Inspiration

by Wayne W. Dyer

There’s a voice in the universe calling each of us to remember our purpose—our reason for being here now, in this world of impermanence. The voice whispers, shouts, and sings to us that this experience of being in form, in space and time, knowing life and death, has meaning. The voice is that of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer explains how we’ve chosen to enter this world of particles and form. From our place of origin, in ways that we don’t readily comprehend now, we knew what we were coming here to accomplish, and we participated in setting this life process in motion. So why not think this same way? Why put the responsibility or blame on any one or any thing that’s not a part of us? On Earth we have the capacity of volition—we can choose—so let’s assume that we had the same capacity when we resided in the spiritual realm. We chose our physical body, and we chose the parents we needed for the trip. It doesn’t seem too great a stretch to move into the idea that we chose this life in concert with our Source. Each chapter in this book is filled with specifics for living an inspired life. From a very personal viewpoint, Wayne Dyer offers a blueprint through the world of spirit to inspiration, your ultimate calling.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Personal Development, Philosophy, New Age

252 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2006

About the author

Wayne Walter Dyer was an American self-help author and a motivational speaker. Dyer earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy, a Master’s degree in Psychology and an Ed.D. in Guidance and Counseling at Wayne State University in 1970. Early in his career, he worked as a high school guidance counselor, and went on to run a successful private therapy practice. He became a popular professor of counselor education at St. John's University, where he was approached by a literary agent to put his ideas into book form. The result was his first book, Your Erroneous Zones (1976), one of the best-selling books of all time, with an estimated 100 million copies sold. This launched Dyer's career as a motivational speaker and self-help author, during which he published 20 more best-selling books and produced a number of popular specials for PBS. Influenced by thinkers such as Abraham H. Maslow and Albert Ellis, Dyer's early work focused on psychological themes such as motivation, self actualization and assertiveness. By the 1990s, the focus of his work had shifted to spirituality. Inspired by Swami Muktananda and New Thought, he promoted themes such as the "power of intention," collaborated with alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra on a number of projects, and was a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I'll be honest, I didn't finish reading this because someone at my house asked me where they could buy it so I gave it to them. BUT...I liked it so much that I'm going to buy another copy and I read enough to review it. I like some of Wayne's books, some not as much. This one I really resonated with as it is all about living your life via INSPIRATION...In Spirit...connected to God, Your Inner Being, Source. When you are/do, life flows, joy abounds and the ripple affect, the contribution we can all make in this world is way mucho mas! He also includes numerous inspiring quotes and stories....such as: "When you are inspired... dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be." - Patanjali

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly phenomenal!! I couldn't put it down and read the 252 page book in two days!! I feel so inspired and ready to put everything he says to work in my own life! I loved how there were "suggestions" at the end of each chapter to help you put the ideas from every chapter to work for you!! There was SO MANY quotes I adore and many truths I gained from this book...here are some that I positively loved!!

"Live in-Spirit. You came from Spirit, and to be inspired you must become more like where you came from. You must live so as to become like God."

"I think of the word inspiration as meaning "being in-Spirit." When we're in-Spirit, we're inspired . . . and when we're inspired, it's because we're back in-Spirit, fully awake to Spirit within us. Being inspired is an experience of joy: We feel completely connected to our Source and totally on purpose; our creative juices flow, and we bring exceptionally high energy to our daily life. We're not judging others or ourselves-we're uncritical and unbothered by behaviors or attitudes that in uninspired moments are frustrating. Our heart sings in appreciation for every breath; and we're tolerant, joyful, and loving."

"I know that there are no accidents in a Universe directed by a Source energy that creates endless magic in the form of its creations."

EGO= Edging God Out!

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."

"Our purpose in life isn't to arrive at a destination where we find inspiration, just as the purpose of dancing isn't to end up at a particular spot on the floor. The purpose of dancing-and of life-is to enjoy every moment and every step, regardless of where we are when the music ends."

"Let go and let GOD."

"Live joyfully in the moment. Be Here Now."

