I Can See Clearly Now

Wayne Dyer will be well known to many readers for his books and other programmes. This new book is his autobiography written in a very interesting manner and consisting of 58 chapters in which he recounts one or more critical incidents in his life and then looks back in order to understand its significance in retrospect - hence the title. The overall message is that every experience contributes to the tapestry of life and that there are no accidents. One of the most powerful experiences of his boyhood was the near drowning of his brother, who understandably had a subsequent aversion to water, so much so that he came out in a rash whenever he was nearby. This showed him the mind-body connection, especially when he was, much later, able to heal his brother from this condition. It was also the first time that he had a sense of presence that has accompanied him throughout his life. Another formative experience was going into a restaurant with a fellow soldier and being refused service because he was black; also when he healed himself from a cyst by using the techniques of Maxwell Maltz.

Each of these episodes can also help readers to reflect on their own lives and to live from the highest self and be fully aligned with divine love. Towards the end of the book, he relates an extraordinary episode from the church of San Pietro involving his love for Francis of Assisi. Towards the end of his presentation, he reads from Kazanzakis's fictional story about Francis when he is suddenly filled with so much emotion that he freezes and sobs uncontrollably. It feels as if Francesco has merged with him and he stands there with his arms outstretched, to which the audience responds as an echo. It was a very powerful experience for all present, some of whom wrote to him about the light and seeing his face overlaid with that of St Francis. At the end of the book, readers are encouraged to examine the turning points in the lives and to follow their bliss in the service of others. Inspired also by Rumi and Thoreau as authentic witnesses in their time, we can also make a commitment to follow the essential within us with a sense of passion and purpose. One can admire Wayne for being so true to himself and sharing his powerful message in this inspirational autobiography.