment, you discover that purpose isn't something you find—it's how you live. As Dr. Dyer simply states: "When you're living your life from purpose, you're dwelling in love. When you're not dwelling in love, you're off purpose." This is the essence of practicing being what you desire.

Chapter 5: Live in the Active Side of Infinity

Have you ever considered that you might be an infinite being having a temporary human experience, rather than a human being having occasional spiritual experiences? This perspective shift represents what Dr. Dyer calls moving from the "inactive" to the "active" side of infinity—and it transforms everything about how you connect with intention. The concept of infinity can be challenging for our minds to grasp. As a seven-year-old boy living in a foster home, Dr. Dyer had his first encounter with the concept of death when his foster father passed away. When he innocently asked when the man would return, his foster mother responded with a single word that stunned him: "Never." Lying in his bunk bed that night, young Wayne tried to comprehend the concept of never—no ending, and more no ending—and found it overwhelming. Like most of us, he coped by pushing the thought away and continuing with daily life. This avoidance of our mortality is what Carlos Castaneda's teacher meant when he said we're all in bodies on their way to dying, but we behave as if they're not. We live on what Dr. Dyer calls the "inactive side of infinity"—denying our eternal nature and identifying exclusively with our temporary physical form. On this inactive side, we're driven by fear of death, separation from others, competition, and the need to dominate. We feel disconnected from the power of intention. The active side of infinity represents a profound shift in awareness. Here, you're fully cognizant that you're in a body that will die, but you know you aren't that body, its mind, or any of its achievements and possessions. You recognize yourself as an infinite spiritual being having a temporary human experience. From this perspective, you maintain a good grip on the "trolley strap" connected to intention, observing your sensory experiences rather than being defined by them. Dr. Dyer shares the final words of several great spiritual teachers who died in states of bliss and fearlessness: Teresa of Avila declaring "The hour I have long wished for is now come"; Beethoven saying "I shall hear in heaven"; and Thomas Edison's "It is very beautiful over there." These individuals had made their appointment with infinity while still alive, banishing all doubt and fear. Living on the active side of infinity brings remarkable changes. You develop a sense of destiny, knowing you're playing this game of life for a higher purpose. You cultivate a sense of the possible, seeing infinite possibilities where others see limitations. You experience a sense of awe at the miracle of existence and maintain deep humility in the face of the infinite. You become naturally generous, knowing that the universe operates through endless giving. You develop a sense of knowing that transcends doubt, and you live with passion and enthusiasm (from the Greek "en theos"—"God within"). Perhaps most importantly, you feel a profound sense of belonging to the entire cosmos. To move to the active side of infinity, make your appointment with infinity now rather than waiting for death. Affirm daily: "I'm no longer identified by this body/mind, and I reject this label from this moment on. I'm infinite. I'm one with all of humanity. I'm one with my Source." Meditate on your eternal nature and consider which belief—that you're a temporary being or an infinite one—brings you feelings of love rather than fear. When low-energy thoughts of fear or anxiety arise, ask whether they make sense from the perspective of infinity. By living on the active side of infinity, you remove the fear that blocks your connection to intention. You realize that what appears as death is merely a transition, and this awareness allows you to live with extraordinary freedom and power in the eternal now.

Chapter 6: Attract Ideal People and Divine Relationships

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote: "The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred... unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way." This observation captures the essence of how intention works in bringing the right people into your life at precisely the right time. When you commit to matching up with the field of intention, everyone you need to fulfill your personal intentions will appear. The right people for your career, your home, your finances, and your spiritual journey are already here—you share the same divine source with them and are already connected spiritually. The challenge isn't their absence but your readiness to recognize and receive them. Dr. Dyer illustrates this principle with a personal story about meeting with a publishing executive named George. Dr. Dyer was an unknown writer seeking a publisher for his book "Your Erroneous Zones." When he arrived at the meeting, he found George deeply distressed—his wife had just asked for a divorce the night before. Rather than pushing his agenda, Dr. Dyer spent several hours listening and offering support, embodying the understanding and compassion he hoped to receive. He left without even discussing his book proposal. His literary agent was dismayed, believing he'd wasted a rare opportunity. The next day, however, George called the agent saying, "I really don't even know what Dyer's book proposal entails, but I want that man as one of our authors." This experience demonstrates a fundamental truth: you must be what you desire to attract. If you want loving relationships, you must be loving. If you want understanding, be understanding. The energy you radiate is what returns to you. Dr. Dyer emphasizes that love can only be attracted by and returned by love. Spiritual partnerships—whether romantic, familial, or professional—are based on mutual respect for each person's divine nature and purpose. To attract ideal people, start by recognizing that you're already connected to them at a spiritual level. Rather than saying, "I wish this person would show up because I need to get out of this rut," affirm: "I know the right person will be arriving in divine order at precisely the perfect time." Act as if this is already happening, staying alert to intuitive nudges and synchronicities that guide you toward these connections. Dr. Dyer advises viewing your past relationships through the lens of divine order. Every person who has entered your life—even those who caused pain—served a purpose in your growth. When you release resentment about past relationships and trust in the perfect unfolding of your life, you clear the path for new, more aligned connections to form. Patience is essential in this process. A Course in Miracles offers this paradoxical wisdom: "Infinite patience produces immediate results." When you have absolute knowing that you're in vibrational harmony with intention, you feel deep peace regardless of external circumstances. You trust that the right people will appear on the perfect schedule, and this trust itself creates an energy that attracts them to you. Dr. Dyer shares how this works in his own life: "I know that I'm not alone as I sit here writing. I know that the right people will magically appear to provide me with whatever incentive or material I might need. I have total faith in this process, and I stay harmoniously in tune with my Source. The phone will ring, and someone has a tape they think I'll like... I pass someone on a walk, and they stop to talk. They tell me about a book they're sure I'd love. I jot down the title, look it up, and sure enough, I have what I need." By declaring your intention to attract ideal people, conceptualizing your invisible connection to them, visualizing meeting them, taking action on your inner picture, and being the kind of person you wish to attract, you create the perfect conditions for divine relationships to manifest in your life.

