An Alchemy of Mind

Author: Diane Ackerman
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439125082
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 341

Book Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Zookeeper's Wife, an ambitious and enlightening work that combines an artist's eye with a scientist's erudition to illuminate, as never before, the magic and mysteries of the human mind. Long treasured by literary readers for her uncommon ability to bridge the gap between art and science, celebrated scholar-artist Diane Ackerman returns with the book she was born to write. Her dazzling new work, An Alchemy of Mind, offers an unprecedented exploration and celebration of the mental fantasia in which we spend our days—and does for the human mind what the bestselling A Natural History of the Senses did for the physical senses. Bringing a valuable female perspective to the topic, Diane Ackerman discusses the science of the brain as only she can: with gorgeous, immediate language and imagery that paint an unusually lucid and vibrant picture for the reader. And in addition to explaining memory, thought, emotion, dreams, and language acquisition, she reports on the latest discoveries in neuroscience and addresses controversial subjects like the effects of trauma and male versus female brains. In prose that is not simply accessible but also beautiful and electric, Ackerman distills the hard, objective truths of science in order to yield vivid, heavily anecdotal explanations about a range of existential questions regarding consciousness, human thought, memory, and the nature of identity.

Alchemies of the Mind

Author: Jon Elster
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521644877
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 468

Book Description
A comprehensive book on the emotions considering the full range of theoretical approaches.

Emotional Alchemy

Author: Tara Bennett-Goleman
Publisher: Harmony
ISBN: 0609809032
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 435

Book Description
“May this very important and enticing book find its way into the hearts of readers near and far so that it can perform its mysterious and healing alchemy for the benefit of all.” —John Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and Professor of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School The Transformative Power of Mindfulness Alchemists sought to transform lead into gold. In the same way, says Tara Bennett-Goleman, we all have the natural ability to turn our moments of confusion or emotional pain into insightful clarity. Emotional Alchemy maps the mind and shows how, according to recent advances in cognitive therapy, most of what troubles us falls into ten basic emotional patterns, including fear of abandonment, social exclusion (the feeling that we don’t belong), and vulnerability (the feeling that some catastrophe will occur). This remarkable book also teaches us how we can free ourselves of such patterns and replace them with empathy for ourselves and others through the simple practice of mindfulness, an awareness that lets us see things as they truly are without distortion or judgment. Emotional Alchemy provides an insightful explanation of how mindfulness can change not only our lives, but the very structure of our brains, giving us the freedom to be more creative and alive. Here is a beautifully rendered work full of Buddhist wisdom and stories of how people have used mindfulness to conquer their self-defeating habits. The result is a whole new way of approaching our relationships, work, and internal lives.

The Alchemy of Inner Work

Author: Lorie Eve Dechar
Publisher: Weiser Books
ISBN: 1633411591
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 274

Book Description
“My sincere hope is that everyone will read this treasure trove of essential inner knowledge. This book is a magnificent accomplishment." -- Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit Alchemy is the science of transformation—how to change one thing into something else. In The Alchemy of Inner Work, Dechar and Fox examine how illness, suffering, and dis-ease—the “lead” of our lives—can become the “gold” of our authentic selves, and the key to good health and well-being. Drawing on traditional Chinese medicine, Eastern and Western alchemical traditions, Kabbalah, and Jungian psychology—plus case studies from working with patients—the authors provide hands-on insights for bringing “the soul of medicine” back into our lives. The book includes: A simple introduction to the ancient practices and principles alchemy How the alchemical model offers a profoundly new path to true health and well-being An array of practices for removing the barriers that block our own healing energy An invitation to alchemical “dream work” as a support on the path of healing

