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The Knowing: 11 Lessons to Understand the Quiet Urges of Your Soul

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The daughters of beloved teacher Wayne Dyer share their ever-evolving understanding of their father’s timeless teachings.

“This book is our song for our father and for everyone, because we’re all born with a Knowing―an inner compass, the quiet urgings of our soul that guide us. It is through giving love, offering kindness, and paying attention that we can return to our Knowing.”
―Saje Dyer and Serena Dyer Pisoni

To millions of readers around the world, Dr. Wayne Dyer was the beloved “Father of Motivation”―but to Serena, Saje, and their six siblings, he was simply “Dad.” When he died suddenly in 2015, the sisters were blindsided by grief and felt unprepared to navigate life’s challenges and conflicts without his guidance.

The experience launched them on an adventure from loss to understanding as they came to realize and metabolize their father’s teachings with a new urgency, intimacy, and power as they applied them to their lives. As their journey unfolded, they realized their father’s wisdom―“The Knowing”―was embedded in their DNA … as it is for all of us.

“We didn’t discover The Knowing,” write the authors. “We simply returned to it.”

In The Knowing , Saje and Serena share how they recommitted to the teachings of their father and, in doing so, created their own evolution of his principles that they teach today. They share the 11 lessons that cracked them open and sparked their own spiritual journey,

• Parented in Pure Love―the joys, surprises, and gifts of growing up in the Dyer family
• How the Soul Remembers―how to become a host for miracles instead of a hostage to circumstance
• Take Your Shoes Off―bringing stillness to the mind to open your heart to guidance
• The Geometry of Forgiveness―change your life and the lives around you with a simple prayer
• Especially Love―how to always return to love, kindness, and receptivity

The Knowing is a book for seekers young and old, for fans of Wayne Dyer’s work and newcomers alike. Here is a profound and loving guide to lead you back―in crisis, in joy, or in this present moment―to the wellspring of wisdom that always dwells within.

280 pages, Hardcover

Published May 11, 2021

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Saje Dyer

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5 stars
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30 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Magdelanye.
2,018 reviews247 followers
August 30, 2022
When you challenge the way you look at things, the things you look at change. p23

Considering that I have never been a big fan of Wayne Dyer, I was a bit put off when I picked up this book to read, having grabbed it off the library display shelf without really checking out the author, attracted by the title and cover. Compiled by two of his daughters, I wasn't even aware of his sudden death. Then I remembered being pleasantly surprised at the one book by WD that I did read, decades ago. This was at a time when I was first beginning to push the boundaries of my opinions. Working in a bookstore, I realized that it might be preferable to acquaint myself with some of the books I had casually dismissed as too mainstream, pop spirituality and pop psychology high on the list. I cringe now to admit that I was in fact a book snob.

So I delved in to this part tribute part confessional and indeed found myself somewhat impressed by the candour and the courage it must have taken to write it. Repetitive as it was at times, I enjoyed the overlapping viewpoints and the snappy takeaways.

Your purpose is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey....p257

If you are in a situation of conflict, what will come out of you? Is it love or fear, anger or hatred? Whatever you carry around within you is what emerges when you are in difficult situations. p52

To stop resisting is to surrender. Surrender does not mean giving up It does not mean quitting....It connotes letting go of the attachment to the way you think things ought to be so that you can move into the beauty of experiencing things as they are. p216

While this book will not tempt me to read more memoirs about the children of privilege, or even more Wayne Dyer, it did give me a sense of optimism.

Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it. p237

In my rating system, 4/7, 3.5 rounded down for GR
Profile Image for Trisa.
29 reviews
December 31, 2022
I was surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I usually shy away from Wayne Dyer, but this book by his daughters is moving, simple, joyful, and encouraging.
Profile Image for Julie.
30 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2021
Being a Wayne Dyer fan, I knew there would be nuggets of wisdom shared by his two daughters, who co-authored this book. I was told this book was about death, but I found the book full of stories about life – – how to live life fully, richly, and with deep passion and meaning. I can’t wait to dig in again and more fully explore every little nugget that Wayne Dyer‘s daughters shared; stories about life with their parents and siblings, as well as life after the death of their beloved dad. Each story documents life events of the Dyer family, and also shares examples of deeper and more significant meanings (“The Knowing”) the reader can experience when connecting with his Higher Power. Beautiful and poignant.
Profile Image for J B.
207 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
I wanted to love this book as I did all Wayne Dyer's book. This is a very nice memoir. Wayne's daughters do a nice job echoing his teachings. What made Wayne so successful was his ability to relate and connect with multitudes. And I just didn't feel any pull or connection here. Sure it's easy to feel a "knowing" when you're living between Maui and Boca. When your Dad can pay your graduate program or fly you first class. The last chapters I just skimmed over. This book was successful in inspiring me to revisit Wayne's works, which ultimately I thoroughly enjoy.
Profile Image for Shani Chen.
Author 2 books83 followers
June 24, 2021
*Review may contain spoilers

One of the most important things I learned in this book is how to be happy for others. It is something that doesn't always come naturally in the face of others having what we want, but I love how the topic was framed here and it made me want to practice it until perfection. This is the part I wrote down in my notes and want to truly put it into action:

"We found that when you really take a close look, feeling good for others’ happiness very often feels even better than feeling good for yourself.
Saje recalls something Dad explained to her as she was growing up that struck her in a way she never forgot. Our dad was an avid tennis player, and for years he played on a daily basis. One day he was talking about how there were times in his games when he became so energetically aligned with the game that everything just went right for him. The ball stayed inside the lines by a millimeter, he was always in the right spot at the right time, and the game just continuously went his way. He talked about how good it feels when you are in this kind of energetic alignment, how you almost feel invincible, and with each move you make, you just know it’s going your way.

But then he talked about how there are times when your opponent gets into one of these grooves, and no matter how hard you try, everything just keeps going right for them. He explained that he would often become frustrated when this happened but that frustration just seemed to cause him to play worse and his opponent to play better. Until one day he experimented with feeling genuine joy and happiness for his opponent when they were “in the groove.” And what happened then? This genuine joy that he felt for another person’s success catapulted him right back into his own groove, and he would end up playing some of the best competitive tennis of his life. Being happy for others’ happiness just brings about more happiness. When you find yourself unable to muster happy feelings about anything that is going on for you, work on feeling them for someone else, and just watch how you shift back into energetic alignment.

So how can you muster these feelings of joy for others when you aren’t organically feeling them already? One way is to repeat a mantra. Mantras can work miracles at shifting the direction your thoughts are heading. If you find yourself in a situation similar to the example of our dad playing tennis, in which you are desiring someone else to fail, you will probably notice that you continue to feel worse energetically, and nothing changes about the other person’s behavior. In order to shift this, try saying to yourself, “I feel genuine happiness for the success of others.” Repeat this in your mind until it’s true, and we guarantee this will shift you back into a place of feeling good. Another mantra that we love is “Joy is right here now.” These simple little words can serve as a powerful reminder that joy is not attached to a destination or a goal but instead of readily available to you at all times. It’s just up to you to tune in." pg. 125.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cate Coe.
2 reviews
April 10, 2022
On page 62 of this book, there is a paragraph that explains how the word ‘coincidence’ is commonly misused in our everyday language. The word derives from the mathematical term ‘coincide’ which refers to two angles that fit together perfectly(62). Therefore it is not appropriate to say that two things coming together happens accidentally. No situation or sign we encounter is a mistake. So I believe it was meant to be when I saw one of my favorite Instagram accounts, the holistic psychologist, post a story about loving this book and when I went to my local bookstore I found it sitting right next to the book I was buying for my mother.

