Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon
Joe Dispenza’s Becoming Supernatural explores how people can access altered states of consciousness to transform their lives. The book combines neuroscience, quantum physics, and spiritual philosophy to show how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results through focused thought, meditation, and elevated emotions.
The Central Premise: Accessing Supernatural States
Dispenza’s core argument is that:
- Humans have untapped potential beyond normal awareness
- Altered states of consciousness can be accessed intentionally
- The quantum field responds to coherent thought and emotion
- Personal transformation is possible through specific practices
The book challenges conventional understanding of human limitations and proposes that extraordinary abilities are accessible to everyone through dedicated practice.
Part I: The Science of Transformation
The Brain’s Untapped Potential
Dispenza begins by exploring what we’re capable of:
- The brain’s ability to change throughout life (neuroplasticity)
- How thoughts create new neural networks
- The difference between the conscious and subconscious mind
- How meditation physically changes the brain
Key Insights
- The brain is not fixed but constantly renewing itself
- Thoughts have measurable effects on brain structure
- Meditation increases gray matter in areas associated with attention and emotion regulation
- The mind can influence the body’s chemistry and gene expression
The Quantum Connection
The book introduces concepts from quantum physics:
- The observer effect and consciousness
- Entanglement and non-local connections
- The quantum field as a source of information and possibilities
- How thoughts might interact with quantum reality
Scientific Basis
- Reference to double-slit experiments and consciousness
- Discussion of how observation affects particle behavior
- Explanation of how the brain might interface with quantum fields
- Connection between quantum coherence and altered states
The Placebo Effect as Evidence
Dispenza uses the placebo effect to demonstrate mind-over-matter:
- Documented cases of healing through belief alone
- How expectation changes brain chemistry
- The role of emotions in amplifying placebo effects
- Evidence that the mind can influence physical healing
Key Research
- Studies showing measurable physiological changes from placebos
- Brain imaging revealing how belief affects neural activity
- Examples of spontaneous remissions linked to consciousness shifts
- Research on how meditation enhances placebo responses
Part II: Understanding Altered States
What Are Altered States?
Dispenza defines altered states of consciousness:
- Different from normal waking consciousness
- Associated with expanded awareness and abilities
- Accessible through specific practices
- Characterized by changes in brainwave patterns
Characteristics
- Reduced activity in the default mode network (sense of self)
- Increased coherence between brain regions
- Heightened perception and intuition
- Sense of unity and connection
Brainwave States and Transformation
The book explores different brainwave states:
- Beta waves (normal waking consciousness)
- Alpha waves (relaxed awareness)
- Theta waves (deep meditation and REM sleep)
- Delta waves (deep sleep and healing)
- Gamma waves (heightened awareness and insight)
Transformation Process
- Moving from beta to alpha for relaxation
- Accessing theta for deep healing and creativity
- Reaching delta for physical regeneration
- Experiencing gamma for expanded awareness
The Role of Emotions
Dispenza emphasizes the importance of emotions in transformation:
- Emotions as the language of the body
- How feelings create chemical changes
- The difference between survival emotions and elevated emotions
- Using emotions to signal intention to the quantum field
Elevated Emotions
- Gratitude, joy, and love as transformation catalysts
- How elevated emotions change brain chemistry
- The role of heart coherence in accessing altered states
- Creating new emotional baselines through practice
Part III: The Process of Becoming Supernatural
Preparation and Foundation
Dispenza outlines the preparation needed:
- Understanding the science behind the practices
- Developing discipline and commitment
- Creating the right environment for transformation
- Learning to observe thoughts without being controlled by them
Key Practices
- Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
- Emotional regulation and self-mastery
- Breaking habitual thought patterns
- Developing inner stillness and silence
Meditation Techniques
The book provides specific meditation approaches:
- Breathing techniques for relaxation
- Body scanning for releasing tension
- Visualization for creating new realities
- Heart-centered meditation for coherence
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the body through posture and breathing
- Quieting the mind through focused attention
- Accessing deeper states through progressive relaxation
- Maintaining awareness while transcending thought
Creating Coherence
Dispenza explains how to create coherence between mind and body:
- Heart-brain synchronization
- Aligning thoughts, emotions, and intentions
- Using heart rate variability as a measure
- Building sustained states of coherence
Practical Methods
- Heart-focused breathing techniques
- Gratitude and appreciation practices
- Loving-kindness meditations
- Group coherence exercises
Part IV: Manifesting and Transformation
The Law of Attraction Revisited
Dispenza presents a scientific perspective on manifestation:
- How focused intention interacts with quantum fields
- The role of emotional coherence in attracting experiences
