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While I was interviewing coaches for my dissertation on the history of coaching, this book was mentioned as an influencing book. Having not heard of it, I immediately purchased it and checked it out.
Written by Ernest Holmes in 1926, this book is about awakening self-consciousness. What was fascinating is that the introduction defines Holmes use of the word God to be “all that exists in the invisible world and the visible world since everything that is made is made of infinite spirit” (p. i)
Beginning with the evolution of man’s thought, Holmes proceeds to present six lessons or laws. which I must confess would take much time to fully understand. Yet a few points stood out to me as they reflected my beliefs:
- Choice is the ability to choose consciously
- Every thought must manifest according to its intensity
- Freedom means the ability to do, say and think as one wishes; to express life as one personally desires
- The answer to a prayer is in the prayer when it is prayed as it stimulates a belief in good
- Look only at what you want
- Personal charm can be created by learning to love all and hate none
- A mystic is one who has a deep, inner sense of life and unity with the whole
This book is one that I am drawn to, despite it complexity on quick glance. It will remain on my bookshelf for a later thorough reading. How does this relate to coaching, you might be asking? The universal laws and beliefs described in this book are present in many current books and teachings.
If you have a deeper knowledge of Ernest Holmes The Science of Mind, please share it with us.
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There are 4 Responses so far...
Hi Vikki – Funny, I just replied to your post about the Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, whose church I belonged to in New York City.
I now live in St. Louis and belong to the Center for Spiritual Living here, which is what Science of Mind Churches are called. I sometime refer to it as the Church of Coaching!
I have not read the entire Science of Mind book, however, I’ve read many other books by Dr. Ernest Holmes and I love his work. As Dr. Peale has been quoted as saying about Holmes, “I believe God was in this man, Ernest Holmes. He was in tune with the infinite.”
Even though most people have never heard of Dr. Holmes, they probably have been touched by his philosophy, which is a synthesis of beliefs common to all the world’s major religions. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Thoughts become things”, you’re listening to the philosophy of Science of Mind. Holmes asserted that if these principles are really true, you’ll find evidence of them in your life, just as you will find evidence of scientific laws and principles.
Today, some of our most popular authors and spiritual leaders, such as Louise Hay, Michael Beckwith and Iyanla Van Zant, have been trained in Science of Mind metaphysics.
Dr. Holmes’ work is available in bookstores at the United Centers for Spiritual Living and some of them are also on Amazon. My favorite book by him is called Living the Science of Mind. It contains explanations of his philosophy, as well as practical applications.
Hi Julia,
Thanks for providing the additional information on Dr. Holmes and where to find his books, as well as the spiritual leaders who have been influenced by his work. I have found the wisdom of his writing, as well as the others who have written books in the early 20th century, is part of the foundation for the beliefs and principles of coaching – though in many cases the links have been lost.
Vikki G. Brock
Director, History and Archive Division
The Coaching Commons
It is so inspiring to know others are also reading the works of Dr. Holmes.You are so correct Vikki. Understanding can get lost in translation. Having studied Dr. Holmes works for over 10 years through Spiritual Centers, now being a licensed practitioner of such I attempt to carry his teachings to the best of my ability and with integrity into my work as an Inner Fitness Guide.
As with any thing it started from something. People sometimes do not totally grasp the concept or the truth of the person sharing his truth. It is wonderful that Dr. Holmes works still exist and that people are getting to appreciate his brilliance. He totally made me realize the difference between being an affector as opposed to being affected.
In richness
Colli
Hi Colli – thanks for your thoughtful comment. I have found so much richness that applies to coaching in the works of people who wrote in the early 20th century.
Vikki G. Brock, Ph.D., MCC
Director, History and Archive Division
The Coaching Commons