I only have one book for you this week, and it is an audiobook. I am still working my way through The Intelligent Investor, by Benjamin Graham, but it is taking a while as I can’t make it more than a few paragraphs without stopping to take notes. I will be done with this book next week and ready to discuss it. However, I can already tell you that I highly recommend this book. If you have any investments (even a 401K!) read this book.

Now, onto the book that seriously made me drop my jaw more than a few times.

And, as always, please let me know what you are reading in the comments below!

Book: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Dr. Joe Dispenza (audiobook)

Background

This book was published in 2016 by Dr. Joe Dispenza. Dispenza is a chiropractor who received his Bachelor's Degree from Evergreen State College in Washington and also received a degree in biochemistry from Rutgers in New Jersey. Dr. Joe Dispenza is not a medical doctor; he claims that title due to receiving a Doctor of Chiropractic at the Life University in Atlanta, Georgia.

In his book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Dispenza explores how quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology, and genetics can work together to improve human potential. He argues that humans are not trapped by their genetics or wired patterns of thinking. Instead, we can use quantum physics and neuroscience to rewire our brains into new modes of thinking, habits, and can, therefore, change our path.

What I like

This book was fascinating. The title first hooked me, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, because it is so contrary to the current cultural message of “just be yourself.” However, if "yourself" is to live in extreme anxiety as you live a sedentary lifestyle and are constantly behind on your bills, you may want to look into changing yourself.

Additionally, I have been extremely fascinated with habits ever since the family lived with us. Jon and I, like most people, have some good and bad habits, but our good habits dominate enough where we live mostly productive, healthy, and emotionally balanced lifestyles.

I had long believed that all homeless people needed was a stable environment, and they would be able to get back on track. However, after the homeless family moved in with us and were given a stable environment, they did not make any progress on getting into permanent housing for over a month.

I quickly realized that their habits were holding them back from being able to change their life. So, I turned my focus more onto the things they did daily rather than the overall goal (i.e., getting into and staying in permanent housing). Focusing on helping them change their daily habits immediately began to help them make progress on the overall goal of getting into permanent housing.

This book (along with the Compound Effect, Atomic Habits, and The Power of Habit) not only confirms my hunches but also works to prove that rewiring the brain is possible for anyone.

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself was also endlessly fascinating. I especially enjoyed the first two sections where Dispenza works through how scientists are marrying theories in quantum physics with what they know about neuroscience to run experiments that suggest prayer and positive thinking are more than just "woo."

Final Thoughts

This book is not Christian. Not even close. However, this book repeats truths that I have memorized since I was a little girl. (I.e., "Renew in my a new heart, Lord, and a steadfast spirit in me"; "Those who try to gain their own life will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it"; etc.) And the way that this book seems to prove bible ideas I have known since I was a child, but never had the science to explain, are real.

However, I also find it interesting that Dispenza works hard not to invoke the name of God or Jesus. He asks the reader to use anything but that. And yet, what he often describes biblical ideas and phrases. Honestly, it makes me wonder whether or not Dispenza has explored the religions he critiques, especially Christianity. I am doubtful.

That all said, I recommend this book. It is interesting, eye-opening, and helped me think about societal problems in a new way.