Alternative Paths of Awareness: For Some of Those So Inclined

Reviews the book, Earth-based psychology: Path awareness from the teachings of Don Juan, Richard Feynman, and Lao Tse by Arnold Mindell (see record 2007-00402-000). This book is not about ecological psychology or the social science of psychology. "Psychology" is referred to often, but in the general sense of consciousness. The intrigue of the book is its interweaving of indigenous shamanism, quantum physics and mathematics, and Taoism. The "Teachings of Don Juan, Richard Feynman, and Lao Tse," referred to in the subtitle, however, are not presented systematically but appear intermittently across chapters. Earth-based psychology is oriented around the concept of "path awareness," Mindell's phrase for "our innate ability to sense where to turn at any given moment" (p. ix). Path awareness involves a sensitive attunement to subtle yet significant dimensions of self and world, particularly nonrational and often unconscious dimensions that tend to be ignored, dismissed, or pathologized in our lives and in contemporary psychology. Perhaps the most important contribution of Earth-based psychology is its emphasis on becoming aware of, valuing, learning from, and being guided (selectively) by such alternate modes of consciousness. These dimensions of our being can complement our conventional, habitual, rational, ego-centered modes and our taken-for-granted reality. Although not serving those desiring theoretical rigor, the innovative practices and idiosyncratic style of this text might well appeal to some of those seeking alternative modes of healing and well-being. In the end, its value lies in the extent to which it facilitates readers' ability to explore previously unheeded dimensions of self and world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)