Quoted by Leo Tolstoy , who said that "the most difficult thing-but an essential one-is to love Life, to love it even while one suffers, because Life is all. Life is God, and to love Life means to love God."

"Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!"
1. Unclutter your life.
2. Clear your calendar of unwanted and unnecessary activities and obligations.
3. Be sure to keep your free time free.
4. Take time for meditation and yoga.
5. Return to the simplicity of nature.
6. Put distance between you and your critics.
7. Take some time for your health.
8. Play, play, play!
9. Slow down.
10. Do everything you can to eschew debt.
11. Forget about the cash value.
12. Remember your spirit.

"INSPIRATION REQUIRES FAITH. Faith is an internal knowing that the All-Creating Spirit provides what we need precisely on schedule.We banish all doubt by knowing, which is a higher level of consciousness than believing. Our vision is God's vision. Trust in a Universe that's endless and endlessly creating. Trust that the Creative Source of All knows exactly what It's doing. Trust in the awareness that there can't be accidents in such an intelligent system."

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love listening to Wayne Dyer. I have gone to several of his lectures and talked with him on breaks, He giver the reader so much wisdom. I am inspired by him. I consider him a mentor.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiration is in spirit. What I got from this book is we can't have enimies because all people are form which will go away and doesn't matter. Spirit, which is your higher power, that I call God or Heavenly Father is in you. If you have an issue with a person you realize that it's his problem and your issue is just a thought. So go to the person's God spirit, the devine person that they are, and realize that you wouldn't have an issue with a loving, kind, all giving Heavenly Father. Also, realize that each person or for that matter, thing that comes into your life is for your life lesson. You chose this life and it's for your growth or the person or thing that you come into contact with. You can't be angry with a person or situation when you know that either you or they or it will improve from it.
I plan on reading every book Wayne Dyer writes because my life improves exponentially as I do.

[Rolland · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two of the biggest lessoned I learned from a truly inspiring book:

page 198 On Healing - "reunited to a stream of well-being"

page 209 On Organized Religion - "Jesus wasn't a christian, divine spiritual beings came here as emissaries of truth"

page 218 On Letting Go - "Just close down the battlefield and surrender. Send the soldiers home, and replace the instruments of war in your mind with thoughts of peace, tranquility, and surrender. Making your mind a place of peace is achieved by YOUR OWN WILL, so steadfastly refusing to have thoughts of conflict allows you to activate the glory of remembering your Spirit."

[Keshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Dyer explains that to be inspired is to be "in spirit"--to be one with your source--God. He provides great personal examples and quotes from Rumi, Micheal Angelo, Albert Einstein and explains how to apply them to get to a state of inspiration from at which point--we create and live our best lives.

This is a great CD for listening to in the car or around the house. You will find Dyer's delivery and content will keep you engaged. I recommend this book for anyone who seek to be propelled through life not by societal expectations or conditioning but by the ultimate life force--God.

[Bowei Chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to me at a critical time of my life. I was struggling with the understanding of life and spirituality. This book not only answered many of my questions in life, but also resonated many of my believes.

I have since recommended this book to many people. It doesn't always give others the same effect it had on me. Therefore, I have to claim that it is not for everyone, so don't expect that it will change your life like it did for me.

However, if you know that there could be a book out there that will change your life for the better, wouldn't you give it a try?