This book was not what I expected it to be when I started to read it. It follows Saje and Serena Dwyer as they navigate the unexpected passing of their father. I remember feeling frustrated when I realized what the book was about because it was not a story I had intended to read, but the whole basis of this story is that these sisters are leaning into a loss they never wanted to experience. They explain beautifully how there is an opportunity in the loss of our loved ones in the physical world to learn how to connect to a higher realm and our own personal inner knowing. Our inner knowing is filled with higher wisdom and a divine connection to ourselves. It’s leaning into love, compassion, understanding, and openness. Our inner knowing is always there, but it is a part of us we so often are disconnected from.
Profile Image for Guerry Sisters.
510 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 Thank you to @soundstrue for the free copy of The Knowing in exchange for an honest review!

I thought this was a beautiful spiritual book. Sage Dyer and Serena Dyer Pisoni write from a really unique perspective. Growing up the children of a spiritual leader, they provide really interesting perspectives in this book. One of my favorite parts of this book was how open and vulnerable the stories they share are.

Through all of their stories, they always come back to the knowing of their spirit. Each chapter ends with insight into things to take away for your own life.

If you enjoy spiritual books, I would liked this one.
Profile Image for Nieke .
41 reviews
March 14, 2024
I picked up this book because I really love the cover and the title The Knowing; 11 lessons to understand the quiet urges of your soul. Who would not pick up this book?
It wasn’t till later that I realized the writers are Wayne Dyer’s daughters.

The reason for my three stars is that although in the beginning I enjoyed the read, at the end, I just lost interest and even skimmed through the last chapters. Repeating their father‘s lessons, with their own examples, didn’t give extra insights, or more depth. It is more a practical example book of Wayne Dyer’s teachings - and in that the writers succeeded while describing beautiful stories supporting these teachings.

I suppose given the title of this book I was more longing to the promise of understanding my souls urges - than reading about their stories.
Profile Image for Sarah.
81 reviews
May 29, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. The wisdom shared in it was beautiful and I loved all of the lessons shared too. Most of all, it talks about death and living our grief in a beautiful and freeing way. I would definitely revisit it! Only downside: I listened to it in Audio & it’s true that Serena’s narration felt very sad and monotone compared to her sister Saje. Regardless, the wisdom shared was very valuable 👌🏽😇
368 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
(Hoopla) This is a book for Wayne Dyer fans. I don’t really appreciate black girl magic, or numerology, or astrology (ie signs or coincidences are divine guidance), so I typically receive any of that info with skepticism. His children wrote this book and attribute all types of insights to their father, which he may or may not have had. Did he know he was going to die? Does it make a child feel better to think their seventy-five (75) year old father knew he was going to die suddenly? If it does, great. However, a book about that speculative subject is a bit much for me.

Although at the end of the book I had no idea what the eleven (11) lessons were, the authors did make a number of poignant points I have read with other authors:

: each of us is born with the knowing, the ability to connect to our divine best self

: if you want to change the world, GO HOME AND LOVE YOUR FAMILY

: in any situation you can choose peace, and choose it sooner

: the daughter recommend that readers/listeners participate in meditation

As per usual, there is a reference to some type of legal trouble, where Dyer’s daughter’s husband Matt goes thru the criminal justice system. The authors depict the legal issue as a misunderstanding, which is bizarre to me. A simple Google search reveals that Matthew Pisoni was indicted and tried in federal court along with three friends for swindling elderly people: The case revolved around a sweepstakes fraud carried out by four friends trying to trick unsuspecting elderly people into thinking they had won a big prize in exchange for forming over $50. Yet in this book, the authors have the temerity to announce that Matthew did not know what he was doing was a crime. OK, and when he was told it was a crime and his attorney explained exactly how it was a crime, what did Matthew do? He did what most criminal defendants do, he went to trial, because he needed to see the evidence. Then he lost, and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Because one of the co-defendants acted in an underhanded manner (because there is no honor amongst thieves) and shared with the federal prosecutors what he learned in defense strategy sessions, Matthew did not have to begin serving his sentence. The case is still pending.

