“As you think, so shall you be.”
~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
I had first heard those words over 14 years ago while watching a Wayne Dyer PBS special.
It was titled “How to Get What You Really, Really, Really, Really Want”.
I was living alone in my cool little South Beach apartment with my dog, a Westie named Dino.
Oh, how I loved that dog…and my new found freedom. I was just out of a relationship that had lasted (on and off) for over four years. And although I was living in the party capital of the world at the time…the only thing I was truly interested in was getting to know myself better.
Well, that and Spirituality in general.
Most days, following a long shift at the salon I used to work at right across the street (which was pretty damn convenient I might add since at the time, I didn’t have a car), I would come home and pop in a tape or cd of a lecture having to do with self-awareness.
I listened to people like John Gray, Carolyn Myss, Marianne Williamson…
…and Wayne Dyer.
I had one of his tapes (as if that doesn’t date me) titled “The Keys to Higher Awareness”. I had listened to it many times, and had found his messages comforting, and humorous.
Humor was and is a form of magic to me. It can transform just about anything or anyone in its presence – bringing light into a dark situation.
Dr. Dyer was able to do this effortlessly.
So I watched the four-hour long program mentioned at the beginning of this post…complete with the PBS infomercials in between segments that offered “The Whole Enchilada” – a collection of his works.
I loved his message.
He helped me to think of things in a way that brought a new perspective to my life and life in general.
He talked about assuming personal responsibility for ourselves…the way we think, the way we behave and the impact it had – not only on our own lives, but in the environment/the world in general.
Assuming personal responsibility isn’t such an easy thing to do you know.
It involves taking a good, hard look at yourself and owning the fact that this separate part of you, the personality, literally dictates your life.
While we have a personality, and thus are here to use this as a form of expression…it’s the confusing our personality as our ONLY selves that gets us into trouble.
One of the most refreshing aspects of listening to/watching Dr. Dyer speak was the fact that he would often call himself out and make fun of his own character defects, which always come from the ego. To me, it’s important to not always take our ego self too seriously…because in doing so, we become so attached to this protective barrier we develop within ourselves that it renders it impossible to attain the level of flexibility required to keep an open mind about questioning what we think we know.
Or as I had heard Dr. Dyer say…
“Having a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing”.
Labeling People As A “Guru”
I have heard Dr. Dyer referred to as a self-help guru because this is how we label people who dispense information and establish a following.
At least, this is how it is seen in society.
I personally don’t care much for the term – as I feel it can dilute the authenticity of a person’s wisdom since it has been cheapened and overused…and as far as I’m concerned, Dr. Dyer was far more than a guru.
He was a man with faults and flaws…and he was more than willing to discuss them. This is part of what I found so endearing about him.
The only reason I mention the guru thing is because I do feel it’s important to use a level of discernment and implement critical thinking when it comes to following the work of anyone, regardless of who they are. An independent mind is a terrible thing to waste, and this is especially true when it comes to taking the teachings of ANYONE as objective Truth.
So while I cannot say that I absolutely agreed with everything I have ever heard through the messages of some fantastic teachers over the years, I can honestly state that Dr. Dyer’s work has had a profound influence in my life.
He is one of the few out there who has touched something deep within my soul.
I genuinely feel that humans have developed the “stirring” within themselves to gain an understanding of who we are, where we come from, why we’re here…
…and why the world is as ugly as it is.
While it’s true that we are in the midst of seeing and experiencing what seems to be the worst in humanity rise to the surface and act out our deepest fears right in front of us, regardless of which direction it comes from, this is also a time where choosing awareness has the chance to become the necessary priority in our lives – as this has everything to do with the effects of what we’re seeing play out in our lives – individually and collectively.
Even if we do not consciously remember where the cause originated from.
“Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law.”–The Kybalion.
