Transcendental Medication considers why human brains evolved to have consciousness, yet we spend much of our time trying to reduce our awareness. It outlines how limiting consciousness-rather than expanding it-is more functional and satisfying for most people, most of the time. The suggestion is that our brains evolved mechanisms to deal with the stress of awareness in concert with awareness itself-otherwise it is too costly to handle. Defining dissociation as "partitioning of awareness," Lynn touches on disparate cultural and psychological practices such as religion, drug use, 12-step programs, and dancing. The chapters draw on biological and cultural studies of Pentecostal speaking in tongues and stress, the results of our 800,000+ years watching hearth and campfires, and unconscious uses of self-deception as mating strategy. Written in a highly engaging style, Transcendental Medication will appeal to students and scholars interested in mind, altered states of consciousness, and evolution. It is particularly suitable for those approaching the issue from cultural, biological, psychological, and cognitive anthropology, as well as evolutionary psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and religious studies.

Transcendental Medication considers why human brains evolved to have consciousness, yet we spend much of our time trying to reduce our awareness. It outlines how limiting consciousness-rather than expanding it-is more functional and satisfying for most people, most of the time. The suggestion is that our brains evolved mechanisms to deal with the stress of awareness in concert with awareness itself-otherwise it is too costly to handle. Defining dissociation as "partitioning of awareness," Lynn touches on disparate cultural and psychological practices such as religion, drug use, 12-step programs, and dancing. The chapters draw on biological and cultural studies of Pentecostal speaking in tongues and stress, the results of our 800,000+ years watching hearth and campfires, and unconscious uses of self-deception as mating strategy. Written in a highly engaging style, Transcendental Medication will appeal to students and scholars interested in mind, altered states of consciousness, and evolution. It is particularly suitable for those approaching the issue from cultural, biological, psychological, and cognitive anthropology, as well as evolutionary psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and religious studies.

This volume reaches beyond the controversy surrounding the teaching and learning of evolution in the United States, specifically in regard to the culture, politics, and beliefs found in the Southeast. The editors argue that despite a deep history of conflict in the region surrounding evolution, there is a wealth of evolution research taking place-from biodiversity in species to cultural evolution and human development. In fact, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the United States have found their niche in the South, where biodiversity is high, culture runs deep, and the pace is just a little bit slower.

This volume reaches beyond the controversy surrounding the teaching and learning of evolution in the United States, specifically in regard to the culture, politics, and beliefs found in the Southeast. The editors argue that despite a deep history of conflict in the region surrounding evolution, there is a wealth of evolution research taking place-from biodiversity in species to cultural evolution and human development. In fact, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the United States have found their niche in the South, where biodiversity is high, culture runs deep, and the pace is just a little bit slower.

A lot has changed for Ellena Blackwell. Becoming business partners with Surf Master Brynn O'Connell over Craggy's and discovering her childhood cat can talk are just a couple of things. When a body washes up to shore, the entire village of Craggy's Peak is in shock, bringing back painful memories for Brynn. Escaping to London to escape his past, Brynn leaves Ellena with Benedict who decides it's high time for another adventure. Following him to the capital, Ellena discovers a secret Brynn would rather she had never found out. Receiving a package from beyond the grave, Ellena and Brynn must stand united against the forces that threaten their very survival. But Ellena's past is catching up with her, and when Brynn becomes entangled in the danger of her life, Ellena is forced to recognise that Brynn may mean more to her than she realised. With a killer on the loose and a talking cat determined to interfere with every aspect of her life, Ellena's nine lives appear almost up...

Ellena Blackwell has gotten herself into a lot of trouble recently. Getting shot, sending her boss to prison and oh yeah, that small matter of meeting a talking cat, Benedict. Things are about to get a whole lot more troublesome. Inheriting some property Ellena and Benedict travel to Devon to discover that along with the surfer shack, Craggys- they also receive the following debts. Unable to sell, Ellena is forced to try turning things around. But Ellena has attracted the unwanted attention from some very dangerous people and Brynn O'Connell, the overbearing Surfmaster of Craggys is determined to get involved. With her old flame Detective Calloway trying to convince her to leave Craggys, Ellena has to make a choice to stand up for what she believes in. Corruption, greed and an attempted murderer stand in her way, and soon Ellena finds that she and Benedict have to bite back to survive...

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and have a soft spot for talking cats, you will love E. Earle's The Girl With Nine Lives. What do you do when friends start going missing and all signs point to your boss being a crime lord? Nothing is going right for Ellena Blackwood. She is failing at life and teetering on an emotional collapse. When she accidentally discovers a secret at work, a secret the Home Office is willing to keep at any price, she has must rely on her wits to save her own life. The mystery and danger only deepen when friends begin to disappear and Ellena's boss turns out to be a big time crime boss. Even the local police seem intent on keeping Ellena quiet. The only one she can depend on is her cat Ben, who has no trouble telling Ellena when its time to end the pity party. Will Ellena and Ben have what it takes to unravel the twists and turns before it's too late? Praise for E. Earle and The Girl With Nine Lives: "I have to say that when I first ran across "The Girl With Nine Lives" I was immediately intrigued by book's summary and within a few pages of starting the book I was hooked. This is a charming and spellbinding fantasy novel that really has a wonderfully imaginative story at the center of It." - PipLou "E. Earle manages to combine an exciting and extremely gripping story with side splitting humour." - Stephen Challis Elizabeth Earle is the author of four books, including three Adventures of Benedict and Blackwell books. She studied at the Norwich University College of the Arts after studying a National Diploma in Fine Art. After a switch she earned her BA (Hons) in Creative Writing and began her writing career. Be sure to checkout all of E. Earle's titles.