By embracing honesty, compassion and wisdom, we can improve the state of the world.
Psychiatrist Dr David Hawkins cites the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s as an example of this.
In contrast to this healing power is the 'force', which we use to dominate others and strive for materialistic goals. Power is about being rather than doing. It is not something you can control or manipulate.
Hawkins says: "When life loses meaning, we go into depression. 'Force' has transient goals; when those goals are reached, the emptiness of meaninglessness remains. 'Power', on the other hand, motivates us endlessly. If our lives are dedicated to enhancing the welfare of everyone we contact, they can never lose meaning."
Hawkins believes we are powerless until we tell the truth. But the consequences of this are enormous: millions have now been affected positively by AA or other 12-step programmes, such as Narcotics or Sexaholics Anonymous.
Dr David Hawkins is the author of Power vs Force The Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour (Hay House, £9.99)
Test your books
You can use a simple muscle test to discover which of your books has positive power.
With your partner:
1. Stand with your right hand relaxed by your side. Stretch out your left arm, firm and parallel to the floor.
2. The tester then tests your normal resistance strength by pressing down on the raised arm with two fingers.
3. In your right hand, hold a book. The tester then presses down again on the outstretched arm. If the book has a positive influence, the arm will stay strong. If not, then you will test 'weak' and your arm will drop.
By this means you can divide your books into 'positive' and 'negative' piles. Hawkins recommends that you then reflect on what the selections mean for you.
In Korea, people regularly use muscle tests to help choose the freshest produce. A woman might hold an orange in her left hand and extend her right arm while her husband presses down on her right wrist. If she can resist they'll buy the orange, but if her arm goes weak, they won't.