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Dr. Dyer is at his best during his meditation programs rather than his inspirational writing. I really enjoyed his Getting in the Gap meditations, I AM Wishes Fulfilled meditations, and Meditations for Manifesting. I didn't enjoy this as much because it's more of a record of his personal experiences and thoughts on being rather than practicing being. But, if you like that sort of thing, there's much here to be inspired by.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very powerful, and I feel I will be coming back to it often. What I like best about Dyer's writing style is that he brings the topic of inspiration down to a very basic level so that it doesn't seem so daunting, and give practical, easy ideas on how to implement inspiration in every day life. I think Ekhart Tolle was trying to convey this same message in The Power of Now, but his writing was SO deep that each and every sentence seemed too powerful to grasp. Dyer has achieved / explained finding and living your inspiration and your connection to God / Universe / The Source for the everyman. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is pretty light on substance. It is interesting but falls short of the title's claim. Dyer celebrates of the existence of G_d. However, his eclectic appellation is overshadowed by flashes of self-promotion. Aside from a couple of interesting insights, the book lacks direction and falls short as a "how to" guide. The gist of Dyer's message is to ditch the, "woe is me" attitude and substitute it with the "Woah! it's me" mantra. Its a pretty fluffy book heavy on anecdote - more akin to tossing darts in the dark with the primary advice being to maintain a positive attitude and sense of wonderment while tossing.

Save your cash and check it out from your local library if you are remotely curious how the self-described "best selling author" was and continues to be inspired as he walks the beaches of Hawaii.

[Clayton Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable book that just opened my eyes to a higher calling. Dr. Dyer explains in common sense language the necessity to connect to our source, a universal name for God. When we think about what we want to do in life it's always important to remember that we already know the answer. When we connect to our Source we feel inspiration.

Dyer teaches us that everyone has an ultimate calling as defined by our true connection to God or Source. Your mind transcends all limitations. Thanks to this book I found myself in a new world, a world I had been missing. His emphasis on meditation has reminded how important that is for my mental health.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very interesting read. As a child of God, I need to think along these lines. Too often we forget the divine side of ourselves. that's not what Jesus taught.

Dyer, although not a "Christian" in the traditional sense strikes a nerve when he says we can CHOOSE the life we wish to lead. We need to look at the world through the eyes of the "divine child" rather than the so-called human side. His "exercises" at the end of each chapter shows us how. I highly recommend this book.

[Cassandra Carico · Rating 2 out of 5]

I suppose that I should not be allowed to critique self help books. I just seem to find much of what they say to be common sense all wrapped in a fancy little package. This one is no exception. The fellow is a good talker and his book is interesting, but not terribly different or more helpful than any other self help that is out there. Read it if you wish, if you like this sort of thing.....

[Jared Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I got it on tape and he is so great! This is a book that will make you feel good. It is not about step one do such and such. This book is about living in Spirit the eternal life force in the Universe with very flowery language.

[James Battles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book that reminds us that we all come from the same Source (Spirit) and that living an inspired life, a life in spirit, is our ultimate calling. Many so called self help books try to teach you how to empower yourself. Dr. Dyer reminds you that you are already empowered.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

.....Meh.

[Esther Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walked into my local used bookstore and my intuition drew me to this book that was calling out to be bought.

This book gives lots of good advice on letting go and trusting in the flow of life, while being connected to the divine power that is always with us. It gives many examples and advice on being aligned with the higher power and living life on a higher plane. Things such as love and true acceptance of others no matter where people are at are such a powerful reminder because we are all connected.

I loved this book and the message. There's been many times in my life where I've experienced synchronicities and in a way it was when I was closest to God and didn't have so much anxiety and fear.
I was also reading Ralph Emerson Trine's works and he talks about being in tune with spirit and I was asking God, how can I do more of that and he bought me to this book. This is one of my first Wayne Dyer books read but it certainly won't be my last!

[Wanda B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyer has always been one of my favorite authors for many years. His books never disappoint me. In this one he asks what is our ultimate calling in life. He says "There's a voice in the universe calling each of us to remember our purpose--our reason for being here now, in this world of impermanence. The voice whispers, shouts, and sings to us that this experience of being in form, in space and time, knowing life and death, has meaning. The voice is that of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us." How exquisite is this, wow! He says by staying in spirit we live in inspiration.
Through out this book he kept repeating, "I am good, I am God. I feel good, I feel God." What a wonderful way to live a life welled lived.

[Alison Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's a book that's right for us at every time in our lives then I couldn't have read this at a more prefect time. Every word, every point, every chapter spoke to me about what was happening to me. Rather than think I was going mad it helped normalise what was happening. It reminded me what living an IN SPIRIT ATIONAL life was all about. It reminded me that it was me making my life difficult and with a little more faith and trust then all was very very well.

