Dr. Joe Dispenza followed You Are the Placebo with Becoming Supernatural, pushing his meditation-based framework further, past belief revision and into what he describes as genuinely altered states of consciousness, and backing that ambitious claim with a body of data he has collected directly at his own multi-day retreats: EEG brainwave readings, heart-rate variability measurements, and other biometric data gathered from thousands of participants over repeated sessions. The book walks through the neuroscience behind these measurements as Dispenza understands it, builds toward a specific, advanced meditation practice, and includes guidance for readers pursuing the work independently outside the retreat setting the underlying research was actually collected in.
A Direct Follow-Up Extending the Framework From You Are the Placebo
Becoming Supernatural extends the meditation-based mind-body framework introduced in Dispenza's earlier book You Are the Placebo, pushing further from belief revision toward what the author presents as more advanced altered states of consciousness.
Retreat-Collected EEG and Biometric Data as Evidentiary Backing
The book's most distinctive feature is its direct citation of EEG brainwave and heart-rate variability data collected at Dispenza's own multi-day retreats, giving his more ambitious claims a specific evidentiary basis beyond personal testimony alone.
An Advanced Meditation Practice Built in Progressive Stages
Consistent with its retreat origins, the book presents an advanced meditation practice structured in progressive stages, giving readers a specific, escalating framework rather than a single static technique.
Explaining the Neuroscience Behind Altered States as Dispenza Understands It
Dispenza works through the neuroscience underlying altered states of consciousness as he understands it, translating brainwave patterns and related concepts for a general readership unfamiliar with the underlying science.
Distinguishing the Retreat Setting From Independent Home Practice
The book is candid that much of its underlying data was collected within the structured, immersive retreat setting, and it addresses directly how readers might adapt the practice for independent use outside that specific context.
Addressing Skepticism Around Its More Ambitious Claims Directly
Dispenza addresses skepticism toward the book's more ambitious claims directly, acknowledging that readers may find certain sections difficult to accept while presenting the retreat data as his basis for taking the claims seriously regardless.
Building on Concepts of Belief and Thought From the Prior Book
The book builds on core concepts, particularly the connection between thought, emotion, and physiological state, established in Dispenza's earlier work, extending rather than replacing that foundational framework.
A Structured Progression From Basic to Advanced Practice
Readers new to Dispenza's broader body of work may find the book's more advanced material easier to access after first working through the more foundational concepts in his earlier book, given the progressive structure both books share.
Acknowledging the Book's Claims Extend Beyond Mainstream Scientific Consensus
The book's more ambitious claims regarding altered states of consciousness extend beyond mainstream scientific consensus, and readers should approach this material as a framework for personal practice rather than settled scientific fact.
Why Becoming Supernatural Remains Significant Within Mind-Body Practice Literature
Becoming Supernatural earns its place within mind-body practice literature because Dispenza's direct citation of retreat-collected biometric data, paired with a progressively structured advanced meditation practice, gives committed readers of his earlier work a genuinely extended framework to work through rather than a repackaged restatement of prior material.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Backs its more ambitious claims with specific EEG and biometric data from the author's own retreats
- Presents an advanced meditation practice structured in clear, progressive stages
- Directly addresses how to adapt retreat-based practice for independent home use
- Builds meaningfully on the foundational framework from the author's earlier book
- Acknowledges skepticism around its claims directly rather than avoiding the criticism
Cons:
- Its more ambitious claims extend beyond mainstream scientific consensus and should be read as a practice framework
- Much of the underlying data was collected in a structured retreat setting difficult to fully replicate at home
- Readers unfamiliar with the author's earlier book may find the more advanced material a steep entry point
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read You Are the Placebo first?
It helps, since this book builds on foundational concepts established in that earlier work before moving into more advanced material.
Is the retreat data independently verified?
The data reflects measurements collected at the author's own retreats; readers should approach the broader claims as a framework for practice rather than independently replicated scientific consensus.
Do I need to attend a retreat to use this book?
No, the book includes guidance for adapting the practice to independent home use, though it's candid about the retreat setting's role in the underlying data.
Is this considered a significant follow-up in mind-body practice literature?
Yes, it's widely regarded as a significant and more advanced extension of the author's earlier mind-body work.
Final Verdict
Becoming Supernatural earns its place among Dispenza's readership by extending his mind-body framework with retreat-collected EEG and biometric data, backing an ambitious claim about altered consciousness with something more specific than personal testimony alone. Its progressively staged advanced meditation practice gives committed readers a genuine next step beyond his earlier book, though its more expansive claims sit outside mainstream scientific consensus and are best approached as a framework for practice. For readers already working through his methods, this book offers real additional depth.
Rating: 4.7/10