Book Review: The Power of Eight

Introduction
The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart is the story about the miraculous power we hold to heal ourselves, others, and the world. This power is unleashed the moment we stop thinking about ourselves and gather with others into a group.¹ But what is it about a group of people thinking a single thought at the same time that produces such dramatic effects?²

Outbursts of passion in unison
The only thing that appears to be needed is any sort of group.³ Throughout the ages, small circles of people have held a special significance in many cultures and among indigenous groups.⁴ Prayer groups have been used in most religions.⁵ The greek word homothumadon is used to described group prayer in the Bible. The word itself is a compound of two words: homou (‘in unison’ or ‘together’), and thumuous (‘outbursts of passion’ or ‘rush along’). The word emphasizes group prayer as a passionate unity, with a single voice.⁶

When people are involved in a passionate activity […],
they transmute from a solitary voice into a thunderous symphony.⁷

A familiar feeling rarely experienced
Group meditation and prayer certainly promote a sense of unity among the participants, but usually not as deep as in homothumadon.⁸ In homothumadon, the participants move away from their isolated state of individuality into a pure bond with others. It’s a state that is familiar when felt, but rarely experienced.⁹ It has nothing to do with the outcome and everything with the act of participation.¹⁰ There is one essential element: other human beings.¹¹

Working for the greater good
A sense of connectedness increases altruism. People have a natural desire to help when they temporarily step into a state of oneness.¹² Working for the greater good produces more than just a warm feeling — it’s strengthening for both mind and body. There are health-giving effects in focusing on anyone besides yourself.¹³

Something about the desire to do something for someone else,
with no strings attached or personal benefit, has an impact on
health and wellbeing far and above that of anything else […]¹⁴

Conclusions
Lynne McTaggart provides glimpses into what’s possible when we connect in homothumadon. A Power of Eight group is more than just a collection of separate individuals. They are not just connecting, they are merging.¹⁵ It’s as if the individuals in the group become one brain together. There’s something more going on here that we don’t understand.¹⁶ Some things in our lives are just beyond our explanation or understanding.¹⁷ It’s a fascinating book!

Notes:
¹ Lynne McTaggarts, The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others, Your Life and the World (Hay House, 2017), pp. xvi–xvii.
² Ibid., p. 53.
³ Ibid., p. 50.
⁴ Ibid., pp. 55, 107.
⁵ Ibid., p. 56.
⁶ Ibid., p. 57.
⁷ Ibid., p. 61.
⁸ Ibid., p. 95.
⁹ Ibid., p. 97.
¹⁰ Ibid., p. 98.
¹¹ Ibid., p. 140.
¹² Ibid., p. 179.
¹³ Ibid., p. 185.
¹⁴ Ibid., p. 186.
¹⁵ Ibid., p. 225.
¹⁶ Ibid., p. 231.
¹⁷ Ibid., p. 233.