Thank You Wayne so sorry that you're no longer with us, and yet know in your writing you've left a lasting legacy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, as always with one of Wayne Dyer’s books. This is my 3rd read as far as I remember and on this reading felt it was a bit overwritten.
The message of course is very important and the principles of living in-spirit are unquestionable, but I feel it could have been maybe 50 pages shorter.
This is definitely something that is a pattern in my rereads of spiritual favourites. The essential message is blurred by too much fluff.
I really enjoy the author’s work, but Marianne Williamson remains my favourite writer in this genre.

[Emmanuel Ayeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSPIRATION: Your Ultimate Calling
10 key points from Wayne Dyer's "Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling":
🍏1. Inspiration is within: Dyer emphasizes that inspiration is a divine force already present within each individual.
🍏2. Ego vs. Higher Self: He distinguishes between ego-based thinking and aligning with one's Higher Self. EGO: Edging God Out 😊
🍏3. Mindfulness is key: Cultivating inner peace and mindfulness is essential for accessing inspiration.
🍏4. Gratitude unlocks inspiration: Practicing gratitude opens the door to inspired living.
🍏5. Compassion and creativity matter: Embodying compassion and creativity are essential qualities for inspired individuals.
🍏6. Let go of negativity: Release negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to make space for inspiration.
🍏7. Intuition guides inspiration: Trust your intuition to navigate life's challenges and find inspired solutions.
🍏8. Spirituality and purpose intersect: Dyer explores the connection between spiritual growth and discovering one's purpose.
🍏9. Personal responsibility is crucial: Individuals must take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
🍏10. Inspiration is a choice: Dyer encourages readers to choose inspiration as a way of life, embracing its transformative power.
It was a great read.
Keep Rising to Greatness,
I am Emmanuel Ayeni

[Dawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my perception of life. It took me quite a while to read it, only because the messages in it were too deep and complex for my brain to comprehend in whole chapters, so I had to digest a little at a time. I’m a fan of donating/giving books if they are not part of my “all-time favorites,” so as to keep down on the clutter, but this book will absolutely be staying on my shelf— maybe even my bedside.

[Aneth Davidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is not for everyone. It touches on spirituality from a different perspective from that of established religious beliefs. I also found it to be food for thought but also for soul/spirit, appropriate for open-minded people looking for inner meaning of life.

I'm reading it for the second time but I still can't relate to some content, I feel like it could be clearer and straighter.

[Nancy Boegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book about 16 years ago and it opened my heart to a whole new way of viewing life. As I read this book and implemented what I was learning, my whole world changed. It was the practices in this book that helped me through my near death experience shorty after I read it. There are NO accidents in life, just Divine timing and opportunities for us to evolve.

-Nancy B-

[Sofía Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excelent book, it was my guide for 8 years,the day i finished the book was very amazing, it was like Dr Wayne was with me...

I learn how to enjoy my present moment, to have a live with inspiration

[Daniela Morabito · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that reminds us to return to Spirit.

Dr Wayne Dyer has left endless lessons about how to live a life of love and inspiration. In this book, he focuses on how to return to a meaningful existence, free from ego.

[Nadine Faustin-Parker]

Interesting Read! Interesting perspective on things! I shook my head in the yes format and no format periodically through the book. It's good but I didn't necessarily agree with everything. Which of course....is okay!

[Karla Samman · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Acepto la propuesta!

Me parece de lo mejor que he leído del Dr. Wayne Dyer, quien para mí, ha sido desde hace muchos años un gran maestro, su luz me ha alcanzado a pesar del tiempo y la distancia. Allá, donde esté, le envío mi agradecimiento infinito y que siga brillando.

[Sherry Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a favorite book! I found it by happenstance. It was on top of the free giveaway shelf at my local library. It was just the book I was looking for and just the book I needed. I highly recommend it to any Dr. Wayne Dyer fan!