A provocative look at the unconscious mind that challenges contemporary perceptions and exposes the indefensible science that fostered them. How much of a role does the unconscious play in our decision making? In Open Minded: Searching for Truth about the Unconscious Mind, authors Ben R. Newell and David R. Shanks would argue: not very much. Behavioral science and public discourse have placed an outsized emphasis on the unconscious mind when it comes to understanding human behavior. Pursuing trails of fraud, intrigue, and claims about the power of unconscious thought, Newell and Shanks scrutinize the science that has contributed to our conventional wisdom and offer an important counterpoint to the ever-stronger traction that the unconscious mind has gained in public debate, such as the now ubiquitous claim that unconscious bias plays a large role in people’s decisions and behavior. Open Minded is divided into two sections: the first examines the modern understanding of the conscious mind, and the second shifts the focus to how to reform current research. Focusing on the core processes of decision making, Newell and Shanks cut through many questionable claims about unconscious behavior. Then, they delve into the nuts-and-bolts of methodology, challenging not only psychology and the behavioral sciences but also medicine and science more broadly. In this against-the-grain approach, Newell and Shanks chart new possibilities for how we may be more open to understanding how our minds actually work.

Human-induced climate change is emerging as the most critical issue of the modern era. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists now confirm that human extraction and burning of fossil fuels, along with rampant deforestation, is causing a rapid build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in air and water. These emissions heat up the planet and may be pushing Earth’s capacity beyond the threshold at which equilibrium can be restored. Global warming is sustained by a global capitalist economy dependent upon the fossil fuel industry and agribusiness, both of which are unsustainable. The toxic effects of air pollution, ocean acidification, and soil degradation are harming the health of all species. Through an interdisciplinary approach that brings in the perspectives of the physical sciences, psychology, anthropology, economics, cultural history and spirituality Homesick investigates the evolutionary path by which human beings have arrived at this precarious juncture. It proposes that this perilous detour in human cultural evolution arises from a fallacious belief that the human species, unlike other species, is not bound by ecological laws but has a special right to control and master the natural world. Human beings suffer from the illusion that they are separate from the Earth, their planetary home, which is perceived as an object— a commodity— to exploit through technology. They have forgotten what indigenous peoples still remember: humanity is part of, not apart from, the natural world. Homesick argues that cultural transformation towards a sustainable future is possible when human beings reawaken to Nature as partner and provider. As memory of their embeddedness in the natural world is aroused, they will experience love and respect for the interdependent web of life that sustains them. This reawakening incrementally induces a radical change in thinking within society and sets in motion a paradigm shift. Cultural institutions are then reshaped to match this new benign worldview.

The Mind Illuminated is a comprehensive, accessible and - above all - effective book on meditation, providing a nuts-and-bolts stage-based system that helps all levels of meditators establish and deepen their practice. Providing step-by-step guidance for every stage of the meditation path, this uniquely comprehensive guide for a Western audience combines the wisdom from the teachings of the Buddha with the latest research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Clear and friendly, this in-depth practice manual builds on the nine-stage model of meditation originally articulated by the ancient Indian sage Asanga, crystallizing the entire meditative journey into 10 clearly-defined stages. The book also introduces a new and fascinating model of how the mind works, and uses illustrations and charts to help the reader work through each stage. This manual is an essential read for the beginner to the seasoned veteran of meditation.

Imagine a technique that would allow you to conduct your own explorations into consciousness. Imagine that this technique is safe, inexpensive, easy to use, and endlessly versatile. Imagine Hemi-Sync. Invented by sound engineer Robert A. Monroe more than 30 years ago, Hemi-Sync uses audio technology to synchronize the functioning of the two hemispheres of the brain. For more than three decades, people have been finding more and more creative uses for it. So many uses, in fact, that it?s time for an overview of various practical applications Hemi-Sync appeals to professionals in many disciplines. Today trainers and workshop presenters in some twenty countries and individuals from fifty countries have traveled to attend courses employing Hemi-Sync at The Monroe Institute in Virginia. Countless more use Hemi-Sync CDs and tapes for specific purposes. Focusing the Whole Brain provides a readable introduction to a whole new world of abilities greater than you ever thought possible

This complete guide to enlightenment presents the wisdom of the ancient science of self-inquiry, a time-tested means for achieving spiritual freedom. The author convincingly refutes the popular view that enlightenment is a unique state of consciousness and debunks a host of other myths. In his straightforward style he reveals proven methods for purifying the mind, and takes the reader from the beginning to the end of the spiritual path, patiently unfolding the logic of self-inquiry.

History and psychology indicate that people have inherent needs for stimulation and challenge, meaning and goals, social support, moral authority, explanation of existence, and the possibility of transcendence. Whether these needs result from physical evolution or intelligent design, they produce a concern about ultimate cause, meaning, and purpose for existence known as the “ontological imperative.” Since understanding ultimate concerns is beyond physical science, elusive, and mysterious, people tend to attribute explanation to a metaphysical realm resulting in spirituality. Mountains symbolize obstacles in meeting the needs, and experiences in climbing mountains provide a vehicle both actually and figuratively for exploring associated mechanisms and impacts. Pursuit of the ontological imperative stimulates the attitude of spirituality that becomes conceptualized into personal religious systems forming beliefs that can be shared with others. Shared religions acquire dogma, structure, ritual, faith, and worship that then become institutional religions. As science develops, physical explanations supplant metaphysical explanations that many times conflict with religion. Faith in established belief competes with science producing a “great dilemma.” A “great paradox” is that both are needed despite the conflict. The first chapter relates a personal experience climbing Mount Fuji that nearly ended in disaster, with the question of why people do such things. Chapter 2 is a brief summary of research supporting the human need of stimulation and challenge. Subsequent chapters alternate between mountain climbing experiences and brief summaries of research about why people continue to pursue difficult tasks, progressing from stimulation & challenge to goal accomplishment; emotions & awe; consciousness & cognition involving brain, mind, spirit, and soul; search for ultimate reality involving ontological imperative, spirituality, personal religion, and institutional religion; and finally to pragmatic reality involving science-religion dilemma and need-for-both paradox. This bottom-up approach leads to the final chapter’s proposal for ameliorating conflict and dilemma caused by some religious beliefs: by accepting the great paradox and pursuing a seemingly unattainable goal; recognizing personal characteristics of spirituality exemplified in the five-factor model of personality; abopting an attitude of “nognosticism” whereby the limitations of present knowledge are acknowledged; and accepting “ecumenical humanism” whereby alternate beliefs are tolerated. Such an approach might be classified as “pragmatic pluralism.” A basic theme is that for life to be meaningful and manageable, people need a sense of purpose and coherence that is best met by having a belief about the unknown and doubt of its validity. Contact author at [email protected] .