Chapter 7: Heal Yourself and Others

Every single person on the planet has within them the potential to be a healer. The key to accessing this inherent healing power lies in first making the decision to be healed yourself. As A Course in Miracles reminds us: "Those who are healed become the instruments of healing," and "The only way to heal is to be healed." This twofold advantage means that once you've accepted your power to heal yourself, you naturally become capable of healing others as well. Dr. David Hawkins discovered through his research that people who calibrated above 600 on his map of consciousness (indicating illumination and enlightenment) radiated healing energy. Disease simply cannot exist in the presence of such high spiritual energy. This explains the miraculous healing powers of figures like Jesus of Nazareth and other spiritual masters. While few reach these extraordinary levels permanently, we all have access to this healing energy because we emanated from the same divine source. To become a healer, you must first reconnect to the disease-free loving perfection from which you came. The universal mind of intention knows precisely what you need to optimize your health. Your task is to notice thoughts and behaviors that create resistance and interfere with the flow of intentional energy. Dr. Dyer describes meeting a man at the gym who spent five minutes listing his ailments, surgeries, and projected health problems. This focus on disorder and disease represents resistance to the healing energy that's always available. Research on spontaneous recovery from incurable diseases reveals a common factor: in every studied case, there was a major shift in consciousness. Dr. Hawkins notes: "In spontaneous recovery, there is frequently a marked increase in the capacity to love and awareness of the importance of love as a healing factor." This shift from fear-based thinking to love-centered consciousness allows the healing power of intention to flow unimpeded. Dr. Dyer shares a letter from Darby Hebert, who struggled with deteriorating health for decades. After moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she immersed herself in nature, meditation, and appreciation: "I have lived in silence for almost two years. Meditation and appreciation have become my way of life. Leaving low energy, and moving into high energy, with your help, has worked miracles. I have moved from hemorrhaging eyes, internal lesions, aseptic meningitis, and severe muscle pain to a health that includes all-day mountain hiking and cross-country skiing." Scientific research supports the power of intention in healing. Studies show that healing through intention is available to ordinary people, not just special healers. Most authentic healers describe stepping back and surrendering to a greater healing force rather than trying to control the process. Research suggests that the specific healing method matters less than the healer's intention and knowing beyond doubt that healing is possible. Furthermore, intention on its own heals, and this healing force is available to all of humanity as a collective resource. Perhaps most importantly, hope is the most powerful treatment any healer can offer. To optimize your capacity to heal and be healed, begin by working collaboratively with your source to create a sense of your own healing. Offer healing energy freely to others, keeping your ego entirely out of the process. Raise your energy to match the field of intention, strengthening your immune system and increasing well-being. Practice surrender, letting go of control and communing with the source of all healing. Rather than asking to be healed, ask to be restored to the perfection from which you emanated. Know that you are adored by the universe and seek out reasons to feel good. When thoughts of illness arise, replace them with thoughts that support your feeling good and perfect health. Spend time in silence and meditation, visualizing yourself coupled with the perfectly healthy field of intention. Identify completely with wholeness rather than disease, and allow health to stream into your life by removing resistant thoughts. Finally, stay immersed in gratitude for every aspect of your physical being. As Jesus of Nazareth said: "If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you." The power of intention is what's inside you, waiting to be brought forth for your healing and the healing of others.

Summary

Throughout our exploration of the power of intention, we've discovered that intention is not merely a personal desire or goal, but a field of energy that permeates everything in existence. By aligning ourselves with this field—by embodying its seven faces of creativity, kindness, love, beauty, expansion, abundance, and receptivity—we become co-creators with the universal mind. As Dr. Dyer reminds us, "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." This simple yet profound insight captures the essence of working with intention rather than struggling against it. The journey to mastering intention begins with a single, transformative decision: to see yourself as an infinite spiritual being having a temporary human experience, rather than the other way around. From this perspective, you recognize that you're never separate from the source of all creation. You understand that what you intend to manifest is already present in the field of intention, waiting for you to align with it. Take this moment now to raise your energy level by focusing on thoughts of appreciation and love, and make a commitment to live from the active side of infinity. As you do, you'll discover that the power to create the life you desire has been within you all along, waiting only for you to remember your true nature and reclaim your divine inheritance.

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Wayne W. Dyer

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