The Power and Perils of Collective Wishing

The Magic of Collective Wishing

The idea that collective human desires can shape reality is a captivating one. Imagine if the invention of the telephone was not just a technological breakthrough but the culmination of humanity's long-standing wish to communicate across distances. From the perspective of human history, the telephone, which allows voices to travel through thin air, indeed seems like a magical object.

Influential Books on Wishing

Two best-selling books delve deeply into the subject of wishing: "Be Careful What You Pray For ... You Just Might Get It" by Larry Dossey and "Wishing Well" by Paul Pearsall, Ph.D. Both authors explore the concept of manifestation, albeit from different angles.

"Be Careful What You Pray For ... You Just Might Get It"

Larry Dossey's book examines the power of prayer and collective wishing, suggesting that our desires can indeed shape our reality. Dossey emphasizes the importance of intention and the potential consequences of our wishes.

"Wishing Well"

Paul Pearsall's "Wishing Well" serves as a practical guide to wishing. Pearsall advises readers on the proper way to wish, emphasizing principles such as:

• Not wishing too hard
• Avoiding selfish wishes
• Wishing for the essence of a thing rather than the thing itself

Pearsall's approach can be likened to a form of white witchcraft, infused with New Age sensibilities.

The Dark Side of Wishing

Negative wishes can act like curses. Pearsall argues that much of the misfortune in our world is the result of collective negative wishing. This idea brings to mind the so-called "Kennedy curse." Could the collective belief in this curse have contributed to the tragic plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.?

The Power of Group Desires

Both Dossey and Pearsall agree that wishes are more potent when they stem from a group desire and good intentions. However, when a group wishes negatively, driven by hatred, jealousy, or selfish desires, the outcome is often the opposite of what was intended.

Principles of Effective Wishing

The Butterfly Effect

A well-made wish is akin to the flapping of a butterfly's wings in Brazil causing a tornado in Florida. Gentle, heartfelt wishes can nudge the universe in your favor. However, wishes made with selfishness and passion can disrupt the universal balance, leading to unintended consequences.

Like Attracts Like

Another crucial principle is that "like attracts like." If you are anxious and wish for serenity, you are likely to attract more anxiety. This principle, combined with the idea of resonance—where a wish is reinforced by the number of people thinking the same thing—suggests that group negative wishing could be responsible for many of the world's problems.

The Science Behind Wishing

While the concept of wishing may seem mystical, there is some scientific basis for it. Studies have shown that collective human intention can influence physical systems. For example, research conducted by the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) program found that human intention could affect the output of random number generators (source: Princeton University).

Interesting Statistics

• Collective Wishing and Global Events: A study by the Global Consciousness Project found that significant global events, such as the 9/11 attacks, correlated with deviations in random number generators, suggesting a collective human response (source: Global Consciousness Project).
• Prayer and Healing: A meta-analysis of 23 studies on intercessory prayer found that prayer had a small but significant positive effect on health outcomes (source: American Psychological Association).

Conclusion

The next time you make a wish, do so with care. Wish for the best outcome for all involved and remain unattached to the result. When you wish upon a star, it truly does matter who you are and the intentions behind your wish.

Finally, remember that you are the master of your own domain. Your wishes, whether positive or negative, have the power to shape your reality and the world around you.