Matt McAvoy Book Review

I review plenty of these self-actualization type of self-help books, and am surprisingly something of a fan.  They are usually pretty well written and presented, and generally they work.  Whether that’s a placebo effect or not I don’t think matters; the whole point is that positive mental attitude can have a material and physical effect on you in the real world.  This book is another of the same – maybe not the best I’ve read, but like all of them it means well, and the author truly believes in it.  Verlaine Crawford’s The Power of Wholeness uses an approach of positive affirmations – indeed, one prolonged affirmation – that can be applied to every area of life.  She suggests that what she calls the “Infusion Integration Process” (pretty much just positive thought and affirmation) can help us overcome obstacles to achievement and even physical illness and injury.  I have to say that, whilst I agree with this to an extent, when she starts talking about using it to beat very serious illnesses and injuries, I found it a little far-fetched.  Other than that, and each chapter being how to apply the method to a different area of life, there isn’t really too much more to this book.  I don’t know if Infusion Integration is Verlaine’s own devised method; I assume it is.  She is certainly a hugely qualified and pretty awesome achiever herself, it has to be said, and a mentor and writer of immense credentials, including nominations in some top quality who’s-who lists.  

Generally a decent self-help book, which may appeal to those who collect them; it is certainly a worthy addition to their library, and I think the method is well worth a try – I would say it is one of those “why not, what’s there to lose?” situations.  Affirmations do work – I would attest to that myself – though I would only really vouch for the personal achievement side of the argument.  I certainly wouldn’t expect it to cure your cancer or broken leg – but then, of course, a more positive lifestyle overall just might help you keep them at bay or avoid them in the first place – at least for a while.  So, indeed, why not give it a go?