I always think I am a rational person. IF I have skeletons in my closet, should I write and give people insight that my life choices don’t reflect that I have. That is what the last third of the book was like for me. Platitudes and quotes that were not reflected in any actual life choices. BUT, if you love Wayne Dyer…
Profile Image for Sharon.
152 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2022

Received as a gift, and not previously aware of this book, it is a gift that will keep on giving. From the heart and soul of two of Wayne Dyer's daughters following his passing from this earthly realm, this is a complete compendium of "the best of Wayne"! So many take-aways brought with new insight and story. I will read this again with my highlighter and a journal. I have been a fan of Wayne Dyer's from the beginning, and am happy to have this tangible legacy of his work.
13 reviews
May 24, 2021
Beautifully Written

Thank you both Saje and Serena. This was definitely a book I couldn't put down. I really felt your Dads Devine intervention with your family and in your writing of this book. Universal blessings to all of you and Please keep up the wonderfully esquesite books coming. Love and peace be with you all! Thank You!

Profile Image for Sharon Weaver.
4 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
Excellent

As a huge fan of Wayne Dyer, I was interested in what his daughters Saje and Serena had to say. I found the accounts of their unusual childhood and their experiences and insights after their father’s death both authentic and personally helpful. It thrills my heart to know they are continuing this most valuable teaching.
Profile Image for Kim.
391 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It read like a biography of sorts, with them recounting different events in their lives and the impact that their dad Wayne Dyer had on their lives. It reflected a lot of his teachings and how this also helped them get through some situations that arose. I loved the honesty in what they wrote and how they told the story.
Profile Image for Pamela Adams.
6 reviews
September 14, 2021
As a forever fan of Wayne Dyer, I absolutely loved the experiences spoken from his daughters and felt his presence the whole time. Hands down relatable for anyone who understands their inner knowing, or has experienced loss and grief. I smiled, and cried, and felt chills throughout the book.
Profile Image for Jessie Kanzer.
Author 2 books36 followers
October 4, 2021
So much inspiration and love emanating from this book. I'm very grateful to have found "The Knowing" and for connecting with the Spirit of Wayne Dyer through his beautiful daughters, who are true spiritual teachers in their own right.
870 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2022
I have long loved Wayne Dyer so was curious to read this book by two of his daughters. Dyer's humor and connection and love for everyone is part of his huge appeal, and while this book reconnected me to some of his teachings, I didn't find it as relatable or entertaining .
Profile Image for Heidi.
31 reviews
January 3, 2023
I am a fan of Wayne Dyer and this book by two of his daughters is a beautiful tribute to their love for him and lessons he taught that have stayed with them and impacted their lives. I think it is a wonderful book for anyone that has loss someone.
6 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2021
Knowing the Knowing

It was such a great reminder of Wayne Dyer’s wisdom in action. He life’s teachings were not just words, the live on through his children.
Profile Image for Asha Menon.
2 reviews
November 23, 2021
Such a lovely tribute to their dad, Dr Wayne Dyer. A must read for all Wayne Dyer fans. So happy to learn that his legacy is be carried on by his daughters.
Profile Image for Constance Chevalier.
373 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2023
This book came to me at the time I needed it. Great quotes and messages about living and living through a death of a loved one.
33 reviews
October 19, 2023
An easy enjoyable read. I'm a Wayne Dyer fan, so I loved reading this book. It seemed like the perfect tribute to their father.
A tear jerker at times, but overall a feel good read.
4 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2023
Simply beautiful. I cried often reading it. The lessons are timeless and the stories profound. I highly recommend, especially if you are going through any kind of loss of a loved one.
Profile Image for Azra Karacic.
1 review
January 9, 2023
This book was so uplifting and full of joy.

Despite my childhood being way different than theirs- It really pulled at my heartstrings— a lot of it reminded me of my father and the things I see and hear daily that are reminders of him.

In need of some optimism? Worth the read.
Profile Image for Jennifer England.
448 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2024
Recently decided to get the audiobook to listen to. I loved it even more than when I read it. The authors narrated and I enjoy listening to both Serena and Saje. I could not find the audiobook category so adding under the hardback book review and just changing dates. Will listen again and again.

Great job and full of feeling. As a follower of Wayne for many many years this book just gave me a Knowing that Wayne is so alive still in our realm. Thank you. And the stories just adds to the closeness I still feel to him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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