Essence and Alchemy

Author: Mandy Aftel
Publisher: North Point Press
ISBN: 1429936126
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Book Description
An artisan perfumer reveals a lost art and its mysterious, sensual history. For centuries, people have taken what seems to be an instinctive pleasure in rubbing scents into their skin. Perfume has helped them to pray, to heal, and to make love. And as long as there has been perfume, there have been perfumers, or rather the priests, shamans, and apothecaries who were their predecessors. Yet, in many ways, perfumery is a lost art, its creative and sensual possibilities eclipsed by the synthetic ingredients of which contemporary perfumes are composed, which have none of the subtlety and complexity of essences derived from natural substances, nor their lush histories. Essence and Alchemy resurrects the social and metaphysical legacy that is entwined with the evolution of perfumery, from the dramas of the spice trade to the quests of the alchemists to whom today's perfumers owe a philosophical as well as a practical debt. Mandy Aftel tracks scent through the boudoir and the bath and into the sanctums of worship, offering insights on the relationship of scent to sex, solitude, and the soul. Along the way, she imparts instruction in the art of perfume compositions, complete with recipes, guiding the reader in a process of transformation of materials that continues to follow the alchemical dictum solve et coagula (dissolve and combine) and is itself aesthetically and spiritually transforming.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors

Author: Curtis Craddock
Publisher: Tor Books
ISBN: 0765389614
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 417

Book Description
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors is Curtis Craddock's delightful and engrossing fantasy debut featuring a genius heroine and her guardian, a royal musketeer, which Brandon Sanderson calls, "A great read!" Born with a physical disability, no magical talent, and a precocious intellect, Princess Isabelle des Zephyrs has lived her life being underestimated by her family and her kingdom. The only person who appreciates her true self is Jean-Claude, the fatherly musketeer who had guarded her since birth. All shall change, however, when an unlikely marriage proposal is offered, to the second son of a dying king in an empire collapsing into civil war. But the last two women betrothed to this prince were murdered, and a sorcerer-assassin is bent on making Isabelle the third. Isabelle and Jean-Claude plunge into a great maze of prophecy, intrigue, and betrayal, where everyone wears masks of glamour and lies. Step by dangerous step, Isabelle must unravel the lies of her enemies and discovers a truth more perilous than any deception. “A setting fabulous and strange, heroes to cheer for, villains to detest, a twisty, tricky plot — I love this novel!” —Lawrence Watt Evans “A thrilling adventure full of palace intrigue, mysterious ancient mechanisms, and aerial sailing ships!” —David D. Levine At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Alchemy of Quantum Mind Feng Shui

Author: Mary Shurtleff
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780979126383
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 234

Book Description
This guide uses feng shui in conjunction with the chakras of the body, oils, stones, mudras, and meditations to achieve one's highest dreams and goals. The home, body, and mind come together in accordance with the universal law to give life an even flow.

Creative Alchemy

Author: Marlo Johnson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 1452161801
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 195

Book Description
The artist and creativity guru shares eighty-eight transformative meditations, rituals, and experiments to spark your inner magic in this inspirational guide. The activities in this book are designed to help you shift into the mindset of conscious creation, engaging your mind, body, and spirit in the process. Marlo Johnson combines practical instruction and insightful spiritual guidance to help you reconnect with your infinite creativity. This gem of a book is perfect for anyone looking to break out of old habits and let their genius shine.

The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law

Author: Albie Sachs
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199605777
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 323

Book Description
Albie Sachs gives an intimate account of his extraordinary life and work as a judge in South Africa. Mixing autobiography with reflections on his major cases and the role of law in achieving social justice, Sachs offers a rare glimpse into the workings of the judicial mind and a unique perspective on modern South African history.

The Alchemy of Possibility

Author: Carolyn Mary Kleefeld
Publisher: Merrill West Publishing
ISBN: 9781886708037
Category : Mythology
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
This book invites readers on a journey rich in images, thoughts, musings, and inner dialogues. Spiritual, psychological, and ecological themes are explored in ways that reveal infinite vistas of possibility. Part oracle, part muse, this book inspires vision and originality, allowing readers to create, define, and live their own personal mythology.