As you think, so shall you be…
Rephrased by Dr. Dyer, as credited from the book “As A Man Thinketh” written by James Allen, when we decide to investigate the overall Cause of the effects we’re seeing play out in the world, we, if we have a mind open to everything and attached to nothing, will discover that we all have, on some level, an aspect of the outer within us.
IF we can be this honest with ourselves – about ourselves.
“As above, so below; as below, so above.”–The Kybalion
What we think, we become – and therefore, act out.
We also exude something called energy. Our energy vibrates at a certain level, a frequency, which contributes to the world whatever is going on within us.
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”–The Kybalion.
We are completely responsible, in one way or another, for our world – even in the presence and under the influence of those who know how to manipulate the Laws of Nature for their own selfish gain.
When this becomes evident, assuming personal responsibility for our own awakening will become a full time job – a job that will pay rich and beautiful rewards…as long as we’re willing to do the work.
Dr. Wayne Dyer has provided a means to help assist me, and many, MANY others an avenue of which to get started. He has made the “curriculum” a pleasant one without negating the level of dedication required to finding the truth within ourselves in regard to the nature of why we are here…
“As spiritual beings having a human experience”.
Rest In Peace Dr. Dyer
Dr. Wayne Dyer died on Sunday, August 30th, 2015. It is said that he passed away peacefully in his sleep – which I would imagine is the way most of us hope to go when the time comes.
I won’t sit here and speculate where his soul has gone to, as I wouldn’t know this.
I will, however, hold a vision in my mind and heart that he has left us to go on to the next phase of his being – a place where his beautiful expressions have built a haven for him to continue on and inspire us in a way that our physical minds can’t comprehend at this time.
A place free from the limited and restricting persona that house our souls while we’re here on earth.
I can only hope that the time he has spent here, and the work he has done continues to stir up the desire within all of us to awaken to who we really are – and assume responsibility for our role in things.
I will cherish his words, his humor, and his wisdom.
Thank-you Dr. Dyer for everything you have done for me, and humanity.
You will be greatly missed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7IXeRoqxTA
Recommended reading:
10 Secrets to Success and Inner-Peace – Dr. Wayne Dyer
As A Man Thinketh – James Allen
Photo credit goes to Google Image.
Sherman Smith says
Hey Dana,
This was a great tribute to Dr. Wayne Dyer.
I’m ashamed to say but I never listened or read any of his books. I didn’t know what I was missing back then, but now since you brought up who he was and what he was teaching, this gives me a great excuse to get into him now.
It seems like everyone gets labeled as a guru. It’s a great title, but no one is perfect. That is the definition that there’s no flaws in someone. But the flaws and mistakes that we make and learn from I consider perfect because it makes us all unique and shows our personality.
Thanks Dana for sharing what Dr. Dyer was about! I hope you’re enjoying your Labor Day Weekend!
Dana says
Hey Sherman,
Welcome to the new blog!
Great to see you here 🙂
I personally think you would enjoy Dr. Dyer’s material. I listened to one of his tapes back in 1997/98 and I’ve appreciated him ever since.
Since his passing last weekend, Hay House, along with his family have been providing free showings of his film “The Shift” and have lowered the price of his ebooks to $1.99 for Kindle, Nook and other formats.
In my opinion, he was unique. There was just something about him. I saw one of his lectures in person a few years ago and the way he lit up around people really stood out to me. He didn’t act like some famous person talking at a bunch of followers. He sat on the floor of the stage and hung out with people during the intermission and entered the event through the front. He seemed to really love people, and I found that endearing.
His humor and ability to discuss his own shortcomings remind us all that this is a journey.
If you get around to checking out any of his work, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I’m happy you stopped by to visit the new site and I appreciate your comment.
Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend Sherman.
Donna Merrill says
Hi Dana,
I too remember the first time I watched Wayne Dyer on PBS. I was glued to the TV! What a special man I thought to myself. Then went on to purchase his books, follow him whenever he was on TV. Ahh those days before YouTube lol.
I do agree with you about that “labeling” him as a guru or anyone labeled as that in fact. There are many people that follow others, but in fact, they are people. The ones with special talent. The people who touch our lives and make a difference.
Dr. Wayne Dyer sure made a difference in my life as well as many others. My step-daughter seen him live a few times and because of that she took responsibility for her emotions (which was well needed at the time) and she moved forward.
May he live on forever,
-Donna
Dana says
Hi Donna,
Yep – those days before Youtube. I actually still have a few of Dr. Dyer’s PBS lectures that I recorded many years ago. It’s cool to be able to see these programs, and many others without having to rely on having my old VCR hooked up.
I’m glad your step-daughter was able to find some healing in his work. I know I have learned a lot from his teachings.
But yep, like you said – while some of these individuals may have some beautiful effects on those of us who appreciate their work, they are all still people. I think that being aware of this allows us to truly connect with what they are saying/demonstrating without losing ourselves in the process by “following a leader”.
It may seem odd that I would throw this topic in the post, given that it’s a tribute written with love and appreciation toward a man who has touched the lives of so many, myself included.
But I think the best way we can truly use and honor those who have such wisdom to share is to be honest with ourselves and use discernment in regard to listening to our own inner-guidance while also learning something valuable from their perspectives…as true messengers don’t actually want a following – they want to uplift Humanity to be able to reach their own levels of higher awareness.
I really feel this is what he meant to accomplish with his work. This is the effect he had on me.
I appreciate your what you had to say here Donna. I wish you a wonderful weekend 🙂
Adrienne says
Hey Dana,
I agree with Mark, what a wonderful tribute to an amazing man.
I’m so glad that his work has touched you in that way. I’ve heard his own personal story which is why I find it so amazing that he turned out like he did. He was able to help SO many people and I’m sure even in his death he’ll help even more.
I’ve read a few of his books and I think only seen one audio. I didn’t really know much about personal development when I was younger and only until I came online did I learn even more. Better late than never though.
Wonderful tribute, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
~Adrienne
Dana says
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m glad you liked the post. I felt I had to write it…and the words came spilling out.
I don’t usually get emotional over anyone considered a “public figure”, but this, to me anyway, is different. In this man, I saw a light, and I know I’m not the only one.
You know, by this time, that I’m not big into group thinking. I also don’t look at people as leaders, heroes or bigger/higher than anyone else. I simply feel that we are at a time now when more of us care about getting to know ourselves and why we are the way we are…and he had some brilliant insight, along with sense of humor that was so endearing.
I saw him in person, although I didn’t get to meet him. He genuinely liked people. Loved them in fact. It exuded out of him. That stood out to me.
They are showing a free viewing of his film “The Shift” as a tribute to him. If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend it. I’ll paste the link here.
http://www.drwaynedyer.com/the-shift-movie
Thanks so much for your visit. I wish you a beautiful week my friend 🙂
Mark says
Dana thank you for your extremely warm tribute to Dr. Dyer!
I too was a huge fan of his as were countless millions of others
worldwide.
And I too can recall thoroughly enjoying watching him at different times
on PBS.
My Mom absolutely adored his teachings and books too!
In fact, I once owned a program of his that I enjoyed immensely and gave it to a friend, and wouldn’t you know it, I never saw it again!LOL!
Of course if my friend actually got value out of it, then it was definitely
worth it!
His immense insights, humor and philosophical approach to life will most definitely be missed!
Dana says
Hi Mark,
Welcome to my blog!
Thanks so much for the kind words about the post. I have loved Dr. Dyer’s work for many, many years, and I know I’m not alone in this.
I hope your friend got use out of the program you gave to them. I was given the book “The 10 Secrets to Success and Inner-Peace” by someone I had just met because I had mentioned how much I loved his work and this individual had it and felt like giving it to me, knowing I would appreciate it…
…which I certainly did.
It’s a sad day, and quite a loss for those of us who recognized the light within him. He will truly be missed.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting 🙂