- Moving beyond wishful thinking to genuine creation
- The importance of being the “already manifested” version
Key Principles
- Feeling is the language of creation
- The quantum field responds to coherent signals
- Consistency is more important than intensity
- Surrender and trust in the process
Case Studies and Examples
The book shares documented cases of transformation:
- People who healed from terminal illnesses
- Individuals who manifested financial abundance
- Cases of spontaneous remission and recovery
- Examples of enhanced intuition and psychic abilities
Common Patterns
- Consistent meditation practice
- Elevated emotional states
- Clear intention and visualization
- Surrender and trust in the process
Overcoming Obstacles
Dispenza addresses common challenges:
- Dealing with doubt and skepticism
- Managing expectations and impatience
- Handling resistance from the subconscious
- Maintaining practice during difficult times
Solutions
- Reframing doubts as opportunities for growth
- Focusing on the process rather than outcomes
- Working with resistance through compassion
- Building support systems and community
Key Concepts and Principles
The Three Brains Concept
Dispenza introduces the idea of three brains:
- Head brain: Logical thinking and analysis
- Heart brain: Emotional intelligence and connection
- Gut brain: Intuition and instinct
Integration
- Coordinating all three for optimal functioning
- Using heart intelligence to guide decisions
- Developing gut wisdom for intuition
- Creating harmony between thinking, feeling, and knowing
The Gap Between Worlds
The concept of “the gap” as a space between:
- The world of the known (past experiences)
- The world of the unknown (new possibilities)
- Where transformation occurs
- A state of pure potentiality
Accessing the Gap
- Through meditation and inner silence
- By releasing attachments to outcomes
- By transcending limiting beliefs
- By embracing uncertainty and mystery
The New You
Dispenza describes the process of creating a new identity:
- Dying to the old self and habits
- Becoming aware of automatic patterns
- Choosing consciously who to become
- Living from the new neurological self
Steps to Transformation
- Recognizing the current self-limiting identity
- Envisioning the desired future self
- Practicing being that new person emotionally
- Consistently acting from the new identity
Practical Applications
For Health and Healing
- Using meditation to influence gene expression
- Creating emotional states that support healing
- Harnessing the placebo effect consciously
- Reducing stress through coherence practices
For Personal Growth
- Breaking limiting beliefs and thought patterns
- Developing emotional intelligence and self-mastery
- Enhancing creativity and intuition
- Building resilience and inner strength
For Relationships
- Creating coherence in partnerships
- Using elevated emotions to attract compatible people
- Healing past relationship wounds
- Developing deeper connections through presence
For Success and Abundance
- Aligning thoughts and emotions with goals
- Overcoming scarcity mentality
- Building confidence and self-worth
- Attracting opportunities through coherence
Real-World Examples
Throughout the book, Dispenza shares compelling examples:
- Healing Stories: People who recovered from terminal illnesses through meditation
- Manifestation Cases: Individuals who attracted financial abundance and relationships
- Transformation Journeys: Participants in his workshops who experienced spontaneous changes
- Scientific Evidence: Research studies supporting the principles discussed
The Impact of “Becoming Supernatural”
Since its publication in 2017, the book has had a significant impact:
- It became a #1 New York Times bestseller
- It has been translated into dozens of languages
- It has influenced how people think about consciousness and transformation
- It has spawned workshops and training programs worldwide
Criticisms and Considerations
While widely praised, Dispenza’s approach has faced some criticism:
- Some scientists question the application of quantum physics to consciousness
- Others argue that anecdotal evidence doesn’t constitute scientific proof
- The focus on individual transformation may overlook systemic issues
- Some find the concepts too esoteric or difficult to implement
Conclusion
Becoming Supernatural provides a comprehensive framework for accessing extraordinary human potential through the integration of science and spirituality. Dispenza’s insights help readers:
- Understand that the brain can change throughout life
- Access altered states of consciousness through meditation
- Use emotions as tools for transformation
- Create coherence between mind, body, and spirit
The book’s enduring popularity reflects a widespread need for evidence-based approaches to personal transformation that honor both scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom. Dispenza’s combination of research findings and practical exercises makes the concepts accessible and actionable.
Whether you’re seeking healing, personal growth, enhanced creativity, or simply a deeper understanding of human potential, Becoming Supernatural provides valuable insights for accessing states of consciousness that allow you to transcend ordinary limitations and become the person you’re meant to be.
Dispenza’s central message is empowering: extraordinary abilities are not reserved for a select few but are accessible to anyone willing to do the inner work of transformation.
The book ultimately encourages readers to move beyond the limitations of their current identity and access the field of infinite possibilities that